“And my massage skills,” added Andy.
“And your modesty,” said Erin. “What about me? Why are you ‘dating’ me?”
“I like your dog,” said Andy.
“What?”
“Wait, that came out wrong. I mean that I like how you care for Nancy Drew. How you care about your job teaching little mortals. You care about everyone. You even cared enough about me to come looking for me.”
“Anyone would have done that,” said Erin.
“Not just anyone would have even tried, and even fewer would have succeeded. And I like how you’re open to new things and willing to take a chance even when you’ve been hurt.”
Erin’s fingers gripped the wheel. “That’s—very specific.”
“I didn’t offend you, did I? Oh, I’ve said the wrong thing!”
“Not at all,” said Erin. “I just wasn’t expecting such a thoughtful response. I thought your reasons would be something like my hair, or my eyes.”
“Would you like me to talk about those?”
“Maybe another time,” said Erin.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind practicing before we get there.”
“I’m sure.”
“What else will your mom want to know?”
Erin snorted. “Probably what kind of job you have.”
“What kind of job do I have?” asked Andy.
“How about a translator?”
“Parfait. A freelance translator, who flies wherever he is needed. Literally.”
“Okay. Be ready, though. My mother can be a little … difficult.”
“Erin, I’m a demon. I’ve dealt with the most difficult beings in the universe.”
Erin shook her head. “You only think you have.”
25
Andy had never thought of a round dining table as a circle of Hell, but he was about to make an exception for this one.
“Andy, do your parents go to church?” said Erin’s mother, Joyce.
“They’re dead,” said Andy, improvising wildly.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Joyce. She took a sip from her glass of iced tea before continuing. “But did they go to church?”
Andy was tempted to unfurl his wings and grow horns. That would put a stop to her intrusive line of questioning. He smiled, imagining her expression. Only then did he trust himself to answer. “It was in France. You wouldn’t have heard of it.”
“Mom, are there any more rolls?” said Erin.
“In a minute, honey. I’m talking to your boyfriend.” Joyce said “boyfriend” with two distinctly drawn-out syllables.
