“Thanks.” She spooned cocoa and sugar into the pot, following it with a pinch of salt and a spoonful of vanilla.
Andy held up a whisk he’d pulled from a drawer. “May I?”
She stepped back. “You may.”
Nancy Drew, intrigued by the noise, joined them in the kitchen. She sat on her haunches and watched.
“Where’d you get this cocoa recipe?” asked Andy. He stirred the mixture slowly to incorporate the cocoa powder without sending it flying.
“My mom.”
“Ah, the redoubtable Joyce.” Andy whisked faster.
“I still feel bad about telling her you were my boyfriend.”
“Oh? Why would you say that?” Andy attempted to keep a light tone.
Some of the liquid splashed out of the pot as he stirred.
“I put you on the spot.”
“Nonsense. I would have done the same thing,” said Andy.
Erin leaned against the counter. “You would have?”
“Well, not exactly, perhaps—I have neither a mother nor an ex-husband. But can imagine that if I did, I would have done just what you did.”
“It must be kind of lonely, being a demon.” Erin turned away and took two mugs from the cabinet.
Andy shrugged. “You get used to it.”
The cocoa began to steam.
“Here,” said Erin. “Let me.” She carefully poured the hot cocoa into two mugs, and handed him one.
Nancy Drew scratched at the back door.
Erin opened the door with one hand and followed the dog outside, into the night air.
Andy followed her.
They sipped from their mugs and looked at the night sky. The last light of the sun lingered in the west, sending up a faint glow beneath the blaze of the evening star.
“Have you ever thought about staying in one place for a while?” She was watching him.
He carefully avoided looking at her. “Sometimes.”
“Do you get attached to people?”
The question sank into him like an arrow. “Even demons have feelings.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Unable to look away any longer, he faced her. “Yes. I get attached. But it doesn’t do anyone any good. Not me. Not the people I get attached to.”
She calmly drank her cocoa. “Why’s that?”
“Because—”
