“I have to admit—that was pretty fun,” said Phoenix. “Mind you, the costuming could have used some work.”
“Picky,” said Andy, smoothing his red suit self-consciously.
“You think he’ll straighten up?”
Andy shrugged. “Who knows. At least Erin will get what she deserves.”
“But will she get what she wants?”
Andy shot Phoenix a look. “What she wants is to move on and have a normal life.”
“Normal’s just an entry in the dictionary, mate.”
Andy looked up at the night sky. “What do you believe, Phoenix?”
“Believe? I don’t know. I believe you’re giving me a headache.”
“Demons don’t get headaches,” said Andy.
“I’m about to be the first.”
“Do you remember before there were humans?” Andy paused. “I don’t.”
“So?”
“So what are we, really? Are we supernatural beings? Or are we what they imagine us to be?”
Phoenix turned an expression of skepticism on Andy. “They?”
“Humans. Mortals. Will we stop existing when they stop believing in us?”
Phoenix groaned. “You’re bringing me down, Andy.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll stop.”
“See that you do. And, anyway, if you think you’re going to cease existing some time soon, perhaps you could knock off acting like a prat and try a little carpe diem, as the Romans used to say.” Phoenix made a motion like plucking a piece of fruit from the air. “Besides, don’t you have a wedding to go to?”
Andy got to his feet, balanced effortlessly on Mark’s roof, and stretched his wings until the tips brushed the branches of the nearest tree. “You’re absolutely right,” he said.
PART III
ERIN & ANDROMALIUS
31
Erin woke to the scent of coffee and toast. She rolled over and sat up, letting her feet dangle over the edge of the bed. She checked to make sure Nancy Drew wasn’t underfoot before easing her feet down to the floor.
The sound of Andy whistling in the kitchen carried through the closed bedroom door, along with the clinking sounds of cooking and table-setting.
She threw a robe over her pajamas and joined him in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” said Andy. “Big day today.” He carefully slid an omelet out of a hot pan onto a plate, then set the pan back on the burner.
“I feel a little weird about it.” Erin slid into a chair at the kitchen table.
“That’s because you need a good breakfast.” Andy filled a mug with coffee and added cream and sugar. He placed the mug and the plate before her and turned back to the stove.
“Thanks.” Erin lifted the mug and took a sip. It was exactly as she liked it. “I think I’m going to miss this.”
