Andy waited for the next salvo of questions while imagining bursting through the roof and flying away.
Far away.
“Young people today—”
“Mom, please—” said Erin.
“No, go on, Joyce,” said Andy. He winked at Erin where Joyce couldn’t see.
“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted”—she shot a look at Erin before continuing—“young people today just aren’t as interested in the religion of their forefathers.”
“Oh, but I am,” said Andy, his eyes shining. “In fact, I’ve made a special study of demonology.”
Erin made a choking noise.
“Really?” said Joyce. She leaned in. “Tell me about that.”
“Well, from what I’ve read, they’re positively everywhere.”
“I’ve heard that,” said Joyce. “Makes you wonder what they’re up to.”
Andy nodded solemnly. “It does.”
“Mom? Rolls?” said Erin. “Remember?”
“I would love some rolls,” said Andy. “May I help you in the kitchen, Joyce?”
“You may,” said Joyce, pushing her chair back.
“I’ll come,” said Erin, leaping out of her seat.
“You sit,” said Joyce. “We’ll be right back.”
Erin slowly lowered herself into the chair.
When Joyce’s back was turned, Andy gave Erin an enthusiastic thumbs-up to show that he had everything completely under control.
In the kitchen, Andy pulled the rolls out of the warm oven while Joyce retrieved a platter from the cabinet. They stood side by side as Joyce carefully transferred the rolls one at a time from the hot pan to the platter.
“How much do you know about Erin’s divorce?” asked Joyce.
Andy was caught flat-footed. “I—”
“Nevermind,” said Joyce. “It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that she got hurt pretty bad. She doesn’t need to go through anything like that ever again. You see what I’m saying?”
When Joyce looked at Andy, her eyes reminded him of the many eyes of one of the more fearsome demonic creatures he had known. “I think so,” he hazarded.
Her gaze turned even sharper. “I’m glad to hear it.” With that, she picked up the platter and strolled into the dining room. “Rolls!” she said, trilling the “r” and leaning down to offer them to Erin first.
Andy followed her out and returned to his seat.
Erin piled several hot rolls onto her plate. “Thanks.”
Joyce seated herself. “So, I assume you heard the news?”
“About the wedding?”
Joyce sat up straight with surprise. “You knew?”
