“It’s a good hour to you, gentlewoman. The demons smile brightly on your vibrant soul,” I say as I take her hand and kiss it.
“How much are you getting paid?” Landon whispers.
“Uh… for?” she asks, looking bewildered.
“I told you they were embarrassing,” Brandon says. “I’m sorry they’re so weird.”
“I’m Lex, the perfectly normal one, thank you very much.” Lex folds his arms over his chest.
“Nolan,” Nolan says as he gives her a smile and a nod. “I’m Brandon’s older brother.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you. Brandon always has the best stories about his family,” she replies. “And August, it’s so exciting getting to meet you.”
“I also have posters of him on my walls,” Landon says by way of greeting.
She laughs. “How embarrassing. Brandon, you weren’t supposed to share that!”
“He shared more than that,” August mutters, quite scarred.
Ellison clears his throat. “I’m Ellison,” he says. “The one who kissed your hand without permission is Asmodeus.”
There’s a knock on the door a moment before it opens and a woman carries in some bags. “Got your food here.”
“Oh perfect, thank you,” Nolan says as he carries them over to the table where an assortment of chairs are stationed around it. “Please make yourself at home. There really isn’t much room, so we’re going to be slightly on top of each other.”
“I can sit on Ellison’s lap if that helps,” I declare.
“I can sit on August’s face if it comes to it,” Landon says.
“Are… are we actually the weird ones?” August whispers.
“No, no, Brandon is,” Landon assures him while looking thoughtful.
“There are enough chairs, I just meant… while eating we only have this small table,” Nolan says as he sits down. I notice Lex quickly grabs the chair next to him before sitting very prim and proper.
Nolan opens up boxes of chicken, mashed potatoes, and other sides. “Go ahead and eat, everyone. It’s nothing fancy but it’s pretty good.”
“So, Paisley,” Landon says as August puts some chicken strips on his plate. “Are you… human?”
“Last I checked.”
“Hmm… suspicious.”
“What do you do for work?” Nolan asks.
“What he means is… do people pay you to go on dates with them?” Landon clarifies.
She just laughs. “No. I’m currently doing my residency, which means that I’m swamped.”
“You’re a med student?” Nolan asks.
“I am!”
Everyone at the table stops moving and stares at her and then at Brandon, then back at her.
“What?” she asks.
“That’s just… that’s just… really amazing,” Nolan says.
