“I’m game,” saidChandler.
Ellion patted me on the knee. “He’s got a presence that sucks you in, doesn’t he?” he whispered into myear.
I looked at him, startled. Not only had he noticed me noticing Griffin, but I’d definitely heard an accent when he’dwhispered.
“Yeah. He fills up the room.” I looked into Ellion’s eyes. “But that doesn’t mean anything if he continues to be horrible. Kindness goes a lot further in my book.” I wanted him to know I appreciated what he’d done forme.
I also wanted him to know I thought he was hot. He didn’t need to be a bodybuilder to crank my gears. I’d have to think of a way to let him know without coming out and sayingit.
The second movie passed much like the first, with my attention drawn to Griffin. When it was over, he stood, turned the lights on, and walked toward the hallway leading to thegarage.
Ellion followed. “I’ll be back in a minute, guys,” hesaid.
Chandler and I studied each other. “Now what?” I asked, but continued before he could respond. “Hey, something occurred to me. How were you working on your website if the internet isout?”
He blanched. “I wasn’t. I’d completely forgotten that we didn’t have internet. I got to my room, booted up my laptop, called myself an idiot, and worked on my book for a whileinstead.”
“What do you write?” I couldn’t wait to introduce him to Ellie. Hopefully, what he wrote was good. If it was remotely good, she’d get him set up with the right people and get him published, I was sure ofit.
“Dystopian type stuff. The world is ending, etcetera.” He ducked hishead.
“Is any of it published?” I asked, fishing forinformation.
“No, I mostly write on my website right now. I’m considering self-publishing, but I’d like to try to get in with one of the big publishers. I’ve been sending letters and manuscriptsout.”
“Have you tried Aschepublishing?”
“Yes, I’ve got a manuscript in with them now. You’re familiar withthem?”
I tugged at a loose thread on the couch. “I’ve heard of them.” I didn’t know for sure if I could help him get his book recognized, so I’d bevague.
Chandler stood. “Help me withdinner?”
“What’re we having?” I raised slowly, ribs achy again, and followed him to thekitchen.
“Something quick. It’s alreadyseven.”
I glanced around, surprised. “Will I get used to constant night? I had no idea what time itwas.”
“Not really. I learned to check the time a lot.” He pulled out a few cans of tomato soup and the makings for grilled ham-n-cheese.
“Ah, you make it gourmet!” Iexclaimed.
“Gourmet?” He gave me a questioningglance.
“Yeah, you use fancy cheese instead of that stuff you have to unwrap individual slicesof.”
Chandler shuddered. “That stuff’ll killya.”
I snorted. “Who cares? It’syummy.”
Ellion returned from his trip to talk to Griffin. “Dinnertime? I’m starved.” He sat at the table and watched us butter thebread.
“How is he?” Chandlerasked.
“He’s okay. I think he’s actually kind of intrigued by her but doesn’t want to admit it, even to himself.” Ellion rubbed hiseyes.
“You two are awfully devoted tohim.”
