Which, in fairness, was exactly what I wanted her to do. Eventually, her gaze lifted and landed directly on me. I met her eyes without blinking. Then I offered her a small, sad smile. Just enough sadness in it to make it believable.
The effect was immediate. Her expression shifted again, the irritation fading into something far more unsettled. Her brows pulled together as if she couldn't decide whether she should feel suspicious or angry.
Satisfied that my plan was moving along perfectly, I turned my attention away from her and back to the people standing beside me. Emily and Theo were already staring at me. Actually,staring wasn't quite the right word. They were studying me like I had suddenly grown a second head.
Before I could even ask what their problem was, Emily leaned forward and pressed the back of her hand against my forehead. "What are you doing?" she demanded.
She hummed thoughtfully, keeping her hand there for a second longer before pulling it away.
"You're not warm," she said, frowning.
"I'm hoping that's a good thing," I replied dryly.
She rocked back on her heels, crossing her arms as she examined me like a particularly interesting science experiment.
"No," she said slowly. "It's concerning."
Theo nodded in agreement beside her. "That's what I was thinking."
I looked between the two of them. "Should I be worried right now?"
Emily ignored my question completely. "If you're not sick," she continued thoughtfully, "then the only logical explanation is that you're possessed."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not possessed."
"You must be," she tutted, "why else would you roll your eyes at your favorite author? Have I lost favor in your sight?"
My first reaction was to laugh, although with the way she looked at me, I knew it was better not to. "Of course not."
"Emily, focus." Theo's tone sharpened as he leaned forward, hand on the table. "You being nice to Mrs. Sterling makes no sense."
Emily nodded enthusiastically. "None at all."
"And frankly," Theo added, "it's significantly less entertaining."
I let out a small sigh. "I am always nice."
"You threatened to make them estranged if she kept interfering."
I paused, I did say that, didn't I? "She deserved it."
Theo rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he studied me. "No," he said finally. "Something's off."
"Oh!" I practically jumped as Emily's eyes lit up.
Theo looked at her. "What?"
She pointed dramatically at me. "She has a plan."
My eyes drifted across the room as I tried and failed to hide my smile.
Theo groaned loudly. "Of course she does."
Emily clapped her hands together like a child discovering a secret. "I knew it!" she exclaimed.
I sighed dramatically. "You two are exhausting."
"That's not a denial," Theo pointed out.
