Page 93 of Death Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

“What can I get you?” she asked, voice flat.

Faith didn’t hesitate. “Coffee. Bring a pot.”

The waitress blinked at her, then nodded slowly and walked away, as if she sensed Faith might bite.

I scanned the menu, then gave up. My brain was too full of undead and relics to decide between waffles and eggs.

Nishi glanced at me. “Eat protein.”

“Do you have a protein suggestion?” I asked.

Faith snorted. “Everything here is protein and regret.”

I settled on eggs and toast, because my body understood that language.

When the coffee arrived, Faith poured herself a cup as if she were fueling for war.

Tegan rubbed her temples. Eve’s gaze kept drifting to her phone, waiting for news from Cal.

The food arrived quickly. I ate a few bites, then felt the egg bond tug again, a small pulse of worry. I pushed warmth through it. The sensation steadied, but the effort cost me. My shoulders sagged slightly.

Faith watched me over her mug. “You are fading.”

“I am not,” I said automatically.

Faith’s eyebrows rose. “I am starting to hate that phrase.”

I sighed. “Fine. I am fading a little.”

Nishi’s gaze intensified. “You cannot maintain the egg bond indefinitely without support.”

“I know,” I said, voice quieter. “That is why we need the relic.”

Faith leaned back, then said, out of nowhere, “So. You like him.”

My fork paused halfway to my mouth. “Excuse me.”

Faith took a sip of coffee, casual. “Cal. You like him.”

I stared at her, then glanced toward Nishi, hoping for rescue.

Nishi did not rescue me. She looked mildly curious, which was the supernatural equivalent of popcorn.

Eve pretended she had not heard, which meant she had heard everything.

Tegan’s lips twitched as if she were fighting a laugh.

I swallowed. “We are not doing this.”

Faith’s eyes stayed on me. “You are doing it. Your face is doing it.”

“My face is tired,” I snapped.

Faith nodded. “Yes. And your tired face is still doing it.”

I should have lied. It would have been easier.

But exhaustion had a way of stripping away strategy.