Page 64 of The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1, The Music Box

“A feng shui expert?” Lois repeats.

“I, uh…” He glances at me, his eyes widening meaningfully. I can only assume he wants me to collaborate his ridiculous explanation for why we’re moving the furniture around.

“Yes, I’m an expert at positioning,” I tell Lois. Dusty snorts loudly from across the room. Danny is also trying not to laugh. “We thought Martin would benefit from a positive energy flow in his personal space.”

“I must say Martin does look remarkably calmer.” She studies Martin. “Feng shui, you say?” she mutters before turning to me. “Make sure you’re signed into the visitors book.”

I smile politely. “Already done.”

“Um, Lois,” Tristan interrupts. “I gave Dad a bracelet and it’s special to me. Could you make sure no one takes it off? It’s braided with soft silken threads so it won’t chafe at all, and it can be worn while showering. I just…I would feel better if he had it close to him.”

Lois’ gaze softens. “Of course I will.”

“Thank you,” he murmurs, watching his dad wander aimlessly around the room.

“Alright then, come along, Martin.” She steps forward and takes his hand. “Time for some dinner. You boys make sure you put that furniture back,” she throws over her shoulder. “We’ll be back in about an hour.”

As the door clicks closed, I turn to Tristan, one brow raised.

“A feng shui expert?”

“I panicked.” He winces. “Come on, we better put this furniture back.”

It doesn’t take long to get everything back into place, and once we have, Tristan turns his attention back to me, his expression relieved.

“Thank you,” he says gratefully.

“You’re welcome.”

Tristan’s phone suddenly rings, and with a glance at the screen, he frowns and connects the call.

“Hel– Whoa, whoa, Chan! You’ve gone ultrasonic. I can’t understand you.”

I wince at the high-pitched ramble I can hear from across the room.

“Tris.” Danny struggles to his feet and I hand him his crutches.

“Hold on a minute, Chan,” Tristan says, and lowers the phone as Danny approaches.

“Why don’t you go and see her?” he suggests. “I can hear her from halfway across the room, so I think it’s obvious she needs you.”

Tristan sighs deeply. “I really wanted to just go home and crawl into bed with you and eat pizza.”

I’ve got to admit there’s a little kernel of jealousy pulsing inside me. I wonder what it would be like to have someone of my own to curl up and eat pizza with.

“We will,” Danny promises. “But first, go and see what’s wrong with Chan. I’ll head home after making sure Martin is settled. I’ve got work to do on Bruce’s case anyway, so I’ll order some pizza and wait for you.”

“You’re the best.” Tristan pecks a kiss to his mouth, then turns his attention to me. “You coming with me?”

I stare at him contemplatively for a moment before giving a small shrug. “I suppose I could.”

Tristan smiles and lift the phone back to his ear. “Chan, text me your address. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“Finally,” Chan says from the doorway of her flat. “You said twenty minutes.”

Tristan glances at his watch. “It’s been twenty-three.”

She stands aside to let him enter and then her eyes fall on me.