Page 36 of Lessons with the Mothman

"Of course."

"Well, that was a way to start the night," Hannah mused, but she smiled at me, which I accepted as a rare victory. "Mocktails from here on out for me."

I nodded, and Sunny giggled and bounced. "Well,Iam going to get trashed. Khell's picking me up at one."

"No road head," Natalie said, pointing firmly at her best friend, who rolled her eyes.

"Khell will just pull over," Sunny said breezily. "And thenI'llget road head too."

"Maybe a little more alcohol," Hannah said, holding my gaze with wide eyes.

"Drinks and snacks, coming up," I offered. "Which of your ne'er-do-wells' tabs should I put it on?"

"Khell's," Hannah said at the same moment Sunny said, "Rafe's."

"Mama's paying," Natalie said, smoothly sliding over her credit card.

And because I was not running a charity for my friends—which, yes, they were that—I accepted the card and sent a warning to my kitchens to keep the fryers hot.

Even stayingout of the trio's way, keeping my ear on the rest of the room, I learned more about my friend's sexual prowess than I might've cared to. Well, no, I didn't really mind.

And really, good for Theo. I'd underestimated him.

It was a shame Victoria wasn't here. She might've had some academic uses for this gossip.

Khell arrived promptly at one and accepted the cheerful heckling of the girls as he scooped Sunny up off the stool and carted her out the door. Hannah and Natalie both waved their goodbyes, but I was surprised to see they kept their seats rather than heading out for the night too.

"—just wonder if he'll feel differently when the supper club takes off and gets interrupted with our touring schedule."

I lifted my eyes up at Hannah's words, her half smile tilted in Natalie's direction. Natalie shrugged in response.

"You'll figure it out when that happens. Rafe's right that the scarcity is part of a supper club's appeal."

"It could lead to really big opportunities for him. And they're already scheduling us for a festival circuit," Hannah said with a grimace.

Natalie's smile was sly. "Hey, some of those festivals are here in Chicago, at least."

"True," Hannah said, eyes lightening.

"The rest of the band is eager to get back on the road?" I asked, giving up any pretense of not listening in.

"Actually…well, no. Kiernan is glad to be home too. He wants to write a new album. The label wants to milk this one for as much as they can." Hannah sipped at her mocktail. "I think Mikey and Kelsey could go either way. We were all glad for the break though."

"If Rafe quits overthinking, he could easily have two dinner club events before you have to leave again," I said.

Hannah grinned at me. "I'll tell him you said so." I shrugged, unconcerned with the idea of Rafe's blustering. "How's the study going?"

"Very well, I think," I said. "I haven't told Victoria yet, but I have rather more volunteers for demonstrations than I suspect she needs. Or has time for."

"I'm very offended that humans are being left out," Natalie said, without an actual hint of offense. Her smile widened. "But Theo is relieved. And I understand why she doesn't need human comparisons."

I lifted my chin in thought. "There may be something to explore with human and monster relationships specifically. Perhaps for a second study."

"Planning a new professional venture as a research assistant already?" Hannah asked me, her chin propped on her hand, something coy in her tone.

"I make a very concentrated effort not to overstep my place in helping Victoria," I said, my own tone a little too tight.

Hannah's smile softened. "Of course. I'm only teasing."

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