Page 47 of Incurably Cupid

I sat up, intrigued. “Does that mean you found some more information for Mesmer?”

He projected a massive stone-faced guy in front of me, arms folded across his chest. “You’ll get nothing from me!”

I laughed and shook my head. “Fine, keep your secrets. You’ve been quiet lately. You okay?”

“I think you should have a party when you get home.”

I paused with the TV remote in my hands. “Say what, now?”

His pad turned pink. “I think you should throw a party when you get home and invite the faculty.”

I set the remote down, frowning at him. “You know that’s not going to work, right? According to Mordecai, they’re intimidated by me. For what possible reason, I have no clue.”

Leo emitted a series of beeps he sometimes used in place of laughter. “You’re very intimidating and ferocious.”

I snorted. “I am the least intimidating and ferocious person on the planet. I have pink wings and pink hair, I haven’t matched an assignment in years, I have no friends because I’ve perfected sarcasm, I live in a house the size of a thimble, I’m several hundred years old, still single, and my best friend is a sentient tablet!”

Leo was quiet for a minute before responding. “Well, that was rude."

“What?”

“I’m an awesome friend, thank you very much!”

I sighed and put my hands over my eyes. “You are, Leo,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry I made it seem otherwise.”

He sniffed. “You’re forgiven.”

“Don’t make your circuits soggy,” I warned.

“I’ll do nothing of the kind.”

“Really? Because you sound like you’re crying.” I patted his outer casing in support. “Can I help? Really, I’m amazed you don’t need therapy living with me.”

He chuckled. “Who says I don’t?” Then, his tone softened. “You’re not as harsh as you think, Indie. You hide your softness behind armor, but that’s just because you learned early on how inconsistent and capricious people can be. You’re honest. You don’t play games. And... you’re not unkind. Sharp sometimes, sure, but never unkind.”

I was unbelievably touched. My instinct was to deflect with sarcasm, but I shoved it aside and patted his casing again. “Thanks, Leo. Love you.”

He sniffed again. “Love you too.” Then, his tone shifted. “Now what’s this I hear about you wanting Mesmer to be a part of the Phoenix’s singles night?”

“Oh, look at this—more humans trying to move to the Hawaiian Islands!” I said, turning the TV volume up.

“Indie!”

A soft knock at the door saved me. I checked the clock—8:00 p.m. Maybe housekeeping? Though it was late for that.

I got up to check the peephole, then opened the door for Mesmer to come in. “I wasn’t expecting you. Figured you’d be too tired.”

He was dressed like me—sweats and a tee shirt—but somehow, he made it look... unfairly good. His shirt stretched across his chest and biceps, and his sweats hung low on his hips.

I tried valiantly not to ogle him.

“I got some rest.” He sat on the other double bed and toed off his shoes. “I thought we could order in again and watch a movie?”

I blinked. “Sure!” I pulled up the food delivery app. “What sounds good to you?”

“Breakfast for dinner.”

I found a restaurant, and handed my phone to him. “You add yours, I’ll add mine last, and then I’ll pay.”

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