Page 107 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

Astria twisted in Stratton’s arms. “Stop it, Torid. I don’t understand what your issue is with him, but enough.”

The dog looked at her and cocked its head to the side.

She tipped her head as well. “Why do you keep calling him that name? Hunter isn’t anywhere close to Stratton. I know you’re not exactly awesome with names, but you normally get close. You know Honda and Yolanda. Krissy and Kissy. The list goes on. But Hunter and Stratton aren’t similar.”

Sucking in a big breath, Stratton bent, wanting a better look at the dog.

Astria yelped and jerked on Stratton, keeping him upright. “He can totally bite your face off. Don’t put it close to him. He’s had some weird hang-up with you. I mean, sure, in the past he’s not been exactly onboard with me being interested in men, but this is just…wow. He gave Craig a lot of grief and we weren’t even dating. Then there was Shaggy Professor. Torid loathed him and he barely even knew the man. Kept asking to eat him.”

“Shaggy Professor?” asked Austin.

Astria nodded. “One of the professors who came rushing into the house on Gallows Lane. I don’t know his name and haven’t ever been able to find information on him or the other one. I just know he had longer hair and a full beard. Hence the name Shaggy Professor. I might have sort of kissed him.”

“Hot for teacher,” said Austin. “I like it.”

Cadee stiffened.

Austin put his hands up. “Kidding. I’m not hot for any teachers. Wait, what are you going to college for?”

“Education,” she breathed. “I want to be a teacher.”

“I stand corrected,” added Austin with a sly smile. “I am totally hot for teacher.”

Michael glared at him. “Stop looking at my daughter if you want your eyes to stay in your head.”

Austin looked up at the night sky and then snuck another peek at Cadee.

Cadee seemed a bit surprised by all the attention he was giving her.

Astria sighed. “I really wish I knew what happened to Shaggy Professor.”

It was all Stratton could do to keep from laughing at her name for him.

Dave grunted. “Gee. If only we knew how to find him.”

Did Dave know?

Stratton glanced at him, and Dave crossed his arms over his chest.

“Well, are you going to tell her, or should I?” demanded Dave.

“Tell me what?” Astria asked, easing against Stratton more.

Marcy laughed mellifluously. “Did you like him, Astria? Shaggy Professor?”

Astria drew in a deep breath, her hands finding Stratton’s arms. “I didn’t really want to like him. I mean, he was old enough to be my father, but yes, I did like him. More than I should. Like I said, we kissed, and I didn’t even know his name.”

Stratton winced.

Dave snorted loudly. “Old enough to be…ha! He’sway, way older than that even, hon.”

Astria glanced at him. “What do you mean? Do you know who he is?”

“I do,” said Dave.

She gasped. “Is he okay? Is his friend, the other professor, all right?”

Dave gave Stratton a pointed stare.

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