Page 40 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

His head snapped up. Desperation showed in his eyes. “Can we not mention them?”

I made a motion with my hand over my mouth as if to say my “lips are sealed.”

He relaxed a little.

“I need to hear about the pajamas,” said Brian.

I snorted.

Elis just watched me silently.

A blue Bronco pulled into the parking lot and honked in a friendly, yet excited manner. When I spotted Cadee from the service station behind the driver’s wheel, I tensed. She pulled the Bronco up behind us and rolled the window down.

“Astria, I’m glad I found you,” she said, all smiles. “Dad didn’t think I would. Ha. Shows what he knows. Anyway, I called Aunt Yolanda as soon as you left. She’s super stoked to have you get started. Wants you to meet her tomorrow morning, before the café opens. It’s called Demon Grounds and is two blocks over. You in? I can call her back and give her your answer.”

I wasn’t thrilled Elis had my name now, but I was happy about the job. “That sounds perfect, Cadee. Thank you and please thank her for me. I’ll be there first thing in the morning, before it opens.”

“Cool,” she said, glancing at Austin, her gaze lingering on him a moment. “Hi, guys.”

“Cadee,” said Elis with a nod.

Brian smiled. “Hi.”

Austin didn’t pay her much mind as he nodded.

Cadee sighed but looked to me and smiled. “Bye, Astria.”

“Bye,” I said softly as she went to work turning the Bronco around and leaving.

Elis raked his gaze over me. “Astria. That’s an interesting name. Means star, doesn’t it?”

Surprised he knew that, I raised a brow. “It does.”

“Astria, can I buy you a…milkshake or something?” Austin asked. “You know, for old time’s sake and as payment for keeping quiet about the pajamas?”

Brian covered his face with his hand. “Know that I’m embarrassed that he’s related to me right now. That was just about the worst pickup line I’ve ever heard.”

Elis even laughed.

Austin was clearly uncomfortable with the razzing.

I grinned. “Hmm, I don’t know. I like milkshakes and am totally open to having one.”

Austin perked. “Really?”

“Yes. Maybe we could grab Cadee when she’s free again and all go out for one,” I suggested.

“Cadee?” he asked, his brows pulling together. “Uh, okay. Sure. Why not?”

Just as I was going to answer, their cell phones all dinged—at the same time. They checked their phones and then shared another look.

Austin stepped toward me. “Rain check on the milkshake? We have to go.”

“Duty calls,” said Elis.

Brian sighed. “I swear, our work is never done.”

Elis and Brian nodded to me before quickly walking to an oversize black SUV. Elis took the driver’s side and Brian went to the front passenger door. He whistled in Austin’s direction. “Get a move on it!”

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