Page 54 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

Astria.

The name seared into Stratton’s brain.

“Peggy nicknamed her already,” said Angela with a smile to Jeffrey. She then focused on Stratton. “Hi, Stratton. What can I get started for you?”

“He’s one of them city slickers,” said Peggy. “Wants nonfat this or that with some kind of skinny syrup. I usually see him out jogging early in the morning when I’m doing one of my daily power walks. Does all that hard work to put that nonfat crap in his body. That crap will kill ya.”

Angela laughed. “I’ve picked up coffee for the guys at the station a few times and they like to have some fun with his order too. I think they just lack creativity, since all of them go with plain coffee. No frills.”

“As it should be,” interjected Peggy.

Astria tensed. “Station? Do you mean fire station?”

Angela started Stratton’s coffee without bothering to wait to see if it was what he wanted. It was, so he didn’t complain. “No, hon, the police station. My son, Brett Kasper, is the police chief and that is Detective Stratton Bright. Very nice young man. Single if I’m not mistaken.”

“You’re not mistaken!” yelled Marcy from the other end of the phone, obviously completely invested in what was happening despite being out at the Van Helsing estate.

Stratton wasn’t sure how Bram could sleep through all the ruckus. Maybe he was used to her since they’d been mated two months now.

“I’ll call you right back,” said Stratton. “Promise.”

“Wait,” said Marcy, sounding desperate. “I want to hear the good part.”

“What good part?” he asked.

Astria’s gaze slid slowly toward Stratton. She paled. “Detective?You’rea police officer?”

Stratton stood there, wanting to answer, but the words wouldn’t come. All he could do was nod as he soaked in the sight of her.

“You okay there, Stratton?” asked Angela.

“I’m not sure,” he responded before thinking better of it. “Um, yes. I’m fine.”

Faye and Angela shared a knowing look before Angela nudged Astria.

“Astria, areyousingle?” asked Angela.

Astria didn’t glance away from Stratton. “Yes.”

“Are you two playing matchmaker over there?” asked Peggy.

“Maybe,” said Faye. “Don’t you think they’d look cute together?”

“I do!” yelled Marcy, making Stratton wonder if this was the good part she’d been waiting to hear. “Ask her on a date, Stratton. What are you waiting for?”

“Leave the poor girl alone, Angela,” said Peggy. “She’s already overwhelmed. Besides, the idea he’s a cop is freaking the kid out. Give her some breathing room. Not everyone finds a guy in uniform sexy. I don’t understand why. Does it for me.”

“He’s notinuniform,” pointed out Faye.

“Well then maybe he should be,” snapped Peggy. “Then he wouldn’t be so single.”

Stratton locked gazes with Astria. “Hi, um, hi.”

Jeffrey strolled up alongside him. “I should be filming this totally awkward encounter.”

“Oh, yes please!” shouted Marcy. “Tell him I want to see it. I wish I would have filmed when Jeffrey met Dana. She punched him right in the face.”

Stratton avoided relaying any of Marcy’s requests.

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