Page 59 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

Torid wrapped around me fast and tighter than a boa constrictor. I grunted. He farted and then loosened his grip a little.

The stench from his gastrointestinal goblin issues was noticeable almost instantly. Since he was wrapped around me, everyone was looking at me like I should lay off beans and dairy for a while.

Mortified, I just stood there.

Stratton cleared his throat. “Um, there’s a small apartment above my garage. No one is using it. It’s yours if you want it. I mean, if the place you’re staying is too creepy that is. And you can have my truck, erm, use it, I mean. I’ll buy another. I could buy you one. What do you like to drive?”

I simply watched him, my head and hormones at war with one another.

Dana sipped her coffee. “Did Stratton just offer to buy her a car while also giving her a backup place to stay?”

“Yep,” said Jeffrey, grinning from ear to ear. “This is hilarious.”

My brows met as I focused my attention on Stratton. “Thank you for the offer, but you’renotbuying me a car. That’s ridiculous.”

Peggy came around the counter and leaned against it, smirking. “Trust me, Star Child, the boy can afford it.”

“He’s a cop,” I countered.

Torid pointed toward him.Hun-ter.

Since Torid was basically shit with names, I didn’t bother to correct him about Stratton’s.

Stratton glanced around, his gaze narrowing a moment.

“He may be a cop,” said Peggy. “But rumor has it he’s not dependent on his salary to live. My guess is he has family money.”

Torid’s attention went to Peggy. He swayed slightly as he watched her.Likes Pee-gee.

I nearly laughed at his attempt at her name.

Stratton continued to glance around the café before squaring his shoulders. “My family has money, yes, but when I parted ways with them, I also parted ways with the money.”

Peggy looked him over, a knowing expression on her face. “Must be that moonlighting gig you have. Pay is great, I hear.”

Stratton tensed. “Um, yes. It pays well. I’m on a bit of hiatus from it though.”

“What moonlighting gig?” asked Jeffrey.

Stratton clearly didn’t like the attention. “Nothing important.”

Peggy grinned. “I’m guessing it’s got a killer benefit package. Probably indefinite paid leave, hazard pay, the works?”

Stratton inhaled sharply. “Uh, yes.”

“I’m also guessing a man your age has learned a thing or two about investing,” added Peggy. “Or have you had tohuntaround for help with that?”

Torid snarled toward Stratton, and I nearly yelled at him. He was being ridiculous.

I lifted my hands, partially to motion for Torid to return to the pendant. He ignored me. “Uh, could we maybe take the spotlight off Stratton and his financial situation, which is none of our business?”

“So you’re saying you aren’t interested in him for his money?” asked Peggy.

Confused, I looked at her. “Rich people make me uncomfortable. Everything I have fits in one backpack and I’m fine with that. What you have doesn’t mean anything. It’s what kind of person you are that matters. Nothing else.”

Peggy’s smirk morphed into a full-blown smile. “Is that so?”

I nodded. “It is. When Jeffrey spilled his coffee on him, Stratton didn’t shout or say anything. He didn’t seem to care that his expensive shirt is probably ruined. I’ve known people in my life who would have cut Jeffrey’s hands off for being so clumsy or far worse.”

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