out the window at Merdon and Shax and focused instead on the conversation at hand.
“Tor is just one of the fey interested in testing out his conversation skills. You’d be helping fey like him learn how to interact with us. As a way of saying thank you, we will fix a meal for you to enjoy.”
The girl in question side-glanced at Tor, who flashed her a close-lipped smile. He really was good looking, and one of the nicest fey I knew. I didn’t understand why the woman was being so standoffish.
“It’s not a marriage proposal,” I said, my patience slipping. “It’s dinner and conversation. If you’re not interested, you’re not interested. Enjoy the cookies and canned goods.” I stood. “We have at least three more stops to make before we have to head back to help Mary with the next test dinner. What’s on the menu tonight? Beef Pot Pie with bread pudding and brandied custard sauce for dessert, right?”
I knew I had the woman when she quickly lifted a hand to stop me. Thankfully, she hadn’t noticed Emily’s panicked look when I’d stood.
“Wait. I’m not saying no. Is that really what you’re making?”
“Me? No. It wouldn’t be nearly as good as what Emily and Mary make. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss one of their dinners. I had a grilled ham and cheese for lunch that made my taste buds sing, courtesy of Emily. The cookies are hers, too.”
The girl looked at the empty plate of cookies she’d inhaled. A full dozen. She was going to be regretting that gluttony later. Or maybe not if she had roommates.
“Okay,” she said finally. “Sign me up. But, how am I going to get there?”
“Don’t worry,” I said. “We’ll send a fey around when it’s your turn.”
“When will that be?”
Emily looked down at her small notebook with an excited smile.
“How does next Tuesday sound?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“I can’t believe it worked,” Emily said, yet again.
I swallowed my mouthful of lobster mac and cheese topped with buttered panko crumbs and waved my fork in the direction of my plate.
“I can’t believe there was any hesitation on their part after sampling your cooking. Those women just needed a push in the right direction.”
“Thank you so much for being that push.” Emily looked at Merdon. “Wasn’t she amazing?”
He grunted and continued eating. My stomach flipped nervously, which I tried to ignore. I’d successfully avoided having any time for Merdon’s version of training and hoped to keep it that way. Just a few more hours to go.
After my last bite, I executed an exaggerated stretch and yawned loudly.
“What a long day. I think I’m going to shower, read a book, and turn in. I’m beat.”
Emily frowned.
“Already? I don’t think it’s even seven yet.”
I shrugged.
“Early day tomorrow. The girls and I are meeting up for practice as soon as it’s light because Angel wants to check in with Mary around lunchtime.”
“If you’re sure,” Emily said. “Do you have a book or need a new one? I have several in my room if you want to borrow one.”
“I’ll grab one,” I said, already hurrying from the kitchen.
I didn’t think of Emily’s locked door until I tried the knob and it swung open freely. Her room, like mine, was devoid of any personal effects. The curtains were open wide to let light in, and her large bed was neatly made.
Going to the bookcase she’d added to the room, I quickly perused the titles she’d collected. Her reading tastes ranged from horror and paranormal suspense to cozy mysteries and sweet romance and everything in between. There was plenty of selection. I just wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for.
One title caught my eye. Dealing with Demons by Melissa Haag. Grinning, I plucked it off the shelf and moved closer to the window to read the back.
“No, Hannah,” Merdon barked.
I looked up in confusion at Merdon, who stood in the doorway.
“Now you’re going to tell me what I can read?”
“Stay away from the window.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’m not trying to get out the window. I was just going to read the back of this.” I held up the book.
He flicked on Emily’s bedroom light, temporarily blinding me.
“Stay away from the window,” he repeated.
I blinked at him, toying with the book I held. I knew he wanted me to stay away from the window because I’d scared him. If I wanted any freedom in my future, I needed to reassure him that wouldn’t happen again. More importantly, I