Page 34 of Living with Death

I look up, chewing on my inner cheek. “Stepmomis one of my favorites.When Harry Met Sally,You’ve Got Mail.” I shrug. “Those are just a few.”

He takes another bite. “I’ll have to watch those.”

I grin, thinking of him sitting beside me on the couch, watching chick flicks. “How’s the fish?”

“Delectable,” he says.

I give him a genuine smile, cutting into my own. I feel him watching me as I take a bite.

I look at him.

An expression I can’t place shows on his handsome face, but he doesn’t say anything else, and we finish our meal in silence.

*

We exit the car and slowly walk up to the house together. The food was delicious. I’m a little tipsy, but I’m mostly content and haven’t felt this way in a long time. If ever. An owl hoots nearby, and the moon shines down, lighting the sidewalk and covering the house in silver.

We take the steps, and I open the door. Azrael grabs my hand, stopping me. “Mabel.” I look down at his hand touching mine. The feel of it sparks something inside my chest.

He removes it. “You’ve been quiet since our conversation earlier.” His voice is low, raspy. He slides his hands into his pockets. “I understand this is a lot for you, but I’d like you to know this was the best day I’ve ever had.” He gazes out toward the road. “If I’m too forward at times, I…” He laughs lightly. “This is absurd.” He runs his hand through his hair.

I give him a closed-lip smile, placing my hand on his arm. “What are you trying to say?”

He shakes his head, a crease forming between his brows. “Nothing. It’s just been a good day. Thank you.”

I drop my hand. “You don’t need to thank me.”

He clears his throat. “I have things I need to do. You go on in. I’ll be back later.”

“Um, okay. Should I leave the door un...”

He vanishes before my eyes. I walk inside and shut the door, leaning against it and smiling. “This was the best day I’ve ever had, too.”

Chapter Nine

Light slips through the cracked curtain in my room, and I blink my eyes, feeling a slight headache from too much wine last night. I roll over, staring at the blurry ceiling, and then I sit up. Is he here? Did he come back last night?

I throw the covers off and hurry to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and face before I put the stupid contacts in and try to do something with my hair. It’s sticking up in weird places, so I put it in a ponytail and grab my robe. I slide my arms through as I walk down the hall, the wood creaking beneath my feet. I stop in front of the spare bedroom.

Clearing my throat, I tap on the door. Azrael doesn’t answer. I tap again.

Still, no answer.

I grab the glass handle and crack it, peeping inside. “Azrael. Would you like some…”

I look around the room—the comforter’s unwrinkled. The fresh sheets are where I left them.

My chest sinks.

I lean against the door, my mind racing. Did Azrael have the best night, or did he realize my life was, in fact, boring, and he didn’t want to hurt my feelings?

Indeed, he knows otherworldly beings that are far more interesting than me.

You’re overthinking. I exhale and close the door behind me.

“Good morning.”

I nearly jump out of my skin. Holding my heart, I shut my eyes. “Azrael, you have got to stop doing that. You know I’m used to living alone. You’re going to give me a heart attack.”

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