Page 35 of Magic and Muffins

I reached over and rubbed his arm for a second. He captured my hand, gave it a grateful squeeze, then let go.

“What are you making?” he asked.

“Eggs Benedict. Does it sound good?”

“Wonderful. Can I help?”

I shook my head. “I’ve made it enough times that it doesn’t take me long. But if you really want to help, I’ll tell you when to toast the English muffins.”

“Deal.”

His phone rang, and he groaned when he looked at the screen. “It’s Effora.”

He tapped the speaker button and placed the phone on the table.

“Hello, Effora. If this is about your scheme for the sexapoloosa you keep trying to get me to come to, I’m not interested.”

“You know how to wound me, Shepard. But this is actually about the information you need.”

“What kind of information?” he asked.

“Would you be interested in what kind of underwear I’m wearing?”

“Effora, I’m two seconds from hanging up.”

She laughed. “It was a trick question. I’m not wearing any.”

“Goodbye.” He was about to press the end call button when Effora said, “I know Orphia’s location.”

“Where is she?”

“I’m happy to tell you, darling. But over lunch.”

He looked liked he wanted to reach through the phone and strangle her.

“Effora, we don’t have time for your games. Humans are dying. So are your people, according to the news.”

“And I need lunch. I’m not asking for much. And lunch is a few scant hours away. We can even meet at a neutral location.”

Shepard pinched the bridge of his nose. With a sigh, he let his hand drop. “Where?”

“You know that charming restaurant where we had the little meeting with Hugh?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have a private room booked. We can discuss everything there. Let’s say noon?”

“Fine.”

He hung up, shoved his phone an arm's length away, and focused on me. Although he smiled, I could see the frustration he was hiding.

“I can see she’s getting to you.”

“I hate that she found a way to pull me away from you.”

“How about I tag along to the meeting and keep you company?”

“You’re willing to do that?”

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