Page 75 of Elevator Pitch

“Mmhmm,” she adds.

Operation impress Audrey, and now Eric, is going well.

“Thank you for that. As for the cake, I absolutely can show you how to make one.”

She pulls out her phone and asks, “Are you free to show me now? What do we need? I can order groceries.”

“I am. You may have everything here already. I can take a look and let you know.” I rise up and head over to the pantry, scouring for ingredients.

A loud meow comes from the bedroom and Peach struts into the main area.

The cat rubs against Eric’s leg on her way over to her food and water bowls.

I finish my rummage through the pantry and inform her of what ingredients she’s missing for the recipes. She’s placing a grocery delivery and asks if there’s anything else we need without looking up.

“Selah never has any Oreos orrealmilk here. Always that weird oat or almond shit. It’s not very accommodating for her houseguests,” he pipes up.

She laughs softly. “Well, it’s a good thing you’renotthe house sitter, isn’t it? She stocked everything I liked.”

“Everyone knows that I go wherever you go. So, Iwillbe expecting Oreos and two percent milk the next time she’s out of town.”

“Sure. Drop it in the suggestion box,” she says sarcastically, aiming her head towards the trash can. “I’ll order your damn milk and cookies, relax.”

He sighs in relief, and I chuckle to myself.

These two are quite a pair.

“Oh shit,” she blurts, her tone laced with frustration.

“What now?” Eric asks beside me.

She places her hand on her head and says, “Brian is gettingour groceries. A fuckingmanis doing our delivery.Prepare for the order to be wrong.”

“Dammit,” he huffs.

“Am I missing something here?” I inquire, genuinely curious why that’s a problem.

“Men aren’t always the best grocery shoppers. At least not in our experience. They’re lazy and just grab anything to get out of the store.” She looks to Eric, “Your cookies will be broken or even worse…they’ll be golden Oreos,” she teases.

“Take that back,” he says through gritted teeth. “Hebetterbring me Doublestuf Oreos or I’m going to lose it. And that milkbetterbe two percent.”

The fact that he is serious makes me hold in a laugh. Audrey, on the other hand, erupts in laughter and he’s unamused.

I change the subject and ask, “When is Selah’s birthday, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I’ll only tell you if you let me in on the plans. You’ve only messed around one time, but you seem very interested in her. Am I wrong?”

“Well, I don’t suppose I haven’t thought that far into it, but I think I may be interested in more? Selah challenges me in a way that I’ve never experienced before. Sure, you’ve met my ex-wife, so you know I’m capable of committing to someone.”

“Her birthday is May seventh. As for your ex…” She pauses and starts humming as she loads the dishwasher.

Eric joins her and they’re both humming a melody I’m unfamiliar with. I’m not sure what it is with them, but he is just as odd as Audrey is. Odd, but good company.

“What were you going to say about Aileen?” I interrupt.

She grows silent and turns to face me, opening her mouth to speak when Eric blurts, “Why did he mention Aileen? Areyouher ex-husband?”

“What did you think I was humming for? You joined me!” she exclaims.

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