Page 16 of Hooked on a Demon
Laughing, he replies, “Yeah. I’ll get right on that.”
Before Eliana can say anything else, their mom and dad come into the dining room, hands full of delicious-smelling food. Their dad, Amos, puts the already sliced roast on the table while their mom places the mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. “Sit, sit,” he says, gesturing to the table, “let’s eat before it gets cold.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Everest responds, placing a napkin on his lap and sitting all in one swift movement.
Pretty soon, they settle into comfortable chatter while they eat. Amos asks Eliana about her day and what’s going on at the studio while Everest tries to coerce their mother into agreeing with him that Eliana should get a newer and safer car. Despite his enthusiasm, Cora ends up agreeing with her, as Eliana is the one who needs to pay for it.
When dinner is done, and Everest and Eliana have washed and dried the dishes—with only a small bubble war in the process— they settle in the family room for their family game night. Everest, of course, chooses the worst game in history, Monopoly. Nothing spells family fun like cheating each other over with capitalism. But that’s what they do.
They play, they joke, they bond. These nights, while becoming less common with all of them there, are some of her favorites. Some of her best memories have come from these nights. Being able to spend time together and feel that sense of connection. She loved growing up in this house and loves her family, as frustrating and persistent as some of them can be. As she looks around, she realizes how much she’s missed all of this. Years away in Hollybrook, while pursuing her dreams, kept her from her family. At the time, she felt like the sacrifice was worth it for her success. Of course, now, she realizes that it wasn’t likely the case. Hollybrook allowed her to live her biggest dream, but it also brought her her worst nightmare and forever changed the fiber of her being in so many ways.
Eliana is the first to go bankrupt in the game, and soon after, the game collapses completely as Everest buys up everyone’s properties. Somehow, he always manages to win when they play this game, and now that she thinks about it, Eliana is pretty sure he has it rigged in some way. There’s no way he’s that good.
Putting her coat back on in the entryway, her hand slides into her pocket and wraps around the little business card from a certain demon mechanic. Not wanting Everest to question why she has it, especially not with Declan’s personal number on it, she makes sure she pulls her hand out slowly so the card doesn’t slip out, and then buttons the pocket closed, keeping it secret and safe.
Hugs and kisses are given, and then she and Everest are ushered out the door. Standing on the front step, he motions for her to go first. “I wanna make sure it starts properly.”
“I thought you said Declan was a great mechanic.”
“He is. But your car is a disaster, so I wouldn’t put it past the junk heap to stop working in protest.”
Eliana lets out a frustrated groan. “Fine. But look, I know you mean well underneath all that snark, but can you give me a bit of a break?”
He casts his eyes down for a moment, seeming to think over her request. “Fine. I want what’s best for you, Ellie. I always have. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. Your moving away was hard. I kept away because I knew you didn’t need your big brother hovering over you, but it was still hard. I worried, like I do now with that piece of junk. I just ask that you call me if you need help, okay?”
The moment of sincerity nearly breaks her. She wants to tell him everything that happened in Hollybrook, but it doesn’t feel important now. Instead, she simply responds, “I will. Love you, Ev.”
“Love you too, lil’ foot.”
She climbs into her car, hoping that it won’t prove her brother right. Thankfully, it starts without issue.
* * *
It’s been two days since her family dinner. She’s spent a good chunk of those same two days staring at the number scrawled on that silly business card.
She spins the card on the counter, watching the numbers blur. When it stops, she runs her thumb along the writing, feeling the indent from the pen and marveling at the slant of the text.
The curve of the eights, in particular, makes her toes tingle. Never in her life has she found a number sexy, but the thought of his hand making the mark and how his hand moves… it’s hot.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asks herself. Pushing herself away from the counter, she grabs a glass from the cupboard and fills it with cold water from the filtered jug in the fridge. As she turns to close the fridge door, her phone chimes. Picking it up from the counter, she glances quickly at the card still sitting there, calling out to her.
Kaia
Good morning bestie!
Was thinking of doing a little brunchie-brunch today. You interested?
Eliana
Brunchie-brunch? Really?
Yes. It’s a delicious meal between breakfast and lunch. Often with mimosas.
I know what brunch is
I was questioning your phrasing lol
Brunchie-brunch is perfect. It’s fun, it’s clear. It’s the best.
