Immortal Hearts

7 Ghoul’s Time

The following night, Alexander had planned to take Stormy and me to the movies. Night of the Living Dead was showing at the downtown art theater, and it was one of my favorite movies. There wasn’t much to do in Dullsville, and going to see a movie was a big deal for me. I’d get to sit next to Alexander and hold his hand in the darkness and pig out on popcorn while watching a scary movie. What more could a girl want?
I wandered around the upstairs hallway, waiting for Alexander to come down from the attic. I found Stormy waiting in her room, dressed in black jeans and a studded belt, with a ripped, dark blue shirt that had the word TRAGIC spelled out in red letters. She stood at the dresser and applied the final touches of stormy blue makeup to her eyes.
I watched in awe. What took most girls hours in front of the mirror took only a few minutes for Stormy to do without a reflection to look at. She even applied burgundy lip liner and eggplant-colored mascara without so much as a smudge or mistake. She got ready and adjusted her outfit with such ease, I was greatly impressed. I wondered if I were a vampire how I’d ever manage to do such simple tasks without a mirror. I was sure Nthat  to have makeup smeared around my face like a clown.
However, I did feel a tinge of pain in my stomach thinking that even though I, too, wanted to be a vampire, Stormy couldn’t see how cute she was. She’d always been different in that way from every mortal girl, and I felt lonely for her.
She began brushing her jet-black hair when she spotted me standing by her doorway.
“Did you have a good time on your overnight—or over-day?” I asked.
“I had a blast!” Her eyes lit up as if she were Cinderella back from the prince’s ball.
“You must still be exhausted from traveling and now dancing and hanging out with friends,” I said. Phantom raced over to me and rubbed her head against my boot.
“I feel great,” she responded enthusiastically.
“Where did you sleep?” I asked. I picked Phantom up and petted her.
“I shared a coffin with Luna. We talked most of the day.”
I imagined the two girls as being inseparable. I bet they talked about Alexander, Romania, boys, and being vampires. I wish it could have been me.
“I bet that was fun,” I said.
“I had the best time ever.”
I guess “ever” included our dinner last night. Or was I being paranoid? I had to give it more time for us to really connect. And to not be so competitive.
“It must be nice for the two of you to catch up,” I said.
“Yes, I haven’t seen her in a while. Especially since she was…”
“Yes?” I asked.
“Uh … turned.”
“Is she much different?” I asked. I really wanted to know. It might be an indication of what I might go through someday.
“Oh yes.”
I was hoping for that. In Luna’s case maybe she wasn’t as good a friend to her or she’d become more sinister.
“She’s even more fun!” she exclaimed. “If you can imagine.”
I mumbled quietly to myself.
“Well, I am glad you are here,” I said. “Once I found out about you, I was dying to meet you.”
“What do you mean once you found out?” she asked quizzically.
I’d just stuck my combat-shoed foot in my mouth. “I mean because Alexander is so cryptic. He didn’t talk much about your family at first. I realized it was because he missed you all so much.”
Stormy smiled, her purple and black bands glowing on her teeth. She seemed pleased with my answer and to find out that Alexander was pained, too, by his leaving home. “Yes, it is very hard to get information from my brother. It’s like pulling fangs.”
“Well, let’s go,” Alexander said, coming down from his attic room and reaching me in the hallway.
Dullsville’s artsy movie theater was really different from the suburban megaplexes. The theater and screen were dinky in comparison, and there was only one concession stand. However, it made the movie-viewing experience cozy and intimate. The seats were practically centuries old, red upholstered, and the floor was always still sticky from the popcorn and spilled drinks from the movie before.
Alexander bought his sister all the items she wanted—which was quite a lot. She tried to hold the supersized drink and popcorn, and it was almost impossible to see her behind them.
We walked into the empty theater. I was excited to sit in between them, or at least have Alexander in the middle, but Stormy squeezed between us both as we headed into the aisle. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to separate us or hoped to be the one in the middle for the attention. I was actually flattered that she wanted to sit next to me. Either way, as the lights dimmed and the macabre music played, she and I stuffed our faces with popcorn, gummy bears, and submarine-sized colas. She even grabbed my arm a few times during the movie when the zombies marched after the mortals for their own feeding frenzy.
When the movie was over, she jumped up and asked to see it again.
“Another time and another day,” Alexander said. “But we can see another zombie movie. They are killer.”
We all headed to the car with smiles on our faces. When Alexander dropped me off, he finally gave me the kiss I’d been waiting for the whole night.
Instead of watching us or honking the horn, Stormy just sat in the front seat.
“Tomorrow she’s all yours,” Alexander said as he walked down the drive and blew me a last-minute kiss.
The following evening, I anxiously waited for Alexander to drop Stormy off at my house. She and I were going to have our own girls’ night. Forget Luna Maxwell. Forget the Crypt. I was going to be hangi Sgng out with my boyfriend’s sister. I wasn’t sure how our evening was going to go—it could swing either way. Stormy and I could get along perfectly or she could find me a rival for the attention of her big brother. I’d never tried to impress anyone in Dullsville, and it was unlike me to be so concerned with what anyone thought about me, but I couldn’t help wanting to have a great relationship with Stormy. I didn’t know what to do to entertain her in a town that wasn’t filled with excitement. We’d already gone to a movie and partied at the Crypt. I had Becky on speed dial in case I ran out of things to occupy her on my own.
I heard the sound of a car door shutting and raced down the stairs to open the front door.
Stormy sauntered up our front walk alongside Alexander. I could see a slight resemblance in their gait, pale features and dark locks, and gorgeous smiles.
Stormy appeared eager to arrive as she gave me a friendly wave. She looked sweet in black jean cutoff shorts, purple tights, and a V-neck, blood-red cardigan she wore backward, exposing the top of her petite back. A tiny purple Hello Batty backpack purse hung from her shoulders and rested slightly above her waist.
I winked at Alexander as Stormy entered my house. He gave me a quick “hello” kiss while she took a moment to examine our family room.
“I’ll pick you up in a few hours,” Alexander said. “Don’t get into too much trouble,” he said half seriously.
But Stormy was entranced with my house as if she’d never experienced a smaller-than-a-Mansion-type home.
I was reluctant to let Alexander leave. I loathed any time that we were apart when we could be together. But I reminded myself that I’d be in the company of the next-best thing, his little vampire sister.
“I’ll come back later,” he said. “Or if you guys go out, I can pick you up there, too. Just let me know.”
Alexander gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and patted Stormy on the arm.
“Wow, this house is cute,” she said when I closed the door.
“I guess you are used to mansions,” I said.
“I like this better. It’s not so lonely,” she said under her breath, as if she hadn’t even meant for me to hear.
Is that how the younger sibling felt at the Mansion and at their home in Romania? The vast expanse of an estate was not comforting but rather reinforced the physical space between herself and her family? I’d always wanted to be yards away from my family, so the thought of huge rooms and multiple places to hide seemed like a Barbie Dream House for me.
I heard my mom pulling her car Slinuse finto the garage.
That was quick, I thought. Billy Boy was upstairs tucked away in his hobbit hole, but I knew once my mother came in she’d dominate the conversation with her polite motherly banter.
I tried to continue to show Stormy around, but within a few moments, my mom was inside.
“I wasn’t sure you’d be home,” she said, holding several reusable bags filled with groceries. Then she noticed Stormy. “I didn’t know you had company.”
“Mom, this is Alexander’s sister, Stormy. Stormy, this is my mom.”
My mom set down her bags on our kitchen island and greeted Stormy. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you,” she exclaimed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Madison,” the younger Sterling said. She extended her hand.
But instead of shaking it, my mom reached out and gave her a warm hug. “You can call me Sarah.”
I grumbled inside. My mom had those swift moves that only a mother possessed. I couldn’t have been so friendly to Stormy when I met her. But my mom—she filled the room with such positive maternal energy. And Stormy seemed to lap it up as she hugged my mom back as if she were her own.
“Have you both eaten dinner?” my mother asked. “I bought some frozen pizza. It won’t take long to heat up.”
“That is so kind of you, but I had dinner when I woke up,” Stormy said.
My mom paused as if Stormy had misspoken.
“Uh … yes, we’ve both eaten,” I said. “We’re just going up to my room to figure out what we want to do.”
“Well, it’s so nice to meet you. How long will you be in town?” my mom asked.
“I hope for a while,” she answered.
Stormy followed me up the staircase and ran her fingers against the banister.
“I’m sure there’s tons of dust,” I said.
“No, not really,” she said as if she was disappointed.
“Wow—” she said as I showed her into my room. “This is cool.”
My room was broody and moody even with the lights on. I couldn’t take my dresser mirror down, nor my full-length one on the back of my door. So instead, to avoid any issues for Sto Sssuignrmy, I had covered them with sheets. She didn’t even mention it.
She was intrigued by the macabre decor and rummaged through my closets as if they were her own. I sat back and watched with ease at the genuine interest she displayed examining my things. It was only afterward that she thought she was being rude.
“I guess I shouldn’t be doing this,” she said. “Mother would kill me if she saw me acting this way.”
“No, please, go ahead. It’s really awesome to see someone interested in my stuff.”
“This is so fabulous. You have the best room.”
“You think so? No one’s ever said that,” I admitted truthfully. Now, maybe Alexander liked my room—but no one else had complimented my decor.
“And my room at the Mansion is fabulous, too,” she said with a grin.
“Do you really like your room there?” I asked. “I wasn’t sure what you’d think of it.”
“I do. No one has ever done something like that for me,” she said, genuinely.
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes.”
Not even Luna? I wanted to say. But I didn’t want to bring up her name or hint that I might be envious of their prior friendship.
“I expected your room to be different somehow,” she said.
“How do you mean?”
“Luna’s room was really girlie.”
There it was! Not a moment later. That name. I bit my lavender-stained lip.
“Like a fairy’s room,” she continued.
“I can only imagine it’s really cool,” I said, trying to hide any tension in my voice.
“Yes, it is very pretty.”
I nodded my head and grinned.
“But yours is like what I’d want mine to be,” she said.
“Really?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes, I mean, besides the one you decorated at the Mansion. I mean, this is what I like, too. I didn’t S. Ight="0emexpect you’d have a room that I’d want to have.”
I wasn’t sure what she meant, but I assumed it was a compliment.
“So what did you think it would be like?” I pressed, wanting more information from her.
“I’m not sure, really. I just didn’t think it would be so cool.”
That was the key to Stormy. I thought she didn’t think she’d like Alexander’s girlfriend—one that wasn’t Luna. And now that she found we did have things in common, it wasn’t something she’d expected.
Just then Nightmare darted into my room and jumped on my windowsill, curling up next to the curtain.
“You have a cat, too?” she asked.
“Yes, her name is Nightmare.”
“She’s so cute. Can I hold her?”
“Sure.”
I scooped up my cat and petted her as I took her over to Stormy. “Alexander gave her to me. He found her in an old railroad car when she was a kitten.”
I placed Nightmare in her arms. Stormy snuggled up to the black feline and caressed the bridge of her nose.
“I think she likes you,” I said.
“I have Phantom, and you have Nightmare.”
I could hear Nightmare softly purring. “I wonder if they’d get along.”
“That would be cool to find out,” I agreed. “I think Nightmare would love the Mansion.”
Stormy played with Nightmare for a bit before she placed her back on the windowsill. “Can I look around some more?” she asked.
“Of course you can.” I sat at my computer chair and watched as she held up outfits in front of herself. “You have some really awesome clothes. Where did you find this?”
She held up a three-quarter-length black-and-red knitted shirt.
“I got it at a thrift store and poked some holes in it.”
“Fabulous!” she said. “I like this.” She held up a black lace minidress. “I wish I had it.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond. No one had ever wanted to have some S toidtthing of mine, unless it was Billy Boy asking for computer paper.
“Uh… I think it might be a little big,” I said. “But maybe—”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” She began putting it back. It was as if her mind had caught up to her mouth. She avoided eye contact, and she appeared slightly embarrassed.
“No—you can take it,” I said. I had such trouble finding clothes in Dullsville that each outfit I did find meant something special to me. But this was the first time in my life that someone else appreciated them. “Please take it,” I insisted. “I’m sure Jameson can find a tailor in town to fit it for you.”
“You think?” she asked, excited, as if I’d given her a hundred dollars.
“Yes, I think it would look great on you.”
“I can wear it to a dance,” she said, modeling it.
Just then Billy walked by my door.
“Who’s that?” she asked.
“My dopey brother.”
“You have a brother?”
“Yes. Didn’t Alexander tell you?”
“No.”
“Has Alexander told you anything about me?” I pried, but Stormy now appeared more interested in my brother than hers as she continued to stare out the doorway.
“Can I meet him?” she asked.
“Billy?”
“Yes.”
“But he’s not cool like Alexander. He’s a dork.”
“I can’t imagine a brother of yours who’s a dork.”
“Well, you don’t have to imagine—you can see for yourself.” I rose from my chair and headed for the doorway.
“Hey, Billy. Get in here,” I called.
“I’m busy,” he answered.
“There’s someone I want you to meet.”
When I didn’t hear any movement, I said, “Excuse me” to Stormy, headed down the hallway, and pounded on Billy’s door.
“I need to talk to you,” I told him.
“I said I’m busy.”
“I have someone I want you to meet.”
“Me?” he asked skeptically. “Go away.”
“No, really. It’s Alexander’s sister. Please be polite, for once.”
He didn’t respond.
“Open up, already!” I demanded. I was seconds from storming into his room and pulling him out by his ear.
But then he opened his door. “I’m the one in this house with manners,” he snarled. “It’s you who acts like you live in a zoo.”
Billy finally came out of his room and followed me into mine. Stormy smiled brightly.
“This is Stormy,” I said. “Stormy, this is Billy.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, extending her hand. He wasn’t sure what to do with the formality and finally shook it.
“Hi,” he said. “I heard you were coming to town.”
“Yes, I’m visiting my brother.”
“Well … it was nice meeting you,” he said.
There was an awkward pause between the two of them.
“Okay, thanks for saying hi,” I said. “Now let’s get back to the clothes and our plans for the evening.”
Billy Boy returned to his room as Stormy continued to beam.
“Want to go to Hatsy’s Diner for some shakes?” I asked her.
“Yes! And maybe Billy can come with us,” she said.
“Uh … he’s not into anything that doesn’t involve microchips.”
“Well, we’ll just have to change that for next time,” she said as we grabbed our things and headed out of the house.
Stormy was super impressed with the jukeboxes on the tables and the framed records on the walls. Conservative customers gawked at us, since we stood out like tombstones on a lawn. I was used to this treatment f Ss tfonrom my fellow Dullsvillians, but I felt protective of Alexander’s sibling. I glared back hard at anyone who looked, and most turned back to their meals. Stormy was so caught up in the nostalgic restaurant that she didn’t even notice.
“This is so American!” she said.
“Yes, I guess it is.”
“I’ve seen places like this in movies.”
“You can get anything you want,” I offered.
“Do they have Romanian smoothies? Or steak tartare?”
“I don’t think so. I think most things are cooked here.”
“That’s okay,” she said. “I brought this with me just in case,” she said. She pulled out a water bottle, only instead of water it appeared to be filled with blood.
Dixie, in her fifties-diner red-with-white-piping waitress uniform, shimmied her behind as she walked over to the table.
“What’s that?” Dixie asked.
“Uh … it’s Kool-Aid,” I said.
“That doesn’t look like Kool-Aid to me.”
“It’s an energy drink,” Stormy tried to explain.
“Well, if you came here for a nutritious meal,” Dixie said, “you came to the wrong place. If it’s not fried, burnt, or floured, we don’t serve it.”
She chomped her gum and blew a bubble.
“No, we are indulging tonight,” I said as Stormy surreptitiously slid her bottle back into her bag.
“Two chocolate malts, please,” I said.
“That’s all?” she asked.
“Yes. We just had dinner.”
Dixie shimmied away, displeased that she didn’t have a big order on her hands to increase her chances of a bigger tip.
We both laughed as she placed our order at the counter.
“This is fabulous,” Stormy said.
“You think? I’ve been coming here for years with my best friend. Dixie has been working here since it opened.”
Stormy flipped through the jukebox songs on our table.
“What is your favorite music?” I asked.
“I like the Skeletons.”
“You do? So do I. I don’t think they are on there. They only have fifties artists.”
“What about Elvis?” she asked.
“Alexander loves him,” I noted.
“I know. So do I.”
I found a quarter in my pocket and placed it in the jukebox. “Play your favorite,” I said. A moment later, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” began to play overhead.
She seemed fascinated by the music and the power of her pushing the button and it playing.
Then I remembered the Sterlings lived by candlelight. Modern technology wasn’t something they dealt with every day.
“So what’s Alexander like as a big brother?” I asked.
I was always dying to know more about my boyfriend—especially because he was so mysterious that I didn’t even know until recently that he had a sister.
“He played with me when I was little, but when he got older, he went to his room most of the time and painted.”
“What did you play?”
“Games mostly. He loved checkers, so I did, too. But when I pulled out my fashion dolls he ran for his room.”
I laughed, and so did she.
“Do you always get along with him?”
“Yes, I guess so. I get on his nerves a lot,” she said.
“I can’t imagine that.”
“Oh, it’s true. When he and Luna were going to their ceremony—” Then she stopped. “I mean…”
“No, that’s okay, you can tell me.”
“I was dressed as the flower girl. I had dead black roses and held them in a small urn.”
“I bet you were pretty,” I said.
“Thank you. Luna was waiting for him to start the ceremony, and everyone was getting impatient. We couldn’t find Alexander.”
“Oh?”
“I was the one who found him sitting by himself outside a crypt. He told me that he wasn’t going to the covenant altar with Luna. I got mad and poured the flowers on his shoes. And then I told my mother where he was.”
I had never heard this story before, and from Stormy’s point of view, Alexander’s arranged eternal betrothal caused disappointment for many besides himself and Luna.
“I’m sure he understood.” I tried to ease her guilt.
“When my mother got to the crypt, he was gone.”
“What happened?”
“He eventually came home. But the Maxwells wanted revenge. Then he had to leave for Grandmother’s Mansion here. But he didn’t come back.”
I didn’t know what to say. “Well, you’re together now,” I said.
“Yes,” she said. “Finally.”
“What do you like to do?”
“I like to write poems.”
“What about?”
“Boys.”
“That’s a great subject.”
“I hope to have them published someday.”
“I’m sure they will be,” I assured her.
“I bet you are glad to see Jameson, too. He’s so cool,” I said.
“Yes, I’ve missed him. He’s funny.”
“Funny?” I asked.
“When I was little, he liked to hide my dolls during the day. So when I woke up, I’d have to search every room for them. I’d find them resting under the stairs, poking out from behind an antique vase, or sticking out from my coat pocket. It was a fabulous game.”
I laughed, imagining Jameson sneaking around their Romanian mansion with dolls under his bony arms.
“He’s a half vamp; that’s why he can be out all Sn b
“He is?” I asked.
“Yes, you didn’t know?” She appeared surprised.
I didn’t want to fib, but I also didn’t want to appear like I hadn’t been “in the know.” “Uh…”
“Yes, he’s mortal,” she continued. “He can be out in day and night but needs a vein like we do to exist.”
She said it so matter-of-fact that I was almost taken aback. I had to remind myself that I was, after all, sitting with a young vampire. But where Alexander was mysterious and kept much of this identity to himself, Stormy blurted out her information like any other girl without a secret.
“That’s why I love his Romanian smoothies,” she continued. “His California smoothies are terrible. They don’t have blood.”
“Blood?” a familiar voice said as someone scooted into the booth with me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked Trevor. Then he gazed at Stormy.
“Ditched Becky for the evening?” Trevor asked.
Dixie returned with our malts and placed them on our table. Trevor grabbed mine before I could and stuck my spoon in it. He took a scoop of my malt and put it in his mouth.
I wasn’t about to be bullied in front of Stormy. It was uncomfortable enough for me to experience it without her having to experience it, too.
“That was Raven’s,” Stormy said forcefully. I was surprised that she was defending me. I was proud of her. She was feisty like I was. But ultimately I didn’t want her to be involved in my torment.
“Raven likes to share,” he said to her. “I didn’t know you had a little sister,” he said to me.
“I don’t. This is Alexander’s sister.” I stressed Alexander, hoping that he’d pick up on not picking on her. That Alexander would seek revenge if he did. And that I’d stop him, too, if he tried.
“Oh … so Monster Girl has a Mini-Monster.”
I was ready to dump the malt on his head, but I worried it wasn’t the best example of proper behavior in front of Stormy. Instead I slid my hand underneath the table and pinched his leg with all my might.
“Ouch!” he said, putting the malt down.
I let go and gave him a death stare. “You can address her by her real name. Athe Sal ="2em" na. Other than that, any name is a violation.”
“A violation?” he chuckled.
“Yes, of Raven’s law.”
“I see. And if I break it, will you arrest me? Please?” He was as menacing as he was attractive. His blond hair flopped perfectly in place like a model’s.
“It’s time for you to go,” I said. “Before you turn into a pumpkin.”
“Fine,” he said. “It was nice meeting you, Athena.”
She extended her hand. He paused for a moment, surprised by her formality.
Then he shook her hand.
“Wow—you can learn a thing or two about manners from her,” he said to me.
“Uh … so could you.”
Trevor walked off to the counter.
I pushed my malt away from me. I wasn’t about to drink it.
“I’m sorry about that,” I said. “He’s been bugging me since he was born.”
“I think he’s cute!”
“Trevor?”
“Yes, this town is full of good-looking guys!”
“I think that’s the jet lag talking,” I said.
“He really likes you. That’s why he picks on you,” she said.
I was shocked by her keen insight into Trevor. “It’s time to call Alexander,” I declared.
Just then Dixie sashayed over and handed me another malt. “It’s from Trevor.”
“Ah,” I said to Stormy. “I think your good manners are rubbing off on him.”
A short time later, Alexander met us in the diner’s parking lot. This time Stormy hopped in the back of the car.
“You can sit up front,” I said.
“No, that’s okay. I like being chauffeured,” she said. I thought it was cute how she was slowly warming up to me.
“So, did you kids have fun?” Alexander teased.
“I did,” I said.
“Yes, Raven gave me this dress,” she said, pulling it out of the bag.
“You shouldn’t be taking clothes from her,” Alexander scolded. Normally the driver looks in the rearview mirror when talking to the passenger in the backseat. But Alexander didn’t. He knew he wouldn’t be able to see his sister in the reflection.
“It’s okay,” I assured him. “I want her to have it.”
“You’ve done enough already,” he said.
“And I met her brother, Billy,” Stormy added.
“That’s cool. He’s your age.”
“I know…” Stormy giggled under her breath.
“Sounds like you guys had too much fun without me. I’m not sure you need me anymore.”
“Of course we do,” I said, putting my hand on his shoulder.
“Well, maybe not…” Stormy teased. I thought she liked the attention she was getting, no matter who it was from.
“And I met this guy named Trevor,” she continued.
“You did?” Alexander asked. There was a hint of concern in his voice.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” I said.
“I think he likes Raven,” she said.
Alexander paused.
“Are you trying to start trouble?” he asked.
“I’m just being honest.”
“Well, he’s going out with our friend Scarlet,” I said. “Besides, Alexander doesn’t have to worry about anyone.”
“You should keep an eye on him,” she warned Alexander. “I don’t trust him.”
“I have to keep my eyes on you,” Alexander said. “One night out and you’re already meeting boys and getting new dresses and hanging around the town bully.”
Stormy giggled again. “Too bad you didn’t come.”
“Well, you’ve both had a full evening,” he said, pulling into my driveway.
I stepped out of the car, and Stormy jumped out of the Mercedes, too. Instead of extending her hand to say good night, she smiled and leaned in to me. She wrapped her lithe arms around my waist and gave me a hug so hard I melted inside. Then she hopped into the front seat.
I was so flattered. I had had a great time, and so had Stormy.
Alexander took my hand and walked me to the door.
“I see you’ve made a good impression on her.”
“I really had a blast,” I said. “I wish I had a little sister.”
We turned around and saw Stormy watching us from the car. I knew she was dying to see if her brother would kiss me.
She turned away like she hadn’t been looking. She leaned over and got the dress out of the bag and began eyeing it instead.
Alexander took the now private opportunity and leaned in and kissed me. His lips were so tender that I became lost in them. Suddenly the car horn honked and we both jumped.
I tried to catch my breath, and Alexander was now frustrated with his sibling. Then we both burst out laughing.
“See, she’s not so mannerly after all,” my boyfriend said. “Thanks so much,” he added as I unlocked the door. “This meant a lot to me.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” I said truthfully. “I’ve been waiting for nights like these for all my life.”