Page 55 of Demon Dating Service

Unfortunately, things didn’t stay quiet.

In the center of every table was a small candle flickering in a hurricane glass, adding a little more romance and ambiance to the restaurant. Luke loved it. Anything to make this moment with Matteo a bit more special. Except he noticed that the new customers were remarking on their candles suddenly going out. Luke didn’t pay any attention until all three tables that were occupied in the restaurant went out.

“Check that out,” Matteo whispered. He reached across the table and covered Luke’s hand with his own, squeezing his fingers. It took Luke an extra second to tear his eyes away from where their hands were entwined to see that the candles at all the other tables were flickering out.

All but theirs.

They stared at their candle, holding their breath, waiting for the flame to poof out. But it never did.

“Okay. That’s weird,” Matteo murmured.

“Yeah, really weird.”

He watched as the hostess swept through the room with a lighter with a long nozzle made especially for lighting candles. She hastened through the restaurant, lighting each of the candles. She paused at their table, a puzzled expression on her face.

“Did you relight yours?”

Matteo shook his head. “It never went out.”

“Weird.” She smiled brightly at them and tilted her head. “Is it a full moon?”

“I don’t think so,” Luke replied.

“Maybe Mercury is in retrograde,” Matteo joked.

She giggled. “Maybe so.”

Yet, before she could return to the hostess stand, the candles flickered out again. This time it was faster, as if an invisible hand swept through the room, snuffing them with magic. And still, their candle was the only one that remained lit.

The hostess attempted to light the candles a second time, but as she turned her back, they all went out at the same time. Except for theirs.

“Okay. Now it’s officially creepy,” Matteo murmured.

Luke frowned. “Maybe there’s a draft, and we’re not affected because of where we’re sitting.”

Matteo shot him a skeptical look. Thankfully, their Caprese salad appetizer arrived. It was delicious with fresh basil, soft mozzarella, perfectly ripe Roma tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. As they ate, they chatted about classes and how they were anticipating the holiday break.

“Are you planning to go home for the break?” Luke inquired and then wanted to kick himself. Of course, he was going home for the holidays. Everyone left town during the break.

“I am for winter break, but I’m staying here through Thanksgiving. My parents are going to visit my older sister and her family. I’ve begged off, telling them I need to stay and catch up on my studies.” While his words were serious, Matteo matched them with a wicked wink and smirk. “What about you? Are you leaving town?”

“No, I’m not super close with my family, and it’s too expensive to make the trip.” In fact, he’d already planned for Chinese takeout and a horror-movie marathon with the demons for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Would you be interested in doing our own Thanksgiving? Would your landlord mind if we borrowed the kitchen? Unless they’re planning a big holiday party.”

“Of course! I’m sure they’re not. They’d be happy to let us use the kitchen,” Luke answered. He could not imagine demons celebrating Thanksgiving. And Christmas? He shuddered at the thought. Maybe he should find a way to get out of town for Christmas.

“I’ll warn you. I’m not much of a cook,” Matteo murmured.

Luke shrugged. “Me neither. Maybe we could get a precooked turkey at the store. That’s the hardest part, right?”

They lost themselves for several minutes in Thanksgiving dinner planning until the server returned with their main course. He’d scarcely set the plates down when a strange, icy wind swept through almost the entire restaurant. Everywhere, tablecloths fluttered and customers gasped, grabbing for sweaters and coats to bundle up. Yet, the strange wind didn’t touch them. Luke and Matteo remained toasty warm in their corner by the front window.

At least two tables called for their checks, asking to have their food put in to-go containers rather than staying to eat.

This wasn’t normal. It had to be demon magic.

“Um…I’m going to slip away to the restroom. I need to wash my hands.” Luke made a show of pressing his fingers together as if there were a sticky substance on them. “The vinaigrette.”