Page 31 of My Vampire Plus-One

I snorted, amused at his commitment to the bit. “Fakedates to weddings,” I corrected.

“Fake dates to weddings,” he conceded. “Even still.”

I yawned, sleep beckoning. “What can I say? I’m very understanding.”

“I’llsay,” he said, that earnest tone back in his voice. “Do you have any questions?”

I bit my lip, considering. This conversation would be amusing if it wasn’t the middle of the night. But it was the middle of the night. I was too tired to keep doing this.

“If I have questions later, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Okay,” he said at length. “Um. Well, I’m glad you’re okay with it. Though, of course, it’s important you don’t tell anyone about what I just told you. We’re big on secrecy, for reasons that are probably obvious.”

Whatever you say, big guy.“Fine,” I said. I was drifting off again.

I could all but hear him weighing whether to say something else. He must have gathered that I was falling asleep, though. “Good night, Amelia,” he said. “I’m sorry for waking you. Get some sleep.”

I closed my eyes and did just that.

NINE

Text exchange between Reginald Cleaves and Frederick J. Fitzwilliam

REGINALD:I need clothes for Sunday night.

FREDERICK:I still completely disapprove of you doing this.

REGINALD:I know

FREDERICK:Seriously, Reginald, what were you THINKING.

REGINALD:That it’s a great idea. That maybe I’ll get my taxes done for free.

FREDERICK:Also given how long this situation with The Collective is likely topersist don’t you think you should buy at least SOME of your own things?

REGINALD:why waste money on boring clothes when I can just borrow your boring clothes?

FREDERICK:my clothes are not boring

FREDERICK:Cassie bought them for me

REGINALD:they work for you

REGINALD:but you know I like to stand out

FREDERICK:Indeed. In either case we are away the next few days. I cannot lend you anything beyond what I have already lent you.

REGINALD:Going anywhere good?

FREDERICK:A little seaside village in Maine that the brochure says has beautiful sunsets and great beaches for strolling.

FREDERICK:I’m finally formally proposing to Cassie.

FREDERICK:And hope to work up the nerve to ask for an answer re: what she’dlike to do about “the whole mortality thing,” as you put it the other day.

REGINALD:DUDE. That’s amazing! Thrilled for you, buddy

FREDERICK:I’m thrilled for me too.