"Because I'm enjoying someone else getting hammered with Adam's impromptu quizzes for once." Della snickered again, instantly rewarded with one of Adam's mock glares.
"You're such a brat." Adam turned his back on her. "It was nine thousand years ago and was a fermented beverage found in China made from fruit, honey, and rice."
"Huh. I have to admit, that was a fascinating piece of information."
"Told you my trivia was intriguing," Adam declared, wrinkling his nose at Della.
"Okay, fine. Only some of it is boring. Happy now?"
"Yes, I am. Thank you."
I shook my head and chuckled at the two of them. Being around Adam and Della was like watching a brother-and-sister comedy team, and it didn't take much to figure out they cared about each other like siblings.
I took a few more bites of my dinner, scanning Adam's apartment as I chewed. It was meticulous, like Adam, who disliked having anything out of place. "Your unit is comfortable, and the setup makes it feel roomy. Have you lived here long?"
"No, Theo and I moved here two years ago. We wanted to be in a more walkable neighborhood with easier access to public transportation. This complex fit all the criteria we were looking for."
"Plus, it's closer to me," Della added. "And I can take the T since the Haymarket station is across the street."
"That's convenient." I finished my soup and set my spoon on my now-empty plate. "Dinner was delicious. I had no idea you were such a fantastic cook."
"Thanks. Cooking has always interested me, but I didn't experiment with new recipes and different techniques until I moved here after college." Adam stacked our plates and bowls and took them into the kitchen, tossing, "We can start the movie after I clean up," over his shoulder.
"I'm going to change." Della scooted her chair backward. "Jace can help with the dishes."
"Thanks for offering my services, although I don't mind helping out." Afraid I was missing something, I asked as she walked away, "Why are you changing?"
"So I can be more comfortable while I scare myself half to death."
"Della likes to put on a pair of wacky pajamas and curl up on the couch when I turn on a movie," Adam called out from the kitchen. "She hides under her hood during the best parts."
"So what if I hide? And for your information, my jammies are not wacky."
Della marched from the dining area and disappeared into one of the bedrooms. I went to help Adam, the thought of what she might be changing into nibbling at the back of my brain. It took little effort to get the kitchen in order. I put detergent in the dishwasher and turned it on as Adam cleaned the counters. Ready for the movie, I retrieved my cup from the table and went to join Della in the living room.
I did a double-take when I saw her sitting in the middle of the couch.
"What the… Oh, shit. What are you wearing?" I struggled to ask, overcome with laughter.
"My jammies."
"Told you," Adam yelled from the kitchen.
I stared at Della's pale pink and very fuzzy long johns with a zipper front, which looked like an infant's sleep-and-play outfit without the feet. The material was uniformly covered in tiny print flowers in red and green. "Damn, that's hilarious."
"Just wait," Adam shouted.
"Shut up!" Della made a face and pulled the attached hood over her head.
"Oh, fuck," I blurted, unable to help it. The sight of Della's unicorn hood with its multi-colored mane, protruding eyelashes, and horn was too much, and I laughed so hard I was close to spilling my drink. I set it on an end table and dropped onto the chair beside it, battling like crazy to get it together.
"You can stop anytime now," Della growled.
I lifted my head and held my hand up. "Sorry. I'm sorry," I managed to say between shaky breaths. "Oh, God. That isn't what I expected."
Della narrowed her eyes at me and scowled. "Can we watch the flick now?"
"Yes, fine." I took a deep breath and crossed the room, setting my cup on the coffee table and plopping down at the far end of the couch.
