They sat, holding hands beneath the varnished wooden surface. A few moments passed, and Mr. McAffrey came back, balancing four cups and a cast iron teapot with a dragon and phoenix design embossed on the surface, and what looked to be a flower on the lid.
“What a fascinating pot.” Alcy peered closer. “Is that a genuine Tetsubin?”
“It is,” Mr. McAffrey replied, with obvious pride. “I got it on a trip to Japan about fifty years ago. It brews the most outstanding tea.”
“Ooh.” Alcy’s eyes widened. “Which is your favorite?”
“I have so many, but I suppose my absolute favorite is chamomile.”
Alcy smiled. “I love that too. Then again, I love Darjeeling’s light, nutty taste, Chai is my go-to tea when I want a little spice… And when I need a hit of caffeine, there’s nothing quite like Yerba Mate.”
Mr. McAffrey beamed at Alcy. “You’re a connoisseur of teas?” He poured for them.
Alcy flushed. “I love tea. It has so many effects. It can energize, relax, clear your mind. The uses are nearly limitless.”
“Yes, I quite agree.”
Carter watched, fascinated, as the two men discussed their favorite blends, talking about their origins, and the general benefits of tea. He’d never known there was more to tea than pouring some hot water over a bag and drinking it. He glanced at Beez, expecting him to appear bored, but Beez seemed enraptured as he stared at Alcy.
He’s head over heels.More importantly, he wasn’t hiding it.
Finally, Mr. McAffrey leaned back on his chair. “Okay, I’m sure you didn’t come here for a lesson on tea.” He smiled at Carter. “What can I do for you today?”
Everything Carter had wanted to say suddenly fled his mind. He couldn’t exactly tell Mr. McAffrey about the divinity of the two men flanking him—at least, not if he didn’t want to be locked away.
Before he could come up with a suitable response, Mr. McAffrey gave him a knowing smile. “It’s okay, Carter. Remember, you can tell me anything. I guarantee that at my age, there’s nothing you can say that would shock me.”
“I’ll take that bet,” Beez said.
That earned him a sly smile. “You’re on.” He leaned in closer to Carter. “Go on. Tell me why you’re here today.”
The words tumbled from Carter before he could stop them, and he shared everything: how he’d summoned these two; how they were really an angel and a demon; how he was expected to choose between them; how they’d all gotten close; and how Beez and Alcy had loved each other from afar, but now they loved him too…
Then he became conscious of Beez and Alcy’s stunned gazes, and he swallowed. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
Mr. McAffrey chortled and sat back. “So, the three of you fell in love? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“Yes, sir,” Carter whispered.
“What he said,” Beez replied.
“Ditto,” Alcy added.
Mr. McAffrey stared at them for so long that Carter squirmed under his scrutiny. Even Beez seemed uncomfortable. Finally, Mr. McAffrey threw his hands into the air. “All I can say is it’s about damned time.”
Carter blinked. “Sir?”
He smiled. “Do you know how long I’ve been trying to get these two together? Centuries. I’ve never had to deal with such stubborn hosts.”
No… He couldn’t be… “Wait. Are you telling me you’re—?”
Mr. McAffrey beamed. “Beezlebub, Alcindor. Good to see you.”
They both gaped. “Supreme?”
Chapter Eighteen
Carter was trying to remember how to breathe.