I give him a sideways glance. “I don’t like how you sidestepped my question.”

“So did you.”

“You’re interviewing me again.”

“Maybe.”

We’re both trying not to smile.

“Well …” Zaniel checks his watch. “I should go. And thank you for … you know, today. Taking me up on such a strange quest.”

“I had a great time. When can we do it again?”

“Depends on when Grandma loans me her scooter next. She’s going to love you, by the way.”

“Why? You gonna set us up on a date?”

“I should! She’s always badgering me to teach her English, then never listens to a word I say, so I don’t know what I can teach her. She’ll listen to you, though. You’re pretty and polite, with your tiny hands and your ‘healthy’ skin …” He tries to pinch my cheeks in a poor imitation of an old woman. “And the way you’re always hoovering down food …”

“Am not!” We both laugh again. Then it gets too quiet between us. “You really want me to meet your grandmother?” I ask.

“Well, yeah. I think you have to, now. She’s been bugging me to bring a nice girl home for years. Don’t worry, she’s one of those tiny non-threatening obaachans who love foreigners. I’m telling you, she’s going to eat you up.”

“I don’t wanna be eaten up,” I grin.

“I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m rushing you into anything. I mean, we have all the time in the world.”

I take a deep breath. “Yeah, that reminds me … my contract ends in five months, and they want to know if I’m renewing, and … well, I still haven’t decided …”

“Cybelle —”

“I’d just rather be up front with you. I’m not trying to freak you out or anything, but if we’re talking about meeting grandmothers, I just think you should know …”

Zaniel cuts me off with a hug. I’m stunned at first, but then his peachy scent overtakes me. My eyes droop and my arms wrap around his body, which feels long and warm. He repeats, steadily: “All the time in the world.” He pulls away to look me in the eye. “Trust me. You haven’t scared me off, and you haven’t seen the last of me.”

“Okay. Good. Let me see you off.”

“It’s fine. Just make sure to lock the door behind you. This isn’t Canada.”

“Hardy har har.”