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of having a friend who is an immortal.” But as I do not want to think of Hermes ferrying Mikkos’ soul anytime soon, let alone lose Hermes, I ask, “Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat.”
    He doesn’t have to eat—none of the gods do—but, as he told me once, it’s a social pleasure he enjoys partaking in.
    “I’m fine, thanks.” He motions to the freshly empty plate in front of him. “I’ve stolen the rest of the crackers you left behind.”
    I pretend outrage. “You are a thief, sir.”
    He laughs, and I swear, his laughter is infectious. “Fine. I will bring you more crackers on my next visit.”
    Speaking of ... “What brings you here tonight?”
    The easiness so noticeable moments before slides off his face. And I know—just know. Something awful happened in the world today, and, as expected, Hermes would have been on the ground helping ferry souls to the Underworld. While this is not an uncommon occurrence, it’s not his favorite activity, either. I ask gently, “What happened?”
    He runs his long fingers through his hair. “Bombings.”
    It surprises me that an overwhelming yearning to reach out and touch his hand strikes me fast and hard, especially as just a few days ago we’d never touched. I ache to offer this comfort, but insecurity is a terrible fiend. I snuggle closer with the kitten; lucky little creature, to be so immune to the travesties of the world around it. “I am sorry to hear of this. I have not yet read up on the news of the world today. Did many people die?”
    He nods gravely. “But let us not talk about such a tragedy—at least, not in this moment. You asked why I am here; the truth is, I wanted a distraction from the day’s events. So I thought to myself, it is time to attempt an experiment I’ve longed to try. Are you game?”
    Awake now, Mátia escapes my arms and skitters across the table, sniffing out a bowl of cat food I laid out for it earlier. Mikkos was wise enough to come prepared with not only kibble and a collar with a bell on it, but a small bed for the kitten to sleep in. I reach out to keep him from going headfirst over the table. “What kind of experiment?” I ask warily.
    I’m given a half-smile. “It’s time I meet the Girls in person.”
    I sputter out my laughter. “Most definitely not.”
    He pulls my wine glass over and drains it. “Why not?”
    “Are you serious?” How could he even thinking of such a thing? I lean forward, a hand used as a wall, safely barricading Mátia. “Hermes. We have no idea if the Girls are just as cursed as I am.”
    “There’s a chance they aren’t.”
    They like this idea, as they twist in frenzy, hissing atop my head. I tap on the mass with my free hand. Sorry, Girls. As much as you may want this, there is no way I am risking him. “There’s a chance they are.”
    The hissing turns most decidedly toward disapproval.
    “Thus, the experiment. I’d like to see them.” He flashes me that smile of his that I swear must charm the entirety of Olympus. It’s nearly impossible to resist it myself, but the image of his stone body in my temple knocks me back to reality. “I think they’d like to see me, too. It’s not fair that Mikkos gets to pet them when I can’t.”
    One of the Girls sneaks her little head toward the edge of the scarf. I poke her back before she gets too far. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you sound jealous over this.”
    He leans forward, tracing the bottom of the wine glass with a finger. “Maybe I am.”
    I outright laugh now. A god, jealous of a blind mortal? Impossible. “Don’t be ridiculous. Didn’t you just say I had no reason to worry about your death? And here you are, tempting it to happen simply because you want to pet my snakes?”
    Much hissing escapes my scarf.
    He chuckles. “Okay, perhaps not pet—but I certainly would like to meet them.”
    I reclaim Mátia and snuggle him closer. If he’s unable to see to reason, then I must be the one to put my