Mrs. Hills glanced at the living room. Beauty's expression said it all.

"I'm sorry... but I don't think Beauty will want to..."

"Pardon me, Mrs. Hills, but I'm well aware of her relationship with Bruno Hathaway. We're just friends."

Mrs. Hills' eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, I see. Well, come on in, dear."

Eric stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Beauty.

"Beauty! It's good to see you," he said, then glanced at ...