Just then, Mr. Hills walked into the kitchen, looking bewildered.

"Son, what in the world... What happened."

Eric, standing off to the side, tried to hide a grin, but the corners of his mouth were twitching.

"Well, this is... awkward."

"Stay out of this," Mr. Hills told Eric with a coldness that surprised even Beauty.

"I'll be in the living room," Eric said awkwardly and walked away from the kitchen.

As Beauty and Mr. Hills stood there, assessing the ...