“How is it going with the Vampire Clown?” Emily asked, enjoying her unhealthy breakfast.

“Very good,” Byron said, “But those are two separate movies.”

“I’m just teasing you.”

“You know,” Byron said gently, “you don’t have to pretend to support me in my movie-making ventures. I can see you’re annoyed by them.”

“I’m not pretending!” Emily exclaimed. “Okay, maybe I was mad at you at first. But I meant what ...