Page 17 of Romero and Juliette

He scoffs as if the question itself is offensive. “Star Wars. No contest.”

“Really? I would’ve pegged you as a Trekkie.”

“Because I seem like the kind of guy who enjoys complicated ethical debates in space?”

“Exactly.”

“I mean, I do. But lightsabers, come on. Not to mention Chewbacca. Really, unfair comparison.”

“Agreed. Next one—cake or pie?”

“Pie. Every time.”

“Incorrect,” I say. “Cake wins because frosting exists.”

“Yeah, but pie has crust. You can’t trust people who don’t like crust.”

I stare at his profile for a minute. “Crust versus frosting? Sir, that does not even make sense.”

“I mean, I’m not saying I don’t like frosting. I just really like pie.”

I giggle. “Bygones. Okay, moving on. Vampires or zombies?”

“Zombies.”

“Same,” I say.

“Really? No sparkling vampires for you?”

“Uh, no. I never could get into those books. That heroine was like a piece of unbuttered toast. Just sad and boring.”

“Plus zombie movies,” he says.

“Definitely. Warm Bodies, World War Z, Zombieland, both the first and the sequel,” I say.

“More opportunities for humor. Vampires take themselves far too seriously,” he says.

“Yes! That’s totally what it is.”

“See, I know things,” he says.

“No doubt you know a lot of things. Even if it doesn’t involve explosions or dogs.”

“I make a mean pot of chili, too.”

“Good to know. Speaking of food, are you a jerky snack guy in general or just on road trips?”

“I appreciate jerky any time. But mostly this particular one.” He holds up his bag. “Don’t tell Beau. He likes this gourmet jerky and packed some in the van for me. But I prefer⁠—”

“The shoe leather,” I answer for him.

“Yes. I want to work for my flavor.”

I laugh.

“You? Salty or sweet on a road trip?” he asks.

“Salty in the car, sweet everywhere else.” I clear my throat. “Okay, last one. Be honest.”