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“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that,” Noah said.

“You don’t know, or you won’t tell us?”

“I know it was a medium. That’s all.”

Leo studied him. The man didn’t seem to be hiding anything, and there was no hint of a smile on his face.

“Okay,” Nate said at last.

He walked their visitor to the door. Leo followed, still thinking about the tea and everything Nate would have to tell his mother. Perhaps Miriam would be so pleased that he’d asked for help that she wouldn’t make it difficult.

He didn’t think that was likely, but it would be nice.

On the porch, Noah turned toward him.

“I really am sorry about the compilation.”

Leo studied him. “You won’t do it again?”

“Not without asking.”

That seemed reasonable. Leo nodded.

“I enjoyed your introduction video, by the way. I thought it was well done.”

Leo hadn’t expected that. He glanced at Nate, who seemed equally unsure what to say.

“Thank you,” Leo said eventually.

Noah smiled at him, then went down the steps toward his car.

They watched him leave. When the car disappeared beyond the trees, Nate shut the door and turned to Leo.

“Well. That was strange.”

“Yes.” Leo glanced toward the dining room. “I think I like the one on the left.”

Nate blinked. “What?”

“The paint.”

“Oh.” Nate looked toward the samples they’d left on the windowsill. “They’re the same color.”

“They’re not. But we can discuss that after you call your mother.”

“I was hoping you’d forgotten.”

“You know I won’t.”

“True.” He took his phone out of his pocket and found her number. Leo stayed beside him, though he wasn’t sure whether Nate would want him there for this part.

“Should I go?”

Nate looked up. “Do you want to?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then stay.”