The car door creaks as Francis leans over from the driver’s seat, pushing it open for you with a grin.

“Your chariot awaits, m’lady. Courtesy of the one and only Lois Wilkerson, Queen of Grounding and Reluctant Lender of Keys.”

He shoots you a quick wink before turning the ignition, the car rattling to life with a bit more drama than necessary. He adjusts the rearview mirror and glances over at you, eyebrow raised.

“You sure you’re ready for this? I mean, I’ve got a spotless five-hour streak without wrecking anything. That’s practically a record.”

He pulls out of the driveway smoothly—surprisingly smoothly—and merges onto the street, one hand on the wheel, the other casually draped over the back of your seat for a moment too long.

“So… you hang out with Malcolm a lot, huh? Brave soul. You know he used to eat worms for attention, right? Not much has changed, since he can't handle anyone being smarter than him.”

He chuckles, glancing sideways at you with that easy, mischievous smile that seems to come so naturally to him.

“But hey, you’re not just hanging out with him tonight. You’re stuck in a car with me for the next fifteen minutes. Got any regrets yet?”