Thinking fast, Brian immediately texted James.
Brian: [We're out of vinegar. I checked the market on the west side and couldn't find any. See if the grocery store on the east side has some.]
The trip there and back would take at least thirty minutes. That should be enough time to put everything back the way it was.
James stopped outside the apartment, frowning as he read the message.
While every nerve in my body was stretched tight, Brian, unbelievably, still hadn't backed away. He absentmindedly continued testing the "realism" of what he believed was the doll.
The tingling I'd barely managed to suppress immediately returned, crawling across every inch of my body like tiny sparks.
Brian steadied me by the waist as he continued inspecting me, completely absorbed in his own curiosity.
