Does a demon dare fall for a Madrigal?

Chapter 31: Such a sweet rat

Riley scratched their head as they watched the townspeople run away. "Rat? Where? I don't see it." they asked. They were in the middle of town square walking towards the smell of warm arepas. They leaned down and sniffed the food "This smells delicious! What is it?" Riley asked. Julieta turned around and was slightly stunned; all the people who were lined up had ran away to hide. She placed her hand on her mouth, "Oh my. Hello there." she said calmly. "Allo. What are these? They smell amazing." Riley asked while he pointed to the food. Reggie and Tara grabbed onto Riley's arms "I'm so sorry Mrs Julieta. Riley has never been here before, they didn't mean to scare anyone." Reggie apologized profusely . Julieta softly smiled "It's alright dear, your friend was just asking about my food. These are arepas, would you like to try one?" Riley nodded "Yes please. Can Tara try one too? Please?" Julieta handed the large rat and their centaur friend. Riley gobbled it in one go, whereas Tara wanted to savor the flavors. Riley's eyes lit up, they cupped their cheeks with their hands, and ran on the spot, "It's amazing!" they shouted. Tara soon mimicked their actions "Madam Julieta, your cooking is truly to die for." she complimented. Julieta gave the two a bashful smile "Thank you dears. I'm flattered, if you'd like I'll make you different foods for you to try? Or perhaps you would like to stay for dinner?" Riley and Tara looked at Reggie with puppy eyes. "Please can we stay Reggie? Pretty please with a nice cherry on top?" Riley begged. "I don't see why not, if it's alright with you?" Reggie said while looking at Julieta. She nodded "It's more than alright. I'll let the family know and I'll get extra seats for you all." "Thank you Mrs." Riley said. "It's not trouble dear. Now you three run along now. I look forward to seeing you all." The trio nodded before they headed toward Casita.