She rolled her eyes, shifting to prop herself against the counter nearby as she folded her arms over her chest. "I kinda figured that was more Merritt's thing than yours. You know, with actually having to have a mind to use it."

She was teasing; she hoped he understood that. Either way, though, the amusement on her face faded at the question. "I think I've managed maybe twenty minutes total, but ... "

She shook her head.