“What are you going to fill it with?” I asked.
“I dunno,” she said with a shrug. “A bottle of callus remover and a bathmat, maybe?”
Oh, she was evil, all right.
I walked her down to the kitchen, where she rinsed out the fro-yo bucket and then left. Dad had been to the store earlier, and now I had my choice of what to feast on: ramen, mac and cheese, spaghetti…Okay, so I had my choice of noodles. I had just ripped into a blue box when the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” I called to Dad, figuring Cassandra had forgotten something.
I walked to the door and opened it, then did a double take. No one was there. The back of my neck immediately started to tingle, even though I’d never heard of a demon playing ding dong ditch. I stepped out on the porch and looked up and down the street but couldn’t see anything. I was about to step back inside when I looked down and saw it on the mat. A CD, with a homemade cover of a Gremlin in a Santa hat. I picked it up and flipped open the case. “Esme’s Merry Xmas Mix” was written on the CD in black marker, then a note, in smaller letters, on the inside of the cover. I figure a girl who only likes albums that came out before 1998 will have a CD player. —A
I shut the CD case quickly, then looked back up and down the street, really straining this time. I could feel myself starting to smile as I stepped back inside, and right as I shut the door, I thought I heard a crow caw, but it could have just been the wind.
Krista Marino, my incredible editor, thank you so much for all your support and guidance. When it comes to books, you complete me, and I’m in awe of your talent, dedication, and sense of humor. Le freak c’est chic, always. Can we toast a Zima the next time I’m in town?
Kerry Sparks, my equally incredible agent. Without you, I’d sell my books for a tub of pasta salad and some scratchers, so thank you for going to bat for me as my agent and my friend. Many thanks to Dominic Yarabe and the whole team at LGR as well.
Beverly Horowitz, publisher extraordinaire, and Lydia Gregovic and everyone at Delacorte Press. You all are the baddest witches in the game, and I’m so honored to be in your house.
Joshua Redlich, publicity master and the best Sanderson sister. Thank you for being so much fun to work with.
Regina Flath and Rik Lee. Thank you for making my books so freaking beautiful!
Copy editors Heather Lockwood Hughes and Colleen Fellingham, and sensitivy reader Jasmine Walls—your work is invaluable. Thank you for catching me before I fall.
Amy, for laying the groundwork for the Coven to take over the world (eventually), and Papa Joe, for your support, interest, and willingness to travel.
Bridge Club (especially Patty, Stephanie, and Harvey), for throwing me one hell of a book launch party.
Daria, for being the zookeeper to our little otter. Thank you for keeping him safe and entertained.
Rosie, for being a very good girl.
Kansas, because there’s no place like home, and California, for being a teenage dream.
Mike Worful, for fifteen years of friendship and Photoshop.
Carolyn, our eyebrows have improved since we were eighteen, and I daresay so have we.
Star, for Negronis, many memorable meals, and a sincere appreciation of Biggie Smalls and Mary J. Blige.
Molly, Poppy, and Zack. If we had to fly thirty hours to come see you guys, it would still be worth it.
Joe and Diane, I know this is no At Grandma and Grandpa’s House but then, what is? We are all so grateful for your love, support, and a lifetime of books.
The little one who decided not quite yet—we don’t blame you. Take your time, and we are ready when you are.
The Arroyo Boys, my adventure partners and number one and two favorite people on the planet. You are my whole world, and I love you more than anything.
And lastly, to my readers. Y’all are a bunch of weirdos, and I adore you for it. I can’t thank you enough for reading, posting, sharing, and talking about this book. It still blows my mind that we found each other, so let’s break out the Ouija board and have a slumber party.
Kate Williams has written for Seventeen, NYLON, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Vans, Calvin Klein, Urban Outfitters, and many other brands and magazines. She lives in California but still calls Kansas home. She is the author of The Babysitters Coven and its sequel, For Better or Cursed. To learn more about Kate and her books, go to heykatewilliams.com or follow @heykatewilliams on Instagram.
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For Better or Cursed Page 31
