by Rose Pressey
Cooper plopped down on the sofa.
“Make yourself at home.” I smirked.
Mindy gave me a fake smile. I felt uncomfortable in my own home. As if I was the intruder…and unwanted guest.
“So, how about that bourbon?” Cooper asked, giving me a stare.
Good-looking, cocky bastard. “Well, how do you want it?” I asked.
“I know how I’d give it to him.” Mae grinned, without even glancing our way. On a good note, I’d gotten used to her quips. Well, somewhat used to them. Why did I have to be with the queen of double entendre? Ugh. For once, could she say something with one meaning and one meaning only?
“How about bourbon and Coke?”
“Will Diet Coke work?”
“All she drinks is diet,” Mindy said. “If she’d come to more of my classes, she wouldn’t have to worry about dieting.” Mindy snorted.
I cut her a sharp glare. “I do have Diet Coke. I was going to suggest that you have diet instead of regular, Cooper.” I smirked at him. “You need to watch every calorie you can. I’d hate to see you lose those six-pack abs.”
Cooper chuckled and Mindy smiled again.
“You tell him,” Anthony said.
I don't think my criticism affected him in the least. Actually, by the look of his cocky smile, I think he kind of enjoyed it.
Leaving the two of them whispering and laughing on the sofa, I walked into the kitchen and dug the bourbon out from the back of the cabinet. After breaking the seal, I poured a small amount into the glass. I didn't want him to have much. The last thing I needed was for Cooper to be drunk. I'd have to kick his butt, for sure.
“You want me to punch him?” Anthony asked while pacing the kitchen floor. Good thing he was a ghost or he’d wear a path down in the tile.
“It’s a tempting offer,” I whispered. “I can’t talk now, he may hear me.” I motioned toward the living room with a tilt of my head.
If Mindy hadn’t already told Cooper about my psychic abilities, then I sure didn’t want him to find out. He'd probably spread the news all over town that I talked to myself, all the while claiming to chitchat with dead people. I don't know how the residents of Magnolia would react to that news. Some of them believed anything to do with ghosts was really the work of the devil.
I retrieved the Diet Coke from the fridge and filled the rest of the glass.
“I won't let him treat you that way,” Anthony said.
“Remember what I told you all about using my energy to do things?” I whispered.
I looked from Mae, to Seth, and over to Anthony. They gave me a blank stare. In one ear and out the other.
“I said don't, remember? Let me handle these things on my own. I can take care of it. I'm a big girl, and I've been dealing with people for many years now.” I reached for ice from the freezer.
“You’re beautiful when you're feisty, do you know that?” Anthony asked.
“Ugh. So I’ve been told. By you. Many, many times.”
After dropping a couple ice cubes in, I grabbed the glass and headed back toward the living room. I hadn’t asked Mindy if she wanted anything, but I was used to her helping herself. Anytime Mindy came over she raided my fridge but, of course, this trip was different than the past, even if I was trying to deny it. Something told me I couldn't deny it any longer. Mindy needed my help. The tough question was how I would convince her of that.
I handed the glass to Cooper and he took a swig, coughing before placing the glass on the table in front of him.
“Not a bourbon drinker after all, huh?” I chuckled, unable to control myself.
He gave a cocky smirk and Mindy stared blankly at her fingernails. I sat on the arm of the chair across from the sofa, staring at them, waiting for one of them to speak.
“So…” I said when it looked as if neither one would speak first. “What have you two been up to?”
“Not much. I was at class earlier,” Mindy said nonchalantly. “It was quite a turnout, thanks to Cooper. He went around town and rounded up a bunch of ladies. I couldn't believe it. They can’t resist his charm.” She smiled at Cooper. “And you said I would never get people to come to class.”
Hmmm. I had no comment. Technically, I never said she’d never get any people to class. So the great Cooper Garret could trick women into doing things they probably didn't want to do. Why was I not surprised? Mae squeezed into the space on the sofa between Mindy and Cooper. She gave funny looks to Mindy, and it was all I could do not to burst out in laughter.
“That’s great, Mindy. Really great.” More silence filled the air. Finally, I said, “Anyway, I have no idea who broke into my house.” Should I mention the message on the mirror? No, I didn’t want to give Cooper the satisfaction.
“Well, I’m not surprised. You don't have a lot of friends in town other than me.” Mindy shifted in her seat.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I stared at her.
She shrugged her shoulders.
I wouldn’t let her off that easily. “What do you mean by that, Mindy? Spit it out.”
Cooper looked to Mindy and I stared at them, looking back and forth waiting for an answer.
“It's just that you are kind of snobby around town.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
My jaw opened so wide, it could’ve hit the floor. Was she kidding? That was it. If Cooper Garret was responsible for this, I’d put a stop to it. He was so going down. The enemy was sitting right there on my sofa, drinking out of my glass, next to my best friend. Mindy would let him have it when she found out what he’d done. But I couldn’t confront him yet. It would do no good. He’d just deny it. I needed a way to stop him.
Finally, I said, “What makes you say something like that? I'm nice to everyone.”
“That's not what I heard,” Mindy chirped.
She could have whacked me over the head with one of her “fitness” poles and it would have been less painful. I eyed Cooper for his reaction to her statement. Did he have anything to add?
“What?” Cooper asked when he noticed me looking at him. He held his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Who told you that?” I asked Mindy. “Your new little playmate?” I gestured with a tilt of my head toward Cooper. Not that I’d needed to, she knew who I meant.
“Cooper has nothing to do with it. Mrs. Newton at the grocery said you were a snob.”
“That’s because she always overcharges and I finally said something to her about it. She does that to everyone. I wouldn't listen to a word she says, and if that's all you've got to base your theory on, then you are way off base.”
“Whatever.” She shrugged. Not one flicker of emotion remained in her eyes.
I couldn’t handle it anymore. I snapped. “You know, Cooper, I have no idea why I even invited you in my house. In my opinion, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You’re just like your cousin. And I'd appreciate it if you 'd leave now.” I stood.
“Larue, don’t be so upset. You should hang out with us more often. I helped Mindy and I can help you, too.” He thought his dazzling smile would save him? I wasn’t falling for it.
“I’m pretty sure I don’t need your help.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
He stared for a beat. “Come on, Mindy. I don’t think Larue wants us here.”
Mindy got up, but didn't say a word.
“Mindy, don’t go like this.” I hurried behind her.
She stopped when she reached the front door, then turned to look at me.
“Listen, Larue, it's time you dealt with all this mess on your own. I have other things to do than help you. I have a life too, you know.”
“Mindy, I thought you were my friend. I know you have a life, but something is wrong. Don’t you think it’s strange that Cooper comes to town and our friendship falls apart?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Larue.” Mindy had a blank stare.
“That’s it. I can’t handle
it any longer.” I threw my hands up in the air. “You know what’s going on, don’t you? It’s him. He’s done this to you.” I pointed at Cooper.
Mindy’s mouth fell open. “Larue, don’t talk to him that way.”
“He’s put you under a spell just like his crazy cousin did to Callahan. He’s only in town for revenge.”
“Hey, are you calling me crazy? I take offense at that. I’m nutty, not crazy.” He smirked and let out a chuckle. “I told you Brianna was the black sheep of the family. I would never do anything bad to Mindy.”
I glared at him. Did he take nothing seriously? Was everything a joke to him?
“You release whatever hold you have on her right now,” I demanded.
“We don’t have to stay here and listen to this. If anyone is crazy right now, it’s you, Larue. Just listen to yourself, accusing Cooper of something so terrible. He’s a great friend. You should get to know him instead of judging. He’s a lot better friend than you’re being right now.”
Her words stung, but I needed to remember they weren’t her words. “You’ve let this evil man control your mind. I won’t stop until I figure out what you’ve done and I’ll stop you, if it’s the last thing I do.” I glared at Cooper.
“In all seriousness, Larue, I haven’t done anything to Mindy. She’s a grown woman. She can make decisions for herself. To be honest, I don’t want to be involved in this girl drama. Mind if we head out, Mindy?” She nodded and moved toward the door. Cooper turned before he headed out the door. “I wish you’d change your mind about me, Larue.”
“Highly unlikely,” I said. “He’s set up some kind of dark spell in your mind, Mindy. Snap out of it.” She walked down the steps, not turning to acknowledge my statement.
I wanted to shake her. Maybe it would break loose whatever hold he had on her.
“Larue, if you don’t stop this nonsense, the men with little white jackets will be coming for you soon.” Mindy made a dash for her car. Cooper wasn’t moving nearly as fast.
He gave me a little frown. Was that a pity look? He could save it for someone who was buying his act. Mindy rushed down the path and jumped in her car.
Chapter Thirty
“Sorry about this,” Cooper said, stopping on the front porch.
When I didn’t answer, he made his way down the steps and across the path to Mindy’s car. I didn’t bother watching her leave. I slammed the door and stomped back into the living room.
“That went well,” Anthony said. “I didn’t think you’d confront him. That could have been a huge mistake. If he’s doing something bad, this could make it worse.”
I quirked a brow. “Thanks for the advice,” I said.
“I have to say, Larue, I’m not convinced that Cooper had anything to do with the way Mindy’s acting. He sounds as if he’s being honest.” Anthony leaned against the wall.
I plopped down on the sofa and blew out a deep breath. I ran my hand through my hair. “Who else would do something like this to Mindy? I mean, he shows up and instantly she starts acting weird. That person isn’t Mindy. She’s never acted that way in her entire life.”
“Well, people do change. Maybe Cooper’s presence brought this out in her. Friends grow apart sometimes.”
“No, they don’t. I mean they do, but not without some warning. You’re not friends one day and not speaking to each other the next. Unless you had a fight and, unless I’m unaware, we didn’t. That’s the whole concept of friends…you’re ‘friends’.”
“Maybe you need to look into this Cooper man.” Seth leaned against his cane.
“You know, I think you’re right. I do need to look into him. But where do I start? Snooping around in his shrubs won’t produce much of anything.”
“You’re a smart girl, I’m sure you’ll think of something. Did I mention you’re beautiful, too?” Anthony smiled.
“Maybe once, or twenty times.” I gave a lopsided grin.
“With friends like that, who needs them?” Mae said from over my shoulder. She leaned against the back of the sofa. The ghosts were always popping up in the most unexpected places.
The tears spilled down my cheeks. I fell over on the sofa and buried my face in a pillow.
“Please don't be sad, doll. I can't stand to see you like this.” Anthony stood next to the sofa.
“Just give her some air,” Seth said. “What can we do, sweetheart?”
“Nothing. I don't know what can be done. What if I can’t fix this? What if she will always feels this way? I’ll have to understand it and let her go. She has a new friend now.”
“Something has to be done. I refuse to believe that she’ll always be this way,” Seth said.
“What do you mean?” I sniffled.
“Well, you’re right, your friend didn't always act this way, and it’s no coincidence, like you said. So stop that crying business and let’s get to work.”
“You’re right.” I sniffled again. “I won’t take this lying down.” I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
“That’s my girl.”
I paused, unsure of what to say next. I was too exhausted to think about what to do now.
Anthony paced in front of the sofa. “Maybe you're right about Cooper. Perhaps he is involved. He claims he has nothing to do with magic, but this is too much of a coincidence.”
I jumped up, pacing the same path across the living room floor. “Yeah, it started as soon as she began talking to Cooper.”
“Who is this Cooper person, anyway? Where did he come from? Why is he here?” Mae asked.
“He’s Brianna's cousin. Brianna Garret owned the clothing boutique across the street from Book Nook. She was not a nice person, and that's putting it mildly. She practiced magic…black magic. She wanted to manipulate people and use them. She placed a curse on Callahan and they almost got married.”
“So what happened to her?” Mae asked.
“I'm not sure…the woman I went to visit in the hospital took her away. One day she came to Brianna’s shop with these men and they took her off. And that's the last I saw of her. But good riddance. You have no idea how evil she was.”
“You say Cooper is her cousin?” Anthony asked.
“That’s what he claims.” I fidgeted my hands as I paced.
“Honey, you need to sit down, you’re making me dizzy,” Mae said.
“Why is Cooper here again?” Anthony continued, unfazed by my pacing.
“He said he took over the boutique.”
“Just like that? That was fast if you said this just happened.”
“It was fast, but I figured he came as soon as he heard, so the store wouldn't miss out on any business.”
“Maybe.” Anthony began pacing in the opposite direction to me. “What do you know about him other than what you just told me?”
“Nothing. That's the thing, I know nothing about him.”
“Maybe you should find out,” Mae said. “It never hurts to know a man’s motives.”
Tears pooled in my eyes again. Mindy had been the one who was good at snooping.
“Mindy would have wanted to snoop on Cooper.” I wiped my cheek with the back of my hand.
“I've been known to be a good snooper in my day,” Seth said.
“We'll all help you. I'd do anything for you, Larue.” Anthony stood beside me and brushed my hair away from my face.
“I know you would,” I said softly. He really had a way of making me feel better.
“Easy there, Anthony, old chap. She's still Callahan's girl.”
I frowned. “It doesn't look like I am, Seth. He thinks I’m dating someone else.”
“Aren't you?” Mae raised a brow at Anthony.
“Of course, I’m not. How could I date a ghost, for heaven’s sake? That would never work.” I continued my pacing. “I want things to work with Callahan, really, I do. But right now, I have to find out what’s going on with Mindy. I’ll try to call Callahan, though. I promise, Seth.”
Anthony was right. I ne
eded to do something. I wouldn’t just sit back and allow this guy to ruin Mindy’s life. Then it hit me; he wanted to drive a wedge between Mindy and me because he realized how important and strong our friendship was. That would be an easy way to hurt me for what I had done to his cousin. Unfortunately, I didn’t have Karyn to ask for advice or help. Becky seemed close to Karyn, maybe she’d help. She had said she’d look into Cooper. She didn’t trust him either. It was the only plan I could come up with; it was all I had and I had to give it a shot. What did I have to lose? I’d find Becky’s address and drop in for a little visit. I had another coven member’s number, I’d call her and ask for Becky’s number. Somehow, I needed to talk with Becky right away.
After trying the other coven member’s number and not getting an answer, I was incredibly upset. But then I remembered my secret weapon: my mother. One good thing about having a mother who had a standing weekly appointment at Ruby’s Hair Salon, she could find out details about anyone in town. I wanted to ask her about Cooper too, but I couldn’t. I was sure someone had mentioned the new mysterious good-looking man in town, but that was dangerous territory. She’d think I was interested in him as a potential husband, and that was a road I didn’t want to travel.
After a twenty-minute conversation that should have only taken two minutes, my mother promised to call back in a jiffy with Becky’s address or phone number. I knew the jiffy promise was impossible. It would take her at least two hours of chitchatting. Sure enough, after a few hours, she called back with the requested info. Now to do some snooping on Mr. Cooper Garret.
***
“I knew I recognized his name,” Anthony said as he bounded into my bedroom. He’d been watching Ninja Warrior on TV with Seth. They’d developed a new fascination with that show, along with the Finding Bigfoot program where people hunted for the big, hairy Sasquatch. How random, right? Men were strange no matter if they were living or dead.
“What did I tell you about coming into my bedroom?” I snapped.
“Um. Not to?”
“Exactly.” I frowned.
“Never mind that now. I know where I’ve seen the name Cooper Garret before.” Anthony beamed with excitement.
