“We don’t spend fifteen hours a day together,” Maddie protested, giggling.
“You two are only apart when you have to work,” Christy countered. “I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s adorable, in fact. I just think eventually you two are going to have to settle into a more normal schedule where you’re not so codependent.”
Maddie frowned. “We’re not codependent.”
“Oh, Mad, it’s cute you think that,” Christy said, hopping onto the curb on the opposite side of the street they’d just crossed. “It’s okay to be codependent right now. You two spent ten years pining for each other. It’s natural to want to spend a lot of time together now.”
Maddie mulled the idea over. Are we codependent? While it was true she was happiest curled up with Nick and a book in the window seat of her large Victorian, which also doubled as her store, Magicks, on the main floor, her grandmother’s apartment in the garage, and Nick’s home on the second floor, Maddie had been working overtime to come out of her shell. It wasn’t easy, and sometimes she felt as if she was back in high school because her insecurities got the better of her, but she fought tooth and nail to be stronger every day of her life.
Maddie’s memory regarding Blackstone Bay wasn’t always full of happy times. She’d been a sad child, scared for others to find out about her abilities. Her mother drilled it in her head that she must never tell anyone what she could do, so instead of confiding in her best friend Nick, she fled Blackstone Bay after graduation and cut off contact. That was the worst mistake she ever made.
When she returned to Blackstone Bay, Maddie was determined to make amends with Nick. She’d always been in love with him, and at the time of her return she was convinced she wouldn’t be able to make him love her, but there might be a chance of forgiveness down the road. Nick surprised her – and took her breath away – when he accepted her revelation and then admitted he loved her.
Maddie knew she would never again take for granted what he meant to her. She couldn’t help but wonder if Christy was right about the codependency thing, though.
“We’re not codependent,” Maddie said finally. “We’re just … happy.”
Christy’s expression softened. “Maddie, I didn’t mean it as a bad thing,” she said. “I know you’re happy. It was partially a joke.”
“And the other part?”
“You and Nick have only been together a few months,” Christy said. “You’re still in the heady beginning stage of a relationship where all you can think about is the other person – and when you can get them naked next. That’s normal.
“Of course, you guys are moving faster than a normal couple would, but you’ve been in love forever and it makes sense for you two,” she continued. “I was just messing with you.”
“Okay,” Maddie said, accepting Christy’s words at face value. She didn’t want to dwell on it. Fall was always her favorite season in Blackstone Bay, and she was determined to enjoy everything the town – and Nick – had to offer this holiday season. “I haven’t been to a fall town festival since I was a kid. I can’t wait for this one.”
“You always were a goofy thing,” Christy teased, pulling up short when she saw the group of people walking along the town square fence. It looked as if they had signs. “Are those … picketers?”
Maddie narrowed her eyes and followed Christy’s gaze, stunned confusion washing over her when she realized Christy was right. “I … but … why?”
“That’s an excellent question, Maddie,” Christy said, increasing her pace. “Let’s find out, shall we? I love intrigue, especially since Blackstone Bay rarely has any.”
Maddie wasn’t as excited to see the hoopla as Christy – especially since she was hoping for a quiet weekend of hayrides, bonfires, caramel apples, and maybe even frolicking in the falling leaves – but she followed her friend. As the duo grew closer to the group, Maddie couldn’t help but grow more and more confused.
“I don’t understand.”
“I know who they are,” Christy said, stopping behind one of the parked cars so she could study the demonstration. It was only twenty people, but they were well organized as they walked in a circle and chanted. “They’re that weird group who follows Cooper Ashton around and say he’s going to Hell because he writes about the paranormal.”
“Paranormal equals Para-evil,” Maddie read aloud from one of the signs, shaking her head. “I’m not sure that makes sense.”
“These people don’t care about making sense,” Christy said. “They just like attention. They can’t help themselves.”
“Don’t look for ghosts, look for God,” Maddie said, reading another sign. “At least I get that one. These aren’t local people, right? They’re not from around here.”
“I don’t think so,” Christy replied. “Most of them follow Cooper Ashton around wherever he goes – which begs the question how they afford that if they’re not working – but I wouldn’t be surprised if they recruit locals in each area, too. I don’t see anyone I know, though.”
Maddie nodded, her mind busy. “The only one who can know the future and talk to the dead is the one true God,” she said, reading another sign. “They misspelled ‘future.’”
Christy snorted. “Of course they did. This really sucks. They’re going to ruin the whole festival.”
“Not if we ignore them,” Maddie said. “They’ve been put in a spot where we’re only going to have to see them as we go into and exit the town square. Once we’re in there we won’t even notice them and the constant music and midway noise will drown them out.”
“Let’s just get this over with and hurry over to the other side,” Christy said, grabbing Maddie’s arm. “I want to see Cooper Ashton’s booth and anything is better than listening to these … people.”
“I don’t know,” Maddie hedged. “I may not agree with them, but if they truly believe something is evil, that’s their prerogative.”
“Ugh. You’re such a Mary Sue sometimes,” Christy said, tugging on Maddie’s arm. “You’re getting better, don’t get me wrong, but it’s okay to dislike people when they’re being morons.”
Christy stared straight ahead as she pulled Maddie through the crowd, tuning out the multitude of voices as they talked about sinning and psychics. Maddie took the opportunity to scan the faces up close and personal, but she didn’t recognize any of them and, if anything, she felt more uncomfortable with their presence by the time she and Christy made it to the safety of the other side.
Once they crossed the fairgrounds line, Christy was a new person. Her excitement returned and she was practically giddy as she glanced around. “Wow. Look at the stage.”
Maddie followed Christy’s finger with her eyes, her eyebrows hopping when she saw the huge stage on the other side of the dance floor. It was twice as big as the regular festival stage. “Huh. I wonder why it’s so big.”
“It’s because Cooper Ashton is a huge deal,” Christy said. “Think about it, Maddie. Cooper Ashton is the biggest celebrity we’ve ever had in Blackstone Bay. We’re witnessing history.”
Maddie couldn’t quite muster the energy and enthusiasm pouring out of Christy. “I understand that Cooper Ashton is a writer, but I’m not sure that makes him a celebrity.”
“He has his own television show,” Christy pointed out, scanning the crowd. “Do you see him? Is he here yet?”
Maddie wrinkled her nose, mildly confused. “What television show is he on?”
“He has that paranormal investigation show on the SyFy channel,” Christy replied, not missing a beat. “I watch it all the time. He’s extremely hot. He’s psychic, just like you. He decided to write what he already knew about.”
Maddie grabbed Christy’s arm and gave it a vicious yank to get her attention. “Don’t say that so loudly,” she ordered. “Cooper Ashton may think it’s great to be psychic, but I don’t. Please, just … keep that to yourself.”
Christy’s face shifted from excited to embarrassed. “Maddie, I’m sorry,” she
said. “I didn’t mean to say that at all. I lose my head sometimes. I would never out your secret. You know that.”
Maddie did know that. She was still terrified of the Blackstone Bay denizens finding out and branding her a witch when no one was looking. While she thought most of the residents would understand, there were a few she worried would try to burn her at the stake.
“I know you wouldn’t tell on purpose,” Maddie said, choosing her words carefully. “I’m just afraid some people would try to toss me on a bonfire if they find out.”
Christy snorted. “Only one person would want to do that,” she said. “Oh, and here comes Goody Marla now.”
Maddie pressed her lips together as he gaze fell on Marla Proctor, her high school nemesis. Maddie knew it was dramatic to look at the woman that way, but she didn’t know how else to regard her. Marla spent her entire junior high and high school existence going out of her way to torture Maddie. The two women hated each other.
“I’ve never seen Marla here so early for a festival,” Maddie said, glancing around. “She usually comes for the beer and a random hookup, but she’s actually trying to help set up the stage. What’s that about?”
“I’m not sure,” Christy admitted, shrugging. “I … no way.”
Maddie jerked her head in the direction Christy stared, squinting her eyes when a swarthy man in blue jeans and black coat hopped up onto the stage. He was striking to look at, long dark hair setting off vibrant blue eyes. His shoulders were broad and his smile engaging, and after shaking Marla’s hand he took a moment to scan the set-up. His eyes eventually landed on Maddie.
“Oh, my,” Christy said, fanning herself. “That is Cooper Ashton.”
“I figured,” Maddie said dryly, finding it difficult to wrench her eyes from Cooper’s handsome face. “I think he’s staring.”
“That’s probably because he’s psychic and senses I’m going to be the love of his life,” Christy said, smoothing the front of her jacket as Cooper jumped down from the stage – leaving Marla in mid-sentence – and made his way across the dance floor. “I’m going to die. He’s heading in this direction.”
“Awesome,” Maddie muttered, suddenly uncomfortable.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I’m Cooper Ashton. Am I right in assuming you’re here to see me?”
“Absolutely,” Christy said, exhaling heavily.
“We’re just looking around,” Maddie countered. “I have a booth on the premises and Christy was … um … helping me decide how I’m going to set it up.” Maddie shot Christy a dark look to get the woman to stop openly ogling Cooper, but it was completely lost on her best friend. She was focused on the purported psychic and everyone else in the world no longer existed.
“What kind of booth are you running?” Cooper asked, feigning interest.
“I own a magic shop on the edge of town,” Maddie replied, uneasy with the admission and question. She didn’t want Cooper showing too much interest in her work. “I basically do tarot readings at festivals.”
“She’s a fraud, unlike you,” Marla said, catching up to Cooper. “Everyone knows you’re the real deal. The only thing real about Maddie is what a loser she is.”
Cooper knit his eyebrows together. “Excuse me?”
Christy regained her senses, if only marginally, when Marla’s words sank in. “You’re just jealous of Maddie, like you’ve always have been,” Christy snapped. “Stop insulting her. If you keep insulting her, you’ll remain banned from the shop.”
Christy ran Blackstone Bay’s lone beauty parlor and she banned Marla and her grandmother from the property after a particularly nasty showdown with Maddie. They were still recovering – and plotting payback.
“You can’t do that,” Marla seethed. “This is a big week for me. I need to be able to get my hair done.”
“Then apologize to Maddie,” Christy snapped. “You’re always so mean to her. It doesn’t get you anywhere. It just makes people realize you’re pathetic and jealous. Let it go. It’s not high school any longer.”
“I am not jealous!” Marla hissed.
“Oh, but you are,” Cooper said, closing his eyes and pressing his hand to his forehead. “I can see years of hurt and jealousy stretching between you.”
Maddie made a face. “I’m sorry, what are you doing?”
“He’s having a psychic vision,” Christy squealed, excited. “He’s seeing your past with Marla.”
“Oh, there’s no need to do that,” Marla said, reaching for Cooper’s hand so she could pull it away from his face, forcing him to take a step away from her. “In fact, if I were you, I would never think about Maddie Graves again. This town was better off when she was gone.”
“You’re extremely jealous of Maddie, aren’t you, Marla?” Cooper pressed, his eyes remaining shut. “She took something from you that was never yours and yet you believed it should’ve been. You’ve never gotten over it.”
“That must be Nick,” Christy said, nodding sagely. “Marla has always had a crush on Maddie’s boyfriend. He doesn’t even know she exists – except when she upsets Maddie – and Marla can’t stand it.”
“You’ll never beat Maddie, so you should stop trying, Marla,” Cooper said, snapping his eyes open. “That’s all I saw.”
“I think you should try again,” Marla said dryly. “I’m pretty sure your psychic visions are on the fritz, because I’ve already beaten Maddie.”
“You’ve never beaten her,” Cooper challenged. “Being mean to her isn’t beating her, it’s beating yourself. Maddie already won. Her inside light is serene. Yours is a muddled mess, Marla. That’s on you.”
Was this guy for real? Maddie couldn’t be sure, but she was convinced he was messing with her. There could be no other explanation for the things he said, or the show he put on. “You saw all of that when you closed your eyes?” Maddie asked, dubious.
Cooper nodded. “My gift is hard to deal with sometimes, but it’s never wrong.”
“I see.”
“What else did you see?” Christy asked, her eyes sparkling. “Am I going to be rich and famous one day?”
Cooper offered Christy a patient smile. “You’re going to end up happy, which is what you truly want,” he said.
“What about me?” Marla asked.
“You’ll never be happy,” Cooper replied, not mincing words and causing Marla to scowl.
“And what about Maddie?” Christy asked.
“I see Maddie … having dinner with me,” Cooper said, a dimple coming out to play when he smiled. The expression reminded Maddie of a fairy tale wolf.
“Oh, well … um … .” Maddie was caught off guard. “I already have dinner plans.”
“With who?” Cooper asked, refusing to let Maddie off the hook.
Maddie was about to ask why the psychic didn’t already know that, but she wisely kept her retort to herself. The man she loved was another story.
“That would be me,” Nick said, smoothly stepping behind Maddie. “She’s my dinner date, so I guess you’ll have to look elsewhere for yours.”
3
Three
“What’s going on here?” Nick pressed his hand to the back of Maddie’s neck in a proprietary manner as he locked gazes with Cooper. “Who are you?”
“I am Cooper Ashton.” The man tugged his black coat down and squared his shoulders, preening as if he announced he was President of the United States – or even a tabloid star. Maddie was sure he was used to being the tallest man in the room. Nick Winters was taller, though. Sure, it was only by an inch or so, but taller is taller.
“He’s the author Christy was gushing about earlier,” Maddie said, being careful to keep her tone light and fluffy as she turned her concerned blue eyes to Nick. “You remember. We were talking about him on the street in front of that store.”
“Oh, you were talking about me, were you?” Cooper asked, puffing his chest out as he smiled at Maddie.
“I was,” Christy answered, oblivious to anything but Co
oper’s dimples. “Maddie and Nick were talking about how in love with each other they are. I was talking about you, though.”
Marla snorted. “Yes. I’m convinced Nick got a head injury while playing football as a kid and that’s why he’s pretending to be in love with Maddie Graves,” she said. “I can’t think of one other feasible reason why he would be with her.”
Nick finally dragged his eyes away from Cooper and focused on Marla. “Because she’s a good person and I’ll never love anyone but her,” he replied, guileless. He wasn’t embarrassed to make his feelings public. “You don’t understand that because you manipulate people and are desperate to win at all costs. The problem is, you can never win if you’re a miserable person. You, Marla, are the most miserable person I know, so you’ll never win.”
“I hate you,” Marla hissed.
“I can live with that,” Nick said, running his hand down Maddie’s back and resting it on her hip. “Are you ready for dinner, love?”
“I’m not done talking to Cooper yet,” Christy protested. “We just met. We have a lot to discuss.”
“So do we,” Marla challenged.
Nick rolled his eyes. “Well, no one is demanding you have to leave Cooper,” he said. “He was just saying he’s looking for a dinner date. I think Christy would be perfect for that, Mr. Ashton. She grew up here and no one knows the area better.”
“What about me?” Marla challenged.
“I’m sure you’ve gotten crabs from someone in almost every corner of town, so if Mr. Ashton is interested in that, you’re his girl,” Nick replied, not missing a beat.
Maddie bit her lip to keep from laughing, ducking her head into Nick’s shoulder to hide her mirth. Nick rubbed the back of her head as her shoulders shook with silent laughter.
“I truly do hate you,” Marla said, furious.
“Right back at you,” Nick replied.
“Well, I am hungry,” Cooper said. “How about the four of us eat dinner together? I would love to learn about Blackstone Bay, and it looks as if you’re a police officer.” He pointed toward the badge on Nick’s belt. “Maddie said she reads tarot cards. I would love to get to know all of you.”
Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7) Page 2
