She got up and hugged me. "We love you so much, and we just couldn't imagine this place without you."
It must have been because I've been so sick, but I broke down.
I couldn't stop crying. Everything came out. My anger with Sam, the demons and just the emotion of realizing I'm not indestructible. I forget sometimes.
She cried too for a few minutes, and then we suddenly stopped and giggled.
"Hmmm, well." I tried to catch my breath. "Let's hope that's the end of that."
"Hey, crying is good for you. Or so I've read. It gets some kind of healing endorphins going. So you obviously needed it." She smiled. "Hell, so did I. I've been tied up in knots since you left."
I crossed my legs underneath me and grabbed my tea. The chamomile filled my senses.
"Bron, I've wanted to tell you something for some time, but I can't. I haven't been able to tell anyone. It's so weird." She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Her tone worried me. She was upset. "What? You know you can tell me anything, Kira. Whatever it is, I'll help you."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again she stared right at me.
"I see dead people." She said it so deadpan I couldn't tell if she was joking.
I smiled.
"No, I mean I see dead people for real, Bron. It began when I took over at the library. I'd feel things in that old building. A cold rush of air in certain spots. Something touching the back of my neck." She shivered.
"I thought at first it was just a drafty old place. Then I saw a wisp of something out of the corner of my eye one afternoon. When I turned to look it disappeared. It happened so fast, I wrote it off."
I wanted to interrupt her. I'd known for months that she might be sensitive to the spirit world. Though she hadn't said anything, I'd noticed she felt something in my house during a girl's night in. In fact, there are always ghosts hanging out where I live. They don't bother me and I don't mess with them.
But like I said, she had to tell me in her own way.
She stood up and walked over to the fireplace. She put her hand against the rough Texas limestone. "Now I see them everywhere, Bron, as well as I see you right now. I think I'm losing my mind."
"Kira, don't be silly. You've probably been sensitive for a long time but have unconsciously blocked it. Do you ever remember being frightened as a child by people you couldn't explain?"
She paced back and forth in front of the coffee table. "I grew up in a house of strange people." Her mom and dad are hippies. Kira tried to leave that life behind as a high-powered corporate lawyer before she came home to take over the library.
"But I do remember having so many imaginary friends that even my parents looked at me funny. You know how they are; you have to be pretty whacked to even get on their radar."
Couldn't keep from laughing. I reached a hand out to her. "Come sit down. It's okay. You can learn to control this, I promise. I'll help you any way I can."
"I've been researching." She rolled her eyes. "I'm a librarian; it's what we do. There are lots of psychics who say they can talk to the dead. Of course, until a few months ago I thought they were insane too." She finally sat back down. "I'm not crazy am I?"
She asked so earnestly, I felt sorry for her.
"Of course not. Well, you're dating Caleb, but other than that I find you perfectly sane."
That made her smile. Caleb has sort of set himself up as my surrogate bro, while mine is in Africa saving the poor and downtrodden. I pretend very hard that I despise him as much as I do my real brother, but I don't.
She sighed. "I can't tell Caleb. I don't think he'd like the fact that his girlfriend is some kind of freak."
"Now you're being crazy. My God, Kira, that man loves you beyond—beyond. So you're a little psychic. Could be worse. You could be a witch." I smiled and squeezed her hand.
"Don't make fun. You're so powerful and wonderful. But I don't want to tell him. I keep hoping that maybe it will go away." She frowned when I started to say something. "I know, but for now let me hope."
There was no way I'd tell her she would only grow more powerful.
"So, if you need me I'm here. I can help you learn to control it. Even how to send the dead people on their way if they get too obtrusive."
"Really? Oh that's good news. I don't mind so much except when they follow me into the bathroom. I couldn't pee the other night because they were all staring at me."
We both giggled.
"So, what about this party tomorrow night?" I stretched my arms over my head. I didn't feel as achy as I did last week, but my muscles were still tight.
"Do you feel like you're up to it? It's just Margie and her new guy, Billy, Caleb, me and—" She looked down at her fingers.
"And who?"
"Sorry, lost my train of thought. That's it. I thought maybe we could do it at my house, but you still look pale. Would you rather have it here? You don't have to do anything, I'll take care of the house, the food," she smiled, "and of course the decorations."
I didn't really want to leave home, but it would be good to be with the gang again. Sans Sam of course. Stupid, stinky jerk.
I must have frowned.
"Bron, seriously, we don't have to do anything." Kira interrupted my musings.
"No, it's fine. I'm looking forward to it, but let's do it here. I don't think I'm up to going much of anywhere right now."
"No worries." She laughed. "I stole that from you. I'll come by in the morning to get things ready. Oh hey, I was going to put a load of clothes in the wash for you but couldn't find your laundry basket."
"Don't worry about it, Mom did all my laundry before I left. The only thing I'm concerned about is Casper. I haven't seen her since I got back."
My cat doesn't particularly care for me, and the feeling is mutual—still, I worry.
"Oh, I'm sure Casper's fine. She was here day before yesterday. Caleb fixed the pet door."
She picked up the dishes and made sure I had something easy to eat for lunch.
I think it's time for a Mary Poppins break. When I'm feeling icky about life, I just pop in the DVD and Julie Andrews sings about spoons full of sugar, and life doesn't seem so bad.
I know, I know. Big bad witch watching Mary Poppins. Fuck it, it makes me feel good.
Monday, 11 A. M.
I worked out in the garden for about a half an hour. It's so hot, even with the coolers in the conservatory. My roses were in sad neglect and all the herbs needed an extra dose of water. Caleb's putting a timer on the new misters so when I'm gone I don't have to worry about getting someone to come over and water them.
I finally gave in and called Sam at home. Then I called his cell.
Tried to sound cheery. "Hi Sam, just got back into town. Almost died in London. Thought you'd like to know. And I know it's stupid, but I miss you."
It wouldn't be so bad, but I left the same lame message twice. Desperate. I know.
I've got to get him out of my head. I wish I didn't love him so much.
On the plus side, Kira has cleaned my house and it looks better than it has in weeks. I keep things neat, but she was a wild woman. She even dusted the top of the books, and scrubbed the tubs in all three bathrooms. I don't know why, no one is going to take a bath except me. Anyway, the house smells great. She set candles everywhere and even put our favorite party twinkle lights up.
She came early and did it all before she had to go in to the library. So when I came downstairs, it was to a very clean house. She's a great friend.
Caleb left an avocado sandwich from Lulu's and some chocolate pie in the fridge for my lunch. So it's lunch, a shower, a nap and then the dinner party. It almost feels like life is back to normal.
Well, with the exception that my former boyfriend hates me.
5 P.M.
Wow. I cannot wake up. Gonna run and take another quick shower. I can't decide what to wear. I think I'm leaning toward the halter top Zane bought, and those jeans I love. Maybe if I
dress like I feel great, and pretend like I'm better, I will be.
If I ever see another one of those demons I'm going to blow it to hell and back.
Checked with Callie. Nothing unusual is going on with Zane. He and the band are gearing up for a concert tour that's going to start in the United States and then move back to Europe. He'd been doing some club dates to try out new songs, and now they're busy putting the show together.
She sounded bored. There's been a lot of activity with the warlock population in Australia, so she's probably missing her daily duels with the bad guys.
It made me laugh when she asked about Miles.
"What's with that ornery little twit who follows the prime minister around everywhere he goes?" She has a slight accent, but I doubt most people would guess she's from Nigeria.
"That's his assistant, Miles, he comes with the territory. And he's a bothersome ass. Just tell him you'll turn him into a poodle if he gives you any trouble, and he'll leave you alone."
She gave a hearty laugh. "Oh, I could see that ninny with some pink bows over his ears."
I'd had the same thought many days.
We hung up and that's when I took my nap. It was dreamless for once. Thank goodness. I keep seeing the strangest things in my dreams. Orange eyes that float around, and weird slimy eggs. And I wake up feeling sick.
Darn, it's getting late. Better get that shower and then dress before company gets here.
* * *
Chapter Ten
Tuesday, 10 A. M.
Sweet, Texas
Sort-of-happy witches: 1
Well, the party was a success. Kira outdid herself with the food. We had cheese enchiladas, rice, beans and sopaipillas with honey and butter.
Yummers.
Margie brought Billy, who is a sweet guy and looks like a sandy-haired surfer. But he's all cowboy. Right down to the "Yes ma'am" and "I reckon." A real Southern gentleman, who can tell a joke like nobody's business. He fit right into our little group.
Janet and Mike were also here. She's in the local coven, and helped to drag me in the house after I'd been attacked by Blackstock. I didn't know her at the time, but once I healed, we became good friends. She's one of the few natural witches here in Sweet. She doesn't have a lot of power, but she's got enough to help with healing.
She and her husband are opening a bookstore in town. They've been setting up for the past few months, and have promised to have a healthy dose of magical reference books available. Between Kira's stash at the library and the new store, I'll be covered.
An hour after everyone arrived, my shoulders dropped. Kira and the other women loved my outfit. I left off the leopard print shoes. Four-inch heels seem a little much for a party at home. So the feet were bare, except for the fuck-me red nail polish.
We listened to music and talked about everything. It was so much fun. Just as things were winding down about nine thirty, there was a knock on the door. I was in the kitchen and asked Caleb to get it.
Then there was yelling. "What the hell's going on? Is she okay?" Sam's voice boomed in the other room.
I peeked around the corner and he saw my face.
My stomach hit my toes, and my throat went dry.
"You told me you almost died," he screamed.
God, he was beautiful when he was angry. His skin flushed, his blue eyes glaring. I wanted to punch him for hurting my feelings and kiss him at the same time.
"Hey, she did, buddy, and you need to calm down." Caleb put a hand on Sam's shoulder.
Sam shook him off. "I thought she was on her deathbed, and she's having a damn party."
Caleb started to speak, and I waved him down.
"I was sick, I'm better now. Garnout saved me. I'm sorry I left the message."
He stood and stared at me. His chest was heaving with a lack of oxygen.
"I thought you were dying. I've been out of town and my battery died on the cell. When I checked the messages at home, there were three from your mother, a couple from Kira and then yours." His eyes turned indigo.
"You almost died?" He seemed to have trouble with the idea.
"Yes, wasn't the first time, probably won't be the last." I shrugged and bit my lip to keep from smiling. He wouldn't be this angry if he didn't love me.
He scowled and shook his head.
Kira cleared her throat. "Well, Bron, you need your rest. Kitchen's cleaned up. I'll stop by and get the rest tomorrow. Come on gang, let's go."
She ushered everyone, except Sam, to the door.
Caleb whispered something in her ear. I saw her mouth, "She'll be fine."
Everyone said good-bye. I waved and smiled.
When the door shut, I focused on Sam.
"I'm sorry I left the message like I did. I just—"
He took a step closer to me. "What happened?"
"We were in London when a demon attacked, I fought him off and bound him, but not before he spat acid and screwed up my arm."
Sam looked down at my arm. Then at my chest. I suddenly realized the halter top was an inspired choice.
"I didn't know how powerful the poison was, or that it had black magic behind it. By the time I realized what happened, it was almost too late. If Garnout hadn't come in time… You didn't call me." The hurt of the past few weeks welled in my heart.
I moved past Sam. I don't know if it was the excitement of seeing him or just from the party, but I was suddenly beyond tired. I had a choice of fainting or sitting. I chose the latter.
He rushed to my side. And grabbed my wrist. Not in a sexy way, but in an I'm Dr. Sam way. "Damn, you've overdone it. You're paler than I've ever seen you and your pulse… Geez, when in the hell are you going to learn to take care of yourself?"
I was too tired to argue. "Could you yell at me tomorrow? I'm wiped out."
He pulled me up with one hand. "Come on, let's get you upstairs." That's when I noticed something was missing.
"Where's your cane?"
He looked down at his hand. "I don't need it anymore. Stop stalling. I can't carry you up those stairs quite yet, and you look like you're about to crater in less than a minute."
He had a point. My body felt drained of all energy. With his hand on my butt, he half pushed me up the stairs. I made it to the bed and sat down. For the fortieth time since I came home I wondered why I had made one of the guest bedrooms upstairs mine. It would be so much easier to use the master downstairs. There was just something about this room, maybe the view that looked out over the vast plains. I don't know.
Sam went to the dresser and grabbed an oversized Mickey Mouse T-shirt. He undid the halter and then pulled the big shirt over my head. Not even taking time to admire my tits, which he usually does with great abandon. He was in doctor mode and refused to be distracted.
He pushed me back and peeled the jeans off of me. I kind of hoped he noticed how good my butt looked when he followed me up the stairs.
The tiredness overtook me. "Sam?"
"I know Bron, move up and I'll pull the covers over you." His voice was soft and caring.
"Thank you." I snuggled into the covers.
He turned off the light and flipped the ceiling fan on. Even with the air-conditioning, it gets warm in the house. I heard him moving around for a minute. Then he climbed under the covers with me. He pulled my back to him, spooning, and that's the last thing I remember.
When I woke up this morning there was a glass of orange juice on the bedside table, and a note.
"I'll bring lunch. Rest. We'll talk later. Love—S"
So, I'm thinking "Love—S" is a good sign. Even if he's consciously mad at me, his unconscious still loves me. I know it's twisted. I don't care.
We definitely have to get all of this straightened out. He should know by now that I don't have intimate relationships with my clients. Okay, well there was that slight slip with Azir, but that's the only time. I don't kiss clients and I certainly don't sleep with them. And if nothing else happens this afternoon, Sam will know that.
Now I have to find something to wear that will make him think twice. I wish it weren't so warm. Those leather pants look awesome. Oh, I know, the denim shorts. He loves these raggedy shorts I wear to work in the garden. My butt hangs out of the bottom, but I think that's part of the appeal.
Thoroughly kissed witches: 1
Talk about your afternoon delight. Yum. Sam brought chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and blueberry pie from Lulu's. I'm so full all I want to do is take a nap.
Full and happy.
I had found one of his old button-down shirts and tied it around my waist, and put on the skanky shorts. I wanted all guns firing.
He didn't bother knocking, just came into the kitchen where I was mixing some herbal iced tea. His eyes went straight to my ass.
And I smiled.
"So what's in the bag?" I pointed.
As he opened it, the smell of home cooking poured into my kitchen.
He set it on the counter. "The girls sent chicken-fried steak and the fixings. Ms. Johnnie sends her love and an order that you are to clean your plate. You're still a bit on the peaky side, she says."
"The peaky side?" I laughed.
"It's a direct quote."
We didn't talk while he put out the food, and I set the table in the kitchen. I love my kitchen; we recently stained the cabinets and it has umber walls. Very Mediterranean. It's also calming.
Placing the food on the plates, he piled mine high with Southern delicacies.
We both reached for the sugar at the same time, and our fingers brushed. That frisson of energy I feel when he touches me sizzled. I backed off. He took the spoon from the china bowl and added three teaspoons to my glass and then put some in his own.
I looked down at my plate and tried not to smile. It's those intimate gestures that get me. The little things like putting sugar in my glass first.
He pointed to the back of the kitchen where the door led to the conservatory. "How are your plants doing in this heat?"
I guess we had to start somewhere. "Not too bad. They got a little dehydrated when I was gone, even with daily watering. Caleb's set the misters so they come on twice a day now. I can't wait for fall so I can plant some more herbs."
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