Six Times a Charm

by Deanna Chase

  “Sounds perfect. I don’t have anything planned for this evening, so don’t worry about it.” Perhaps I was too available for him. I needed to be vaguer, more mysterious.

  “I’ll pick you up at seven thirty? The tour starts at eight. Maybe we can have dinner afterward?”

  “I’d like that. I’ll be ready. Should I bring a crucifix?” I laughed.

  “Maybe. You’ve got a great sense of humor, you know.” He chuckled as he walked backward toward his office. He was so cute when he did that. Of course he’s cute all the time, but I really liked it when he did that. I was halfway serious about the crucifix, though. Those vampires can be vicious.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

  “Me too. I’ll see you then.”

  I stepped into my office. Someone had slipped a present under the door. It wasn’t chocolates or diamonds, though. The scribbled writing across the envelope let me know my diva-wolf was at it again. Cussing under my breath, I picked up the white envelope. It was like the one before with the black marker text scrawled along the front. Cruz was scratched across the front. I tossed my purse on the desk and plopped down in my seat. Might as well see what threats this one had.

  The seal was partially open, so I easily slipped my finger through and tore it open. Another thing to stew over, just what I needed. Sure enough, the package contained a single piece of paper with the words Watch your back. If Lily had been watching me, I would have let out a huge yawn to let her know I wasn’t impressed. But a trickle of doubt washed over me. Perhaps I should be more concerned. After a short time passed with my frustration at an all-time high, I picked up the phone and punched in Jennifer’s work number. I prayed I didn’t disturb her from one of her furry patients. Too-loud Muzak played in my ear, then relief when she picked up.

  “This is getting out of hand. I really need Lily to stop. She’s out of control,” I said as soon as she said hi.

  “Oh no. What happened this time? Another silver bullet?” Jennifer asked.

  “Another envelope. This one has a little love letter in it.”

  “A love letter? Is it from Jack?” She sounded confused and maybe a little hopeful at the same time.

  “No, I was being facetious. It says, watch your back.”

  “Oh my God. She’s threatening me now? What do I do?”

  “No, you nincompoop. She’s telling me to watch my back. I’m just telling you what the note said.” Jennifer could be so ditzy sometimes. Although I guess I hadn’t made it quite clear when I explained to her what the letter said.

  “Do you still think it’s only Lily sending those? Maybe it’s someone else. I mean after last night and all.”

  “Who else could it be? Those sleazebags from last night don’t know where I live. Besides, now that I think about it, they probably just caught a whiff of werewolf and followed me into the restaurant to harass me. That’s what thugs like that do. There’s no one else mad at me, as far as I know. Everyone else seems to be more than happy with my work.” Did I really believe that? “I have a couple getting married next month, for heaven’s sake.”

  “All right, calm down. It just all seems so weird. Maybe its Lily and someone else, like the goon looking for your uncle. I’m just sayin’…”

  “Yeah, I know. I guess anything is possible. But I think it’s her and it’s high time she quit. Enough is enough. I can’t stand silly games. I owe my parents and if I lose my business because of her, they’ll never get their money back.” I flipped the phone to my other ear and cradled it with my chin.

  “What are you going to do?” she asked. A dog yapped in the background. I hated to disturb her when she was working.

  “I was hoping you had some ideas. A bit of helpful advice, perhaps?”

  “Why don’t you start with talking to her? These things can be resolved with open communication.”

  I snorted.

  “That, or you could make her eat her words, literally. Stuff those envelopes down her throat.” She yelled over the loud howling in the background.

  Jeez, remind me never to make Jennifer angry.

  “If I talk to her, more than likely I’ll end up losing my temper. Then I’ll have to change into a werewolf and that messes up my hair and nails. I try to change over as little as possible. Any other suggestions?”

  “The police.”

  “Well…I guess I can call the pack police, but I hate involving them, unless it’s absolutely necessary. I’d only call them if I felt my life was seriously in danger. There’s so much red tape involved. And honestly, how much trouble can little Lily Friedman cause, anyway? Besides scaring away potential clients.”

  “Look, Rylie. You never know how wacky people can get. Or werewolves, or whatever. The point is, she is making your life uncomfortable, at the least. You have to do something. I know you have a big heart, and you want to help everyone. But you can’t let people walk all over you all the time.”

  “You’re right, just some of the time.” I laughed, trying to make a joke. The other end of the line remained silent. Even the dog had stopped barking. Tough crowd. “I know. I’ll talk to her, I promise.”

  “Sometimes you have to take a stand.”

  “Thanks for listening, Jennifer.”

  “You know I’m always here for you… I worry about you. Remember, anytime you need to talk.” She paused. “Now listen, let’s lighten the mood. Victoria’s Secret after work, right?”

  “Do I have a choice?” I groaned.

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Then I’ll see you after work. Should I meet you there?”

  “I’m coming home first, so I’ll see you upstairs. We can leave from there. Can you take off a little early?”

  “Sure, shouldn’t be a problem. How about four?”

  “I’ll see you then. Oh, and no backing out. You’re going shopping, understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said. I let the sarcasm ooze.

  I hung up knowing what needed to be done, but I didn’t know if I could do it. Regardless, it would have to wait. I had a meeting in ten minutes.

  Someone knocked on the door. My appointment was ten minutes early. Great. I hadn’t even put on my matchmaking hat yet.

  “Come in.”

  Perhaps I shouldn’t just blindly invite folks in—especially considering present Lily-fraught circumstances—but wasn’t that what appointments were for? You got who you expected when you were expecting them. At least that was the way it was supposed to work. Living my life in fear was not an option.

  The door creaked open and a dark head popped through. Martin Blake stood in the doorway—Lily’s ex-love. The true beer expert and notorious real-lime lover. “Hi, Miss Cruz. Can

  I speak with you? Is this a good time?”

  “Oh hi, Martin. Please come in and have a seat.” With a wave of my hand, I motioned for him to sit in front of my desk. The same chair in which Lily had been crying over him a short time ago. “It’s fine, I’m not expecting a client for a few minutes.”

  If he was here to chew me out like Lily had, I would scream. There was no way I could keep my cool any longer if that happened. One jilted customer at a time was all I could handle.

  “Is everything all right?” I asked in my best business tone. Grandma Cruz always said you could attract more werewolves with honey BBQ ribs. I never said her advice made sense.

  By the pained look on Martin’s face, I wasn’t sure. More than likely, this was a visit to complain about his ex. An ex whom I had matched him with—my responsibility.

  “Not exactly.” He paused. With a serious tone evident in his voice, he continued. “I need Lily to leave me alone. She is driving me crazy. When I signed up for your service I had no idea it would be like this. She’s everywhere I go. When I go to the grocery store, she’s there. When I hit the tanning salon, she’s there. I mean, everywhere I go.”

  Bingo. Another unhappy customer. I guess with all my success of late I had to expect some negative experiences on
ce in a while. It was bound to happen. A flash of my parents’ money circling the toilet bowl and then sucked away ran through my head.

  “I am truly sorry, Mr. Blake.” I steepled my fingers to let him know I was all business. At least that’s what I’d seen businesspeople do on television when they were in serious negotiations. I hoped it worked for me.

  “Please, call me Martin.” He showed a toothy smile. His green eyes reminded me of two pools of stagnant water.

  “Martin, I do a thorough screening of all clients, but sometimes it’s inevitable that a relationship won’t work out. I can offer assistance with obtaining a restraining order. Other than that, I don’t know if I can help.”

  He rested his chin in his hand and mulled over what I’d offered. “I’m not sure I want her to get in trouble.”

  “I don’t know that she would get in trouble. It would just keep her from having contact with you.”

  “I’ll think about it. I hate to see someone go to jail.” He shifted in the chair and pulled at the collar of his slightly wrinkled striped shirt. It was the best I could offer him. I couldn’t blame him for not doing it, because I hadn’t, either. I wasn’t taking my own advice.

  “There was one other problem,” he said, adding to my surprise.

  Things kept getting worse by the minute. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what he had to say.

  “Yes, what’s that?” I forced myself to ask.

  “I don’t have a mate now.”

  Whew. That I could fix, or I thought I could. Maybe he was unmatchable. No, everyone had a mate. “Oh right. Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Would you like me to find someone else for you? There wouldn’t be an additional charge, of course.” It was the least I could do.

  “Actually, I already had someone in mind.” He fiddled with his hands.

  “Wow, good for you. Well, that does make my job easy. Is it someone I know?” He didn’t waste any time getting over Lily. I hoped the next one liked fresh limes.

  “Yes, you know her.”

  Hmm. Who could it be? He had me curious. I placed my hands on my desk and waited. He watched me, but didn’t say a word. We were at an impasse. Who was going to talk first?

  “Do you want to tell me who it is?” I pressed.

  “I’m a little too embarrassed to say.”

  Now he did really have me intrigued. Who could the mysterious woman be?

  “Don’t be shy. Maybe I can help set up a date. I can’t help you if I don’t know who she is.”

  “It’s you,” he blurted.

  Oh God. The walls closed in on me. My throat tightened. The air zapped from my lungs—I couldn’t breathe. Martin wanting me as a mate was the last thing I needed.

  “It’s just that I watch you move and you’re so eloquent. And you smell like cookies. Cinnamon cookies no less, my favorite. Not all werewolves smell that great, ya know?”

  “I’m aware.” What was I going to do? If Lily found out she’d go even more bat shit crazy than she already was. She’d have my head on a platter. I felt the overwhelming urge to get him out of my office in a jiffy. I glanced over my shoulder out the window to see if Lily was anywhere in sight. Thankfully, there was no sign of her. At least I had an easy way out. “I’m sorry, Martin. I don’t date my clients.”

  His face drooped. “I could not be your client. I mean, technically, since things didn’t work out with Lily, I’m not a client anymore.”

  Where the hell was my appointment? Of all the times to be late when I needed them the most. Someone save me from the insanity.

  “I’m sorry, Martin. It just wouldn’t work. It’s my policy, you understand.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.

  The bummed look on his face was not fun to see, but there was no way I could or would date him. Besides, I had Jack to think about at the moment, and all my spare time was filled with thoughts of his hot body and gorgeous face.

  “Sorry for bothering you.” Martin jumped from the chair and dashed to the door. He stumbled on the rug on his way out, but managed to remain upright. Before I could say another word, my next client walked through the door, and Martin was already on the street. Maybe I’d find someone for him, anyway, or at the very least I’d try. I scribbled a note down to remind myself to find a replacement for Lily. If I did that, maybe he’d never ask me out again. Hell, maybe if I found another love for Lily she’d leave me alone too.

  ***

  Hours passed—only a few minutes remained before time to close up for the day when another unexpected knock rattled the door.

  “Come in.” Again, it was risky for me to keep allowing people to enter. I needed a better system. After so long without having to worry about who came in, it took getting used to. It was hard being guarded.

  A man dressed in jeans and white t-shirt with long hair appeared in the doorway. In his hands he held the most beautiful bouquet of red roses I’d ever seen. Red was my favorite.

  “Delivery for Rylie Cruz.”

  “I’m Rylie, thank you.”

  “Where do you want them?”

  “On my desk, please. Thank you, again.” I rummaged through my drawer and found cash stuffed between a Milky Way bar and a marker.

  He set the vase on my desk and I handed him the few crumpled-up dollars.

  “Have a good day,” he said.

  I really would now. Maybe things were turning around. I had Jack—even for a short time—and I was sure the roses were from him.

  “Thank you. You too.” I waved. With that, he was gone.

  I didn’t waste any time pulling at the note on the pick like a kid on Christmas morning ripping into a package. I sniffed the flowers as I opened the envelope.

  No signature was on the note and it simply read: I’m thinking of you. Until we meet again…

  Chapter 8

  How to Date a Werewolf Rule # 8:

  Werewolves need to feel sexy too.

  “If he sent you roses, things are getting serious. Guys only send roses when they are into you. He’s really into you. Damn it. I bet you’ll be married before I am.” Jennifer sat in front of my desk with her arms crossed, pouting and waiting for me to finish up my work so we could trot off on the little shopping excursion she maintained was completely necessary.

  The way she behaved, she’d be planning my wedding soon. She already had me buying the honeymoon lingerie. She needed to spend more time with Todd, or I needed to find her someone new. I didn’t care which. Especially since she already had me getting married to Jack after one date and a bunch of roses.

  “I am not marrying him. I just met him. It can’t be getting serious. We’ve only been on one date. Plus, there’s the curse thing.”

  “Ugh. If I hear about that stupid curse one more time…”

  “Fine. I’m just sayin’. This thing with Jack can’t be serious.” I shoved a file in the cabinet and grabbed my purse.

  “Let me be the judge of that. You’re obviously in no shape to make such decisions.”

  “What do you mean I’m in no shape to make a decision? I’m the one dating him. You act as if I’m a mental patient. I’m a werewolf. Big difference, thank you very much.” We walked to the door side by side. I motioned for her to go out first, then locked the door behind us.

  “You also think there’s a curse on you,” she said as we trailed down the sidewalk toward the car.

  “I’m beginning to think you don’t believe what I tell you.” I climbed in her car and slammed the door.

  “No, it’s not that. Look, let’s not fight.” The pink Bug purred to life and she steered onto the street.

  I buckled my seat belt. “I’m not fighting with you. When I fight, I grow hair. See, no hair.” I held up my hand for her to examine. “You’ll be the first to know if it gets serious with him, I promise.”

  Jennifer glanced at me. I smiled and she grinned back. We couldn’t stay mad at each other for very long.

  The nearest lingerie joint was a short distance from the French Quarter at the lo
cal mall. We pulled onto the highway. It would be eight miles of congested traffic. This allowed Jennifer plenty of time to question me about any little particulars I may have left out about my date with Jack. I hadn’t divulged how fantastic a kisser he was, nor was I going to share that juicy tidbit. She’d have bridal magazines, honeymoon locations and a gown under my arm before I could say annulment. Nevertheless, somehow she knew I kept something from her.

  “So is there anything else you left out about last night? Are you withholding important information from me?” she asked as she navigated the streets heading away from the city.

  “Nope.” I shook my head. “I think that’s about everything. Nothing left to share, sorry. I have nothing more to say.” I examined my nails.

  “Do you want to tell me about the werewolves again?”

  “Not so much, no,” I said.

  “Come on. You’re no fun.” She puffed out her lower lip.

  Turning my gaze to the window, I studied the crowded streets and passing cars. All the while Jennifer chatted about Todd. About how she’d stopped trying to get him into a jewelry store, blah, blah, blah. I halfway tuned her out.

  When I flipped down the mirror on the visor to reapply my lip gloss, I noticed a car following dangerously close to us. It was practically on our bumper.

  “I think someone is following us.” I whipped my head around so fast I almost gave myself whiplash.

  “What? What makes you say that? Are you sure?” She glanced in her rear-view mirror.

  “Yes. Unless you’re towing a car and didn’t know it. Or they’re a seriously bad driver. I’ve never seen a car follow that closely before.”

  “I can’t breathe,” she said.

  “Wait. I’ve seen that car before. That’s the same black sedan from across the street when we left the apartment. I remember noticing how nice it was.”

  Other cars flanked us. We had nowhere to go.

  “You’ll have to speed up. We’re boxed in.”

  What would happen if we stopped at a light? Would the driver jump out and attack us? Shoot us? Who was the lunatic behind the wheel?