Ghost Granny

by Carol Colbert

  Was that it? She couldn’t help but wonder. While Sebastian and her had become good friends, that is where things seemed to be stuck, in the friend zone. She knew that he needed time to get over losing Max, a boy he, by his own admission, thought of as his own son.

  Isabel had been teaching Catherine how to decorate the candies and Catherine was able to take on more of the design work on the goods they sold. She felt safe enough now to let Cody go home on his own after checking in with her when the school bell signaled the end of the school day. Things were clicking into place, but not so much for her, just around her. At least that is how Catherine felt.

  She took a bottle of water and sat at the table near the window. It was a beautiful day outside and even though all of the Halloween decorations had been taken down and put away for next year, the citizens of Enchantment still walked around with a smile and a friendly hello to offer.

  Catherine wasn’t sure when it had happened, she hadn’t been looking for it and even tried to reject it when she finally realized that somewhere along the line, she had fallen in love with Sebastian. He was such a good, kind man. He and his sister were always ready to help anyone and both were very talented with their carvings and organizational skills. Everyone knew what a benefactor Luna was to the village and Sebastian had even said that Cindy was the heart and soul of the school.

  All I do is take. I have nothing to offer.

  Chapter 16

  Luna and Thelma sat on the porch swing. “Now what?” Thelma asked. “I don’t really know.” Luna answered her sister. “I guess we have a lot to think about.”

  “Can’t you just dump a box of your special blue glitter over their heads?” Thelma asked.

  “You know it does not work that way, Thelma. Max needed to be here to keep Sebastian around until Catherine and Cody showed up, and he did. He also proved to Sebastian that he can be a father and a good one at that. Ashley needed that time to heal and get her life in order as well. Although Max does not know it yet, he will be back as an adult and find his happiness here as well. I am not worried about Isabel and Nick. Isabel loves her work.”

  “Do you think that is it? That Catherine does not like working at the Chocolate Shop?” Thelma asked.

  “We put her there for a reason, remember. Being that close to the school gave her a sense of being close to her son. Both of them needed that. They have been together and alone for most of Cody’s life. They needed to be separated a little bit at a time. Catherine was holding on so tight to Cody, that she put any life outside of being a mother behind her.”

  “I can see the way Catherine looks at Sebastian and I used to think he was looking at her in the same way. But now, I don’t know. It will take time for him to get used to not having Max around. You would think having Cody around would have solved that problem.” Luna reasoned.

  “Maybe not. Maybe he is afraid to get close to Cody and his mom, afraid he might lose them one day as well.” Thelma said.

  “You might be on to something there, Thelma. Men are so complicated.”

  “We are, huh?” Hugo said, coming up the porch stairs. “What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing really. Winter is coming soon and I don’t want to be still hanging around here when it does. Last winter we were stuck until February, not this year. I am anxious to get home. Still, I would hate for us to leave and have things be unresolved here.” Luna said.

  “It is just Catherine, right?”

  “Maybe we are forgetting about one other person.” Thelma said, and then explained her plan to Hugo and Luna.

  That afternoon as Catherine was washing the sheets from the display case the bell above the door rang. When Catherine walked back into the front she saw a nice looking man with blond hair and blue eyes. The smile on her face was real when she said “Welcome to Thelma’s Chocolates. What can I help you with today?”

  “Hi. My name is Tom, I just got into town and was wondering if you knew of any job openings around here.”

  “Welcome to our village, Tom, I am Catherine and I only work here, but I will be happy to ask the owner if she needs any help with anything.”

  “Not necessarily in here, just in the town. I am good with my hands and can fix cars. Although I don’t see very many vehicles on the street.”

  “We are rather self-contained here. Everything we need is within walking distance. Are you staying at the hotel?”

  “I will if I can get a job. I had car trouble on the expressway and just rolled into town. I am just out of the military and just looking for a new start.”

  “You have come to the right place then.” Catherine said. “Oh, here is the owner now. Luna, this is Tom and he is looking for a job. Do you know anyone who could help this x-military man out?”

  “Hello Tom, thank you for your service.” Luna smiled at the young man. “As a matter of fact, I was thinking that Sebastian is overloaded with the work I have him doing, he could use a couple of strong hands to help him.”

  “What kind of work would that be? As I was telling Catherine here, I am good with my hands.”

  “Sebastian takes care of the maintenance of quite a few things here in town and all of the repairs at mine and my sister’s homes over the hill.”

  “How far is over the hill? I’m afraid my car broke down and it will be some time before I can get it going again.”

  “Not to worry. Have you eaten lunch yet, Tom?” Luna asked.

  “No, not yet.”

  “Why don’t you come across the street with me and have lunch, my treat. We can talk more about how we can help you.”

  Catherine had continued smiling after Tom and Luna had walked across the street. Nice guy. Sebastian walked into the shop. “You look like you have taken your happy pill today.” He laughed.

  “Happy chocolate coffee. Care to join me in a cup?”

  “Can’t right now. Luna asked me to meet her here. “

  “Luna and Tom just left here a moment ago to go across the street to have lunch. Are you sure she wanted you to meet her here? She does not seem like the type to forget something like that.” Catherine said, motioning to the coffee machine.

  Sebastian nodded his wish for the coffee after all and sat down at one of the tables. “Who is Tom?”

  “A young man who is new in town. He is looking for a job and Luna mentioned that you were over worked and perhaps could use Tom’s help.” Catherine said, putting out a couple of muffins for them as well as squirting a little bit of whipped cream on top of the coffee.

  “I would be happy for the help. I guess that is why Luna wanted to meet with me, but I am surprised she didn’t wait here for me to meet Tom.”

  “Couldn’t have been that, Luna and I only just met Tom ourselves about a half hour ago.”

  “I hope he is good with his hands.” Sebastian said. Catherine took a drink of her chocolate coffee “He certainly looks like he is.” She said, licking her lips because of the whipped cream.

  Sebastian didn’t know why, but Catherine’s remark irked him. “Listen, these muffins aren’t doing it for me and it’s almost noon. Want to go across and get some lunch ourselves and meet up with those two?”

  “Sure.” Catherine said, jumping up and grabbing the keys to the shop to lock up and put the clock sign on the door.

  I never saw Catherine move so quickly. I have to get a look at this Tom guy.

  Catherine and Sebastian walked into the restaurant and immediately saw Luna waving them over to their table.

  “Sebastian, this is Tom, he will be helping you.” Tom and Sebastian shook hands and Sebastian found himself gripping the handshake a bit firmer than he usually did.

  “Join us.” Luna said. Catherine sat down next to Tom, leaving the seat next to Luna open for Sebastian. She was having a bit of fun. She was not a flirt, but she was enjoying the look on Sebastian’s face.

  “Catherine’s husband, he is deceased, he was in the military. Marine I think you said?” Luna said, looking at Catherine.


  Tom looked at Catherine “I am, or was, also in the Marines. I am very sorry about your husband. Was his death recently?”

  “No, he died while in Iran. It has been several years. My son, Cody is ten now and his dad was killed when Cody was almost three.” Catherine answered, looking into Tom’s beautiful blue eyes.

  “I have a nephew named Cody.” Tom said.

  “So, Tom, what kind of work are you looking for?” Sebastian said, looking to break up the mutual admiration society that seemed to be going on across the table.

  Luna spoke up before Tom could answer. “Oh we have gone over all of that, Sebastian. Tom will help you out with all of your duties, but I want him to stick close to the house at least for the next couple of months. We might have a problem with the roof on the big house.”

  “I haven’t noticed any problems with the roof.” Sebastian said.

  “It hasn’t rained lately either.” Luna said, patting Sebastian’s hand.

  The four of them were finishing up their meals. “So we are all set, Tom. I am glad you found your way into town just at the right time.” Luna said.

  “Actually, Tom, you should have been here a little over a week ago. We had a fantastic Halloween party here. The entire town really outdid themselves and I am sure Sebastian would have loved to have had your help then. He worked around the clock to make sure everything was extra special.”

  Luna saw one of the restaurants employees coming in the back door. “Sebastian, I need you to walk over to the hill with me, I have some things I need to go over with you.”

  “Would you like me to come as well?” Tom asked. “

  Oh no, Sebastian will meet you at Thelma’s Chocolate Shop tomorrow morning when it opens about ten a.m. and get you started then. You and Catherine sit and enjoy your meal, no need to rush. It was nice meeting you Tom. I am very happy the way things are working out.” Luna said, almost rushing Sebastian out of the restaurant.

  A moment later Jill came to their table. “Hi, I got in late today. Your server had to run an errand, can I get you two any desert?”

  Jill thought her heart would stop when Tom looked up and their eyes met. Wow oh wow and just like, wow! She was very flustered. For his part, Tom graced her with a big smile. “Hi there, I am new in town, my name is Tom.”

  “Oh, I am sorry, Tom, this is Jill. Jill, Tom is going to be helping out Sebastian with everything he does. Tom is an x-marine and just got into town.” Catherine said. Seeing the unmissable sparks flying between Jill and Tom Catherine added. “Luna has already taken care of the bill, oh, she left enough tip for you and the other server to share it seems. I have to get back to the shop. Tom, I will leave you in good hands here then. Jill, would you mind keeping Tom company and maybe showing him around town a bit?”

  “Not at all. Nice to meet you, Tom.”

  Catherine smiled and said her goodbyes, not that either of them noticed. Catherine was glad that Jill and Tom had found each other. It gave her a lift even though her own love life was non-existent.

  Catherine worked through the rest of the day, stopping only for a moment when Cody and Isabel came in after school for a chocolate milk and a piece of cream cake on their way home.

  Isabel asked if she would mind if she took Cody over to the Rec Center with her. She wanted to show him where Luna had been standing under the stage when it had opened up at the Halloween party.

  “I was thinking too that Cody might want to help me with the senior bingo game afterwards. We should be home by about seven. We can grab something to eat here in town if that is O.K. with you, Catherine.”

  “Oh sure, have fun.” Catherine said. “See you both at home later.”

  Chapter 17

  On the other side of the hill Luna, Hugo and Thelma were standing in front of the big house. “Are you sure we are O.K. to leave now?” Hugo asked his wife.

  “Everything will work out fine, my love. Thelma, did you put the white cat in the house?”

  “Sure did, although Catherine will be sure to notice that this one isn’t as smart as the one leaving.” She smiled.

  “Good-bye house – see you next year.” Good-bye Caramel, Zippy and Ace, watch over everything for us until we get back. They all said. With that, Hugo changed form back into the massive buck deer and Thelma and Luna got on his back. None of them looked behind them as the deer walked behind the little house and into the woods.

  Catherine had gotten to the hill and was just about to ring the bell for her ride back to the house when Sebastian walked up to her. “Oh, Sebastian, you startled me. I was just about to ring for you. Are you ready to go back to the house, or did you have something else on this side you need to do first? I can wait, or I can go by myself if one of the ponies are at the hill.” Catherine said.

  “I thought maybe we could take a walk around the lake. That is, if you are not too tired.” Sebastian said. Catherine was shocked, but pleasantly so. “That sounds like you are trying to keep me from the house, what is going on?” She said, more teasing than not.

  “O.K., I admit it, I have been sort of a jerk. I am not good at this kind of thing.” “What kind of thing?” Catherine asked him, needing to hear him admit his feelings for her.

  “With this kind of thing.” Sebastian said, taking Catherine into his arms and kissing her. The bells went off on the hill and since they had not yet been changed, they heard the howling of wolves. Catherine giggled and looked at Sebastian. “I think you are pretty good at this sort of thing after all, but I think I will need some more research before I come to a conclusion.” She smiled, stepping closer to him for another kiss.

  Thank you for reading Ghost Granny. If you have enjoyed reading about Luna and her friends, Ghost Cat is the next book of the Ghost series. Please leave a review on Amazon.com. or where purchased.

  Other books by this author:

  Jennifer’s Journey – Hey, Who Am I?

  Jennifer – The Journey Continues

  Jennifer – The Journey Ends

  Ghost House

  Ghost Cat

  Miss Enchanted – Ophelia’s Story (book 4 in Ghost series)

  Gertie’s Choice – (Book five in Ghost series)

  I Promised You – William and Ophelia (Book 6 in Ghost series)

  Not Gone

  Missy Mistake

  Joey’s Bench

  Following Suzanne – A Wyandotte Mystery

  Check out my website http://www.carolcolbert.com

  Comments, questions, or to be put on distribution list for news of new books, or just to say hi, please write me at Carol@CarolColbert.com