Haunted Hearts

by Jenny Bloom

  Ruby met Lynda's gaze. “You...love me?”

  “I do.”

  Ruby grinned ear-to-ear. “I love you, too.”

  She met Lynda's lips again, joining them together.

  I would follow you to the ends of the earth, Lynda reflected while kissing Ruby. And I think that's exactly what I'll have to do.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ruby

  The room was a-buzz with energy as Ruby held Lynda. She tugged Lynda close, stroking Lynda's hair with her fingers. As she ran her nails over Lynda's scalp, Lynda shivered.

  “Are you doing anything tonight?” Lynda whispered.

  Ruby shot up from the couch. “Oh, shit!”

  “What?”

  “I forgot to meet Ernest at the bar!”

  She scrambled to reach her phone, holding it up to her worried face. She found a slew of texts from Ernest asking where she was. As her cheeks burned red, she fell into a fit of giggles and set her phone back on the coffee table.

  She sighed. “I mean, that can wait. This is more important.”

  “No, it's important to keep your plans with your friends.”

  “I just didn't want to ditch you for him.”

  Lynda sat up, planting her elbow into a cushion as she rested her chin in her hand. “You're not ditching me if you're taking me with you.”

  Ruby grinned. “Are we talking about the bar or Ireland?”

  “As much as I'd love for you to take me with you to Ireland, I don't think I'd be able to do that.”

  Well, it was worth a shot, Ruby thought sadly. She forced a smile to her lips. But I can still hope for it, right?

  “Don't look so sad,” Lynda begged. She pecked Ruby's lips. “Remember what you said?”

  “That we should enjoy the time we have.”

  “So, let's go do that.”

  Ruby stood tentatively from the couch. As she helped Lynda up, she felt the familiar zap between their fingers. She giggled as she kissed Lynda's cheek and went to the mirror across the room, repeating the motions from earlier in the evening.

  She gaped at her reflection. “Wow, we look like we ate monster blood.”

  Lynda guffawed. “I guess we both have to clean up, eh?”

  “In more ways than one.”

  Ruby giggled while grabbing a makeup wipe from her vanity. She carefully wiped her lips and then dried them, puckering them as she plucked the green lipstick from its place. After redoing her lips, she turned to meet Lynda in the middle of her living room.

  “Do you want to use my makeup?” Ruby asked. “I have plenty of it.”

  “Actually, I think I'll go for my natural look tonight.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, wow. That's different.”

  “I know, right?”

  “I mean, I haven't known you long, but I've never seen you without makeup to match your outfit.”

  Lynda glanced down at her clothes. She was wearing a forest green sweater with black tights and pink boat shoes.

  “Well,” she huffed. “I'm not sure I match today.”

  “Does it matter?”

  Lynda grinned. “Not anymore.”

  Ruby took Lynda's hand, smiling warmly. She took a shaky breath as she studied Lynda's features, wondering what her life would look like without waking up to Lynda every other day.

  Her vision became blurry.

  Stop it, she scolded. You're just going to get depressed and then you're going to make her depressed. Go have a good time while you still can.

  She cleared her throat and replaced her frown with another smile. “Are you ready?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Ruby grabbed her bag and her keys, hesitantly releasing Lynda's hand. But when they piled into the hallway, she reached again for Lynda, hanging on as if it were their last night on earth. She followed her previous footsteps and took them out into the night, walking down the path away from the house and to the sidewalk that would lead them to the strip of bars just around the corner.

  It was a quiet walk. The moonlight felt heavy and ominous as if it were illuminating their every move. When Ruby glanced at Lynda, she blushed.

  “This actually feels...normal,” she remarked.

  “Like we've done this a million times before?”

  Ruby nodded. “Yeah.”

  “I imagine that's what magic feels like.”

  “I think you might be right.”

  “You really think so?”

  “I mean, I am the one with the magic experience here.”

  Lynda giggled playfully. “I hope to learn more about that.”

  “Wow, the logical woman wants to know more about magic?”

  “Hey, I need all the facts so I can make a proper decision about whether I believe it or not.”

  Ruby smiled. “I like that.”

  While still holding Lynda's gaze, she led them toward a dive bar on the corner of an intersection. The crowd outside teemed with conversation as haunted music played in the background. The porch was decorated with soft orange and green lights that played over the faces of the bar patrons.

  Ruby spotted Ernest sitting underneath a light fixture near the window with his partner. She squeezed Lynda's hand as she led Lynda over. When she plopped down, Ernest squealed.

  “Miss Vamp!” he cried. “Where the hell have you been?”

  He glanced at Lynda and then back at Ruby with a sly grin.

  “Oh, I see,” he teased.

  “Shut up, Ernest.”

  “Hi,” Ernest said to Lynda while extending his hand. “We've met once before, but this vampire over here doesn't know how to really introduce people.”

  Lynda shook his hand. “It's nice to see you again.”

  “And this is my boyfriend, Micky.”

  Lynda shook Micky's hand as well. “Lovely to meet you, Micky.”

  Ruby giggled. “Has Ernest been pestering you with his alien theories all night?”

  “Oh, you have no idea,” Micky joked. “Until you two walked up, he just wouldn't quit.”

  “Hey, I have some valid theories,” Ernest argued. “Like I was saying the other day, even Micky saw a space ship.”

  “That was a weather balloon, darling.”

  “No, it was a ship. You said so yourself. You said that exact word: ship.”

  “I think you misinterpreted when I said it was bullshit that aliens would ever grace us with their presence.”

  Ernest gestured jokingly to Micky. “Well, he was into it before you two got here. I guess he's holding up appearances.”

  Ruby laughed. “Sorry I'm late. We were talking about Ireland.”

  Ernest raised his eyebrows. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, I think we're really excited about it.” Ruby laced her fingers with Lynda's while looking at Lynda. She smiled wide. “It's going to be great.”

  “That's awesome!”

  “What's in Ireland?” Micky inquired.

  “I got offered a job at one of the world's most haunted castles,” Ruby replied. “I'll be leaving by the end of the month.”

  “What?! That sounds like the best job in the world!”

  Lynda nodded. “Only the best for the best tour guide in the whole world.”

  Ruby beamed with joy. “Aw, babe. You've never even seen me in action.”

  “I'm confident that you're the best.”

  “Even without all the facts?”

  Lynda giggled. “Even without all the facts.”

  “That's adorable. I think I might puke,” Ernest joked. “Hey, do you two want a drink? We'll catch the first round.”

  “Sure! I'll have a martini,” Ruby replied.

  “Same for me,” Lynda chimed. “I'm going to powder my nose. I'll be right back.”

  When Lynda left, Ruby sighed while staring after her.

  Micky rose from the bench. “Actually, I need to do the same. I'll grab those drinks on the way back.”

  “Thanks, baby,” Ernest said with a smile.

  The table was left
in silence. Ruby looked at Ernest and blushed immediately, covering part of her face with her hair.

  “So,” he chimed teasingly. “I see you two kissed and made up.”

  “I think we did.”

  “How's it going to work out with you in Ireland?”

  She shrugged. “Honestly, we haven't even discussed that yet. We just settled on enjoying our time together while we can.”

  “I bet you'll miss her.”

  “I really will miss her. I don't know what to do, buddy.”

  “Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out. You always figure everything out.”

  She grinned. “Thanks, buddy.”

  “Did you two have make-up sex?”

  She rolled her eyes. “What do you think?”

  He laughed. “I mean, your cheeks are rosier than usual. Vampires aren't typically that red.”

  “I guess that would answer your question, except we didn’t.”

  “Mickey and I did, actually.”

  “Make-up sex?”

  “Nah, just regular sex. We were actually late showing up, so I'm glad you two were late, too.”

  Ruby laughed. “And you gave me crap for being late—how dare you!”

  Ernest burst into chuckles as Micky and Lynda returned with their round of drinks. Lynda set Ruby's on the table in front of her and sat down, pecking Ruby's cheek quickly before turning her attention to her martini.

  “These look cuter than usual,” Ruby commented.

  “Must be for the tourists,” Micky supposed. “Although I'd prefer this all year. I love the colors.”

  “Those are too sweet for me,” Ernest said.

  “That's because you're already super sweet,” Micky joked.

  Ruby grimaced. “Okay, now I'm going to puke.”

  Laughter rang around the table as she leaned into Lynda, resting her head on Lynda's shoulder. The joy in her heart swelled up into her throat, appearing as more laughter. She tangled her hand back into Lynda's and used her free hand to sip her martini, unwilling to leave Lynda's embrace.

  And it didn't seem like Lynda wanted to leave either.

  She zoned out as Ernest and Micky took over the conversation. Their movements seemed surreal compared to her thoughts, to the buzz of wonder in her brain. Nothing could draw her from her vision. She couldn't stop picturing herself settling down in a cottage in Ireland with Lynda. Although it was ideal, she knew it wasn't a possibility.

  Unless Lynda wants that, she thought hopefully. Unless we can aim for that in the future.

  She sighed with longing.

  Lynda bumped her slightly. “You all right there, babe?”

  “I'm just thinking.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  Ruby grinned. “Maybe later. I'm just happy sitting with you right now.”

  “I trust you'll tell me later.”

  Ruby drew close to Lynda's neck, planting a soft kiss there. “I trust you to listen.”

  “Oh wow, I think we just leveled up.”

  “How's that?”

  “Well, we had our first argument and our first resolution. Doesn't that mean we're officially dating?”

  Ruby sat up, locking eyes with Lynda. “But I thought you wouldn't want to do long-distance?”

  “I think we could work something out. I love you and I want to keep loving you, even if that means from far away.”

  “Oh, Lynda...”

  She broke her gaze with Lynda to lock lips with Lynda, a mixture of emotions causing her spirit to take flight. She became lost in the moment. Everything else fell away—Ernest, Micky, the bar, and even Salem itself—as she focused entirely on the love she was feeling.

  And she would cling to it for as long as she could.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lynda

  Lynda held her stomach as she drew in a few calming breaths, clutching her resume in her hand. She stood from her chair and smiled as a short woman with wiry glasses and a gray sweater came to collect her from the waiting room.

  “Miss Short, I presume?” asked the woman with a heavy European accent. “It's lovely to meet you. I'm used to being the short one around here.”

  Lynda laughed politely. “You must be Mrs. Telebo. It's nice to finally meet you!”

  “Ah, your mother was such a sweet woman when we did business with her. How could I say no to meeting her daughter?”

  “I'm glad to hear it was a good experience. My mother is a good woman.”

  “And I assume that extends to you. Come join me in my office.”

  Lynda followed Mrs. Telebo into a humble office decorated with fine china. She admired the plates decorating the walls before sitting down in a cozy chair. Her heart raced as she held her resume out across Mrs. Telebo's desk.

  Mrs. Telebo accepted the papers and set them aside.

  “Now, you're probably thinking that we wouldn't fly you out here just to talk,” Mrs. Telebo said as she relaxed into her chair. “And that would be true. We're quite impressed by your experience.”

  “I have my mother and college to thank for that, ma'am.”

  “It certainly shows. But I have to ask—why apply now when you have a year left at Salem University?”

  Lynda folded her hands in her lap while she digested the question. “I needed a change, Mrs. Telebo. I've been following the same routine my entire life, following my mother's footsteps.”

  Mrs. Telebo nodded.

  “This is rather unlike me. I usually plan ahead and have everything sorted before I make an impulsive decision. But my gut said this one was the right one.”

  “Do you think a college admissions representative job would be easy?”

  Lynda shook her head. “Not by any means. That's why I chose it.”

  “Do you like challenges? Solving puzzles? Talking to people?”

  “I sure do.”

  Mrs. Telebo nodded with glee. “So, besides change, what made you suddenly apply to the University of Ireland?”

  “Would you like the truth, ma'am?”

  “Always.”

  Lynda nodded. “I fell in love with someone who got hired at the castle here. I wanted to stay in touch in a way that didn't involve long-distance phone calls. I'm dedicated to making this relationship work.”

  Mrs. Telebo squinted for a moment. She folded her hands under her chin and nodded as she hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I've certainly never heard that before.”

  “I didn't want to lie, honestly.”

  “I appreciate that in you, Miss Short. We value honestly and integrity here. And because your mother spoke so highly of you, I feel confident that you will do well working here at our university.”

  Lynda perked up. “So, I got it?”

  “As you had just put it, you sure did.”

  Lynda giggled as she hopped up from her chair and reached across the desk to take Mrs. Telebo's hand. “I'm so happy to be working for you, Mrs. Telebo! I'm excited to get started!”

  “We do need to go over some basic information. Have you found a place to live?”

  “I'm currently in a bed-and-breakfast around the corner. It's a lovely place and I'll stay there until I can find an apartment.”

  Mrs. Telebo nodded while standing from her chair. “Then, let's get you started on your paperwork! We have some standard training and I personally insist that you finish up your year of studies here.”

  “I would be happy to do that.”

  “We'll cover that cost, of course.”

  “Really?”

  She laughed. “Did you think we would charge tuition when you work here? What a silly thought!”

  Lynda giggled and followed Mrs. Telebo to the door. “Things in America are a little different, I suppose.”

  “Well, you'll adjust to the change of pace here. Have you gotten much sleep? I can imagine you have jet lag.”

  “Only a little bit.”

  “Let's do this instead: how about you go back to your room and get some rest. We'll cover the paperwork tomorrow.”
>
  Lynda smiled warmly. “That's so kind of you to suggest. I'll do that immediately.”

  “And let us know if you need anything!”

  Lynda shook Mrs. Telebo's hand again, feeling misty-eyed as she left the office of her new job. Her chest swelled with excitement as the fresh air bit her cheek, causing her to hug her shoulders. She walked through the campus and to the parking lot where she hopped into the passenger seat of her rental car.

  She laughed. “This will take some getting used to.”

  She switched seats and hopped into the driver's seat, turning the key in the ignition. As she maneuvered out of the parking lot, she admired the surrounding scenery. Everything was so gorgeous even though it was perpetually raining. She pulled out to the main road that would lead her back to her bed-and-breakfast, but she didn't return to her room.

  She had somewhere else to be first.

  ***

  When she pulled up in front of the castle, she gaped at the towering structure.

  “That's...so much bigger than the brochure.”

  She put the car into park and stared for a moment, taking in the gigantic fortress with impressive towers. There were already a group of people wandering around the front. As she stepped from the car, she shivered, tugging her coat tighter around her.

  “I'll have to get used to this weather, too.”

  She marched through the parking lot and up to the entrance, feeling her legs weakening with every step. When she approached the window, she smiled.

  “Hi, I'm here to see Miss Ruby Nixon.”

  The attendant grinned. “She's on a tour right now, but you can purchase a ticket and wait for her in the lobby.”

  “Of course.”

  Lynda paid for her ticket and wandered inside, listening to the hum of people chattering around her. She wandered to the couches in the center of the lobby. It seemed so modern for a castle. She huddled into a corner, waiting patiently for the familiar woman with black hair and red lips to make an appearance.

  When she spotted Ruby, she nearly yelped. She tugged her hood up over her features and stood up as Ruby walked over to a case of artifacts on the other side of the lobby. She walked slowly over to Ruby, shivering nervously the closer she drew.

  She took a deep breath as she approached. “Excuse me, ma'am? Could you help me find a costume?”