Me and My Ghoulfriends

by Rose Pressey

  "Actually, I think she may be meditating."

  "I don't think that's it. It could be part of her religion, although I don't think you'd use black candles for any religion."

  "Unless it's ... it's witchcraft."

  I gave Mindy a wide-eyed glare. “Oh come on, be serious."

  "It's kind of creepy. It gives me chills,” she said.

  "That's nothing new. Brianna has always been kind of creepy."

  Mindy glanced at her wrist. “I'm gonna be late for my class."

  She grabbed the binoculars and tossed them back in her purse.

  "I'll call you later.” And with that, she was gone.

  It was just me and my band of banshees for the rest of the day. Oh, and maybe the occasional customer if I were lucky. I had a lot of favorite things in life, blueberry doughnuts, diet coke, pepperoni pizza. All right, I had a pattern going—I liked food. One thing that wasn't on my list of favorites was talking to the dead non-stop. Sure, it had its moments. I mean, who else gets a chance to talk to Abe Lincoln? But the novelty wears off quickly.

  * * * *

  I slumped my shoulders and sighed as I scanned my closet. I'd been so excited about dressing for my date on Friday, but days later, and I didn't know what to do.

  Mindy's words echoed in my mind. “Don't trust him,” she'd said.

  So now, did I dare to wear sweats? I mean what's the point of dressing up? The date probably would be a waste of time anyway.

  "You want him to know how sexy you are, and what he's missing out on if he doesn't date you. So wear something nice."

  I spun around to see Mr. Haynes standing behind me, watching me eye my closet. Did he just say sexy? Oh dear. That was like my grandfather telling me how to be sexy. I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. With that comment I really had heard it all; fashion advice from beyond the grave.

  I slipped on a teal-colored blouse that revealed just the right amount of cleavage, and my favorite pair of True Religion jeans. After all, it was pizza, no need to get that dressed up. I gathered my purse and headed out the door.

  When I glanced over my shoulder to see Abe and Mr. Haynes sitting in the backseat, staring sadly out the window, I felt bad, because I hadn't spent enough time trying to help them. It wasn't as if I hadn't tried at all, but for some reason, I was in a slump and I couldn't snap out of it. It felt as if I had a black cloud hanging over my head.

  The parking lot was almost empty when I pulled up in front of the pizza joint. I flipped down the mirror on the visor of my car and examined my reflection. Not bad. My eyes seemed a little puffy from lack of sleep, though. But overall, not bad.

  I swiped on a layer of strawberry-squeeze pink lipstick and then attempted to smooth down my frizzies with the palms of my hands. Just then a thunderous noise rattled near my ear. I jumped and let out a screech from deep within my chest; someone had knocked on my car window right beside my head, making my heart fall to the pit of my stomach.

  It was Callahan, standing there looking more gorgeous than ever. One misbehaving lock dangled on his forehead. How the hell did he do that? There I was, with bags under my eyes, probably lipstick on my teeth, and a having a seriously bad hair day, and he was standing there looking like a model.

  In spite of myself, I couldn't help but smile at him. I wanted to be mad, aloof or whatever you call it, but I was finding it increasingly hard the more I was around him. I unlocked the door, and Callahan reached for the handle, holding it open for me while I stepped out. In that instant, I was glad I had followed the ghost's advice and worn something slightly sexy. How embarrassed would I have been if I'd shown up in sweats? I wouldn't be able to make him wild with desire for me, donning durable jersey.

  "You look stunning."

  Wow, stunning wasn't the word I'd expected him to use, but I'd accept it; he was really laying it on thick.

  "Thank you,” I said, brushing a flyaway strand of hair from my face.

  "Are you hungry?"

  Was I hungry? I was always hungry. I'd have to stop myself from wolfing down the pizza and scaring the hell out of him. He'd think I was some wild animal that had been caged, and which hadn't eaten in days.

  "Sort of.” I smiled, giving my best attempt at an I-don't-eat-much-look. Maybe he wasn't buying it, but at least I'd tried.

  As I turned to walk to the entrance, out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of what I thought was a look of appreciation from Callahan. Was he checking out my butt? I was happy, for a second, until I thought of him checking out Brianna in the same manner. Damn, I couldn't win.

  He slid his hand to the small of my back, as he had on our first date, and guided me into the restaurant. My skin tingled as his fingers pressed against it. Thankfully, the place was empty. We were the only customers. Most people don't go out for pizza around here until the weekend. Dimmed lights, tablecloths with flowers in the middle, who knew a pizza parlor could be so romantic and cozy? So, it was just the two of us, and the silence dangled in the air as we sat down and scanned the menu.

  "What kind do you like?"

  Everything. Especially pepperoni.

  "I like cheese.” No need to be a pig in front of him this soon.

  "Do you like pepperoni? It's my favorite."

  Mine too! I wanted to yell.

  "Sure, that would be fine.” I smiled. I needed comfort food right about then, anyway, with the way I felt on the inside.

  "So how long have you had the bookstore?"

  "Well, my grandparents had it for fifteen years,” I said, taking a sip of the water the waitress had just set down. “They retired a year ago, and moved to Florida. So when they did, I bought it from them. It was the best decision I ever made. I love it. It's my dream job."

  He took a sip of his water and eyed me from the top of the glass.

  "So is the love of coffee and pastry the sole reason you opened up your store?"

  "Yes, it was the sole reason.” He laughed.

  His laugh was infectious and I couldn't help but join him in his mirth. It radiated across the table and gave me a warm feeling that easily spread through my body.

  "Well you must work out a lot to keep from packing on the pounds from all of those pastries."

  "I run every day and, because of that, I can afford to eat pastry. I hope it doesn't catch up to me someday. Actually I think it might,” he said, patting his flat stomach.

  As I watched, I wondered what that stomach looked like under his shirt. I had a flash of his buttons magically popping off, zinging around the room and exposing his tight washboard abs.

  Forcing myself out of my musing, I said, “Must be nice. I can gain weight by looking at a doughnut. Of course, I don't run every day. I do work out, though."

  I didn't tell him that sometimes I had to run on an investigation. If the ghosts got a little ornery, or a demon was loose in the building, then quite often it was necessary to make a run for it. Although that wasn't the equivalent to running a marathon, it was something.

  "So what else do you do for fun? Do you work every weekend?"

  "My bookstore is pretty much it. And I do work most every weekend.” Wow, did I sound boring.

  "No other interests?"

  "No, not really. Of course, I love reading.” I switched gears and threw the questions at him. “What about you? What are your interests besides pastries and running?"

  I wanted to add ‘and besides being a womanizer.'

  "Just the usual stuff. I like to read and travel some.” His thick eyelashes fluttered at me, and then he displayed another shy grin.

  "Really? Where have you traveled to? I've only traveled around the States."

  "I've been to London, Ireland and Spain. And, of course, around the States, too."

  "I hope to travel someday myself. I'd love to go to Ireland."

  Just then the chubby little waitress popped up to take our order; she looked like she'd enjoyed a few of the pizzas during her breaks. The silence was back after she'd grabbed our menus and
headed back to the kitchen with our request.

  Many thoughts were churning in my mind. Was I the ‘other woman?’ How many other women did he have? How many other women did he take for pizza?

  Finally, Callahan broke the quiet that encircled us.

  "Tell me more about your grandparents and why you bought their store.” Callahan fixed his entrancing eyes on me from the top of his glass as he took another drink.

  "Well,” I paused, breaking free of his gaze. “They gave me a great price on the store. That was the only way I could have ever afforded it."

  "You're lucky."

  "I don't know. I guess I am lucky in that respect. I think they'd felt sorry for me my whole life, and a discount on the shop was one way they could finally try and make up for it."

  "Why do you say that? Why did they feel sorry for you?"

  I couldn't believe I was opening up to him like this. I'd never shared that information with anyone. But how could I resist his charm? He seemed to be genuinely interested in what I had to say.

  "They'd always felt guilty that I'd grown up fatherless. It wasn't their fault, though, nothing they could do about it. It wasn't as if they could control their son's actions his entire life."

  "Your father wasn't around, then?"

  I shook my head. “No. My father skipped town when my mother became pregnant. I've never met him. His parents still live in town; they're the ones I got the shop from. He's never had a desire to see me, as far as I know. And that's fine by me, the feeling is mutual."

  "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up the subject."

  "Don't be. I'm not. I'm fine with everything.” I waved a dismissive hand. “I've had a great life with no regrets. My grandfathers were always there for me."

  My mother had always worried that I'd seek out a father figure in a mate, since I'd never had a father. I'd never had a dad like the other children, one that lived with me and read me bedtime stories, or chased away monsters in my closet in the middle of the night. I'd had to be content with visiting my grandfathers, and that was the extent of my male role models.

  I'd done all right, though. I didn't think I'd tried to seek out a father figure. But hell, maybe that was why I couldn't find a boyfriend, after all. Sure, I'd dated, maybe even loved, before, but I'd never been in love. And it pained me to admit it, but I wanted that experience. Mindy always told me that I really didn't want it. She said I'd be better off without it. Just dating for eternity. But what kind of life would it be to never have loved? For some stupid reason, when I'd met Callahan, I'd thought he may be my chance to be in love. I supposed it had just been my hormones thinking. Or my need to find someone just like my father, who'd walk out on me.

  I needed to change the subject; that topic was way too serious for pizza. Thankfully, the waitress came with the steaming dish, placing the pie in front of us with a huge smile on her face. No doubt she was admiring the gooey mess.

  "Please, allow me.” Callahan scooped up a piece with the spatula and slipped it onto a plate, smiling as he sat it in front of me.

  "Thank you. It looks delicious."

  "You're welcome."

  Between bites of pizza we chatted about books again, something we both obviously had in common. I didn't have the nerve to ask about Brianna, which was my purpose for going on the date in the first place. Callahan could seriously put away some pizza; it seemed pastry wasn't the only food he loved.

  "It's getting late. I'd better get home,” I said, dabbing at my mouth with my napkin.

  He didn't speak, instead his eyes searched mine. Finally he said, “I'll just go pay our bill.” Did he want to say more? Maybe he was going to confess about his dating Brianna?

  He stood and walked toward the register, and I couldn't help but watch his jeans as they moved away from me. He had a fantastic butt. I stretched from my chair and tossed my purse over my shoulder, meeting him at the door.

  Our waitress was eyeing Callahan the same way she had been eyeing that pizza. I couldn't say I blamed her, he was hard to resist. Opening the door and leading me outside to my car, Callahan sure was getting extra points for his chivalry. He opened my door in one fluid motion, and as I turned to slide in, he grabbed my arm. His action was bold and caught me off guard.

  He leaned in close to me and whispered, “Larue, I think you are the most beautiful women I've ever laid my eyes on.” His warm breath tickled my skin.

  The longing in his voice made my stomach dance with desire. Without uttering another word, he moved his lips slowly to mine. They were warm, despite the chilly night temperature.

  I prayed Mindy wouldn't drive by at that exact moment and see how terribly weak I was.

  Callahan opened my lips with his tongue, and the taste of his sweet mouth sent me into overdrive. He held his strapping arms around my waist, pulling me close to him. There was no denying he was excited.

  I couldn't bring myself to pull away, despite the fact we were in the middle of the parking lot. Luckily, it was dark; no one would see our passionate kisses. Or so I thought.

  Abruptly, just as I thought I would never catch my breath again, bright lights flooded the area. We stood like deer with our eyes dazzled by headlights.

  I held my hand in the air, blocking out the light and looking to see what it was. The illumination was so bright I thought it was Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Someone was obviously having a good time shining their headlights directly on us.

  They may as well have hosed us down with cold water. I slipped into the driver seat and said goodbye, a smile on my face all the way home.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 12

  All right, so that went well, minus the headlights blinding us. We never figured out who that was; their windows had been tinted too darkly. Probably some teenagers playing games.

  The date left me faced with a definite dilemma. What was I supposed to do? I wasn't about to get involved with a man who was dating Brianna. Yet, last night he'd acted as if I was the only woman in his life.

  I could hear Mindy, now. “That's what gigolos do,” she would say. No doubt she'd see right through me as soon as she walked through the door of Book Nook.

  She'd read me like one of the books placed carefully on the shelves in my little store.

  I might as well have written it across my forehead: I have a thing for the man who makes my coffee. So, I was smitten with Callahan, and I couldn't hide it. But the burning question persisted, was he interested in Brianna? I had no idea what the answer was, but I'd have to worry about that later. For just a little while, all I wanted was to enjoy the time I had, basking in the success of my dates. Two of them. I could still feel his tantalizing kiss on my lips.

  My little black coupe zipped around the corner as I zoomed onto Main Street. I was running late to open the shop. I'd stumbled out of bed still in a lust-induced trance. If Mrs. Williams hadn't sung Talkin’ in Your Sleep, I might have slept half the day away.

  Her screeching the lyrics echoed through my mind. It was enough to wake the dead, er, well, whatever; she couldn't sing a note.

  As I cruised along the road and slowed the car down, I couldn't help but take a moment to soak up my surroundings. Unquestionably, the town I called home had an air about it, not something identifiable per se, but it was there. And whatever it was, it was drifting down the streets, ruffling through the trees, and zipping in and out of the buildings. The place was exactly where I wanted to be. I just loved my little hometown.

  The quaint and cozy historic section was lined with stone buildings and brick sidewalks. Huge planters sat along the sidewalks, overflowing with flowers that drooped slightly as they reached their final days for the season. The colder weather would be coming soon. Some of the shops had awnings covering their entrances, while others had clever signs dangling gently over the doors.

  Mine was one of the latter; the words Book Nook were proudly displayed above the entrance. My grandparents had always loved that name. My grandmother, Lily,
had thought of it when they'd first opened the shop, years ago. I was thankful that I had Book Nook to come to every day.

  It was a crisp morning in Kentucky and the cool air had put a spring in my stride as I walked into Book Nook feeling on top of the world. Strangers walking down the sidewalk most likely noticed I had a slight pep in my step.

  But all good things must come to an end. Time to come down from my fluffy love cloud and get to work.

  As soon as I walked into the shop, the scent of the old building made me feel warm and safe inside. I stuffed my purse in my office and hustled back to my stool behind the counter. With some reluctance, I began my morning routine. I'd just taken the money out of the safe when Abe approached.

  "You seem happy with your new beau."

  "Things went well,” I said.

  "Don't let him get away."

  "I'll do my best.” I rolled my eyes as he turned away, walking over to the leather chairs placed in front of the fireplace.

  That afternoon, I idly wandered through the aisles straightening books. The bell chimed on the door and, from the aisle where I was standing, I peeked over to see who had entered. I felt the smile on my face spread.

  "Just thought I'd pop in and say hello. I brought you pastry this time.” He waved a paper sack in front of his face. “I didn't want to be too predictable."

  "Thank you,” I said. Please don't let him notice me blushing.

  Walking over to where he was standing, I reached for the bag while Callahan reached for me. He scooped me up, and without warning placed a delicious kiss on my lips. No one knows how extremely embarrassing it is to kiss in front of Abraham Lincoln.

  "Sorry, I couldn't resist."

  I giggled like a little girl. “That's quite all right."

  Catching a whiff of the pastry, I retrieved the bag from his hands, opened it and took in a deep breath of the cinnamon-covered pastry.

  "It smells delicious. That is so sweet of you to think of me."

  "You are sweet.” He was invading my personal space and I loved every minute of it.

  "I have to get back to the shop, but I wanted to ask you to go to the concert in the park with me tonight. There's a great band playing.” He gave me his best pleading smile.