Me and My Ghoulfriends

by Rose Pressey

  "Nothing. Nothing, at all. No wait, I'll tell you what she has. A nasty attitude, that's what she has.” Mindy gestured, using the hand with her diet coke dangling in it.

  I silently prayed she wouldn't spill it all over the display of books next to her as I nervously watched it hover.

  "Well it doesn't feel that way right now. Although I guess I do need to stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with my life. I can't let people disturb me like that."

  "Yes! That's exactly what you need to do. Forget about them."

  "Although, it is kind of hard to do, when they are parading around town like two love birds in front of me. Earlier today I witnessed them practically making out on the sidewalk. I went to the grocery store last night, and even the cashier was talking about them. ‘Oh they seem so in love,’ she said, all too happily. I wanted to scream. They don't even know each other. And, the whole town now thinks they're some perfect couple. A match made in heaven, I suppose."

  Just then, Mrs. Williams came up with a cross expression on her face, which was nothing new, as she always had that scowl.

  "When are you going to visit my husband again instead of worrying over your non-existent love life? Quit your whining and help us.” She furrowed her eyebrows.

  Wow. That was unexpected—she was yelling at me.

  "Mrs. Williams, I tried to visit your husband. It got me absolutely nowhere. He doesn't want to listen to me. I'd say he must be just about as stubborn as you are."

  Talk about a match made in heaven. They were made for each other.

  "You two were perfect for each other."

  She continued staring at me with a huge grimace plastered across her face.

  I continued. “He didn't want to talk to me. There's not much I can do about that. I can't force him to listen to me. If I keep harassing him, he will have me arrested. Not to mention tell everyone in town I am some kind of crazy person that talks to dead people. I don't need that problem in my life right now. Got it?"

  For the first time since she'd popped up in my life, I could see hurt in her eyes. I had just hurt a ghost's feelings. That was becoming a habit with me recently. What a lousy day.

  As usual, being a pushover that I am, the guilt got to me and I said, “I'm sorry Mrs. Williams. I didn't mean to be so harsh. I'm just having a bad week."

  She snubbed me and turned her back, pouting like a small child that hadn't been given any candy.

  Well, so now I had one ghost mad at me, I hope she didn't start throwing books.

  Mrs. Williams's behavior had been becoming increasingly feisty. When a customer walked in and I spotted Mrs. Williams immediately follow them to the back of the store I knew I was in for trouble. I didn't know what to do. I was going to have to convince her husband to talk to me, and soon. Before I lost all my customers.

  Speaking of customers, one had walked in and I cringed when I saw Mrs. Williams leaning over the young man's shoulder. She occasionally turned her head to look at me, with a smirk on her face, as if she were daring me. What was she going to do? Suddenly, I knew what her first plan of attack was. She grabbed the young man's arm and yanked as hard as she could. He jumped, spun around and then looked my way to see if I was the one touching him.

  When he spotted me still standing in the same spot at the front of the store, he flashed me a worried glance, but after a few seconds went back to his book. Unfortunately, I couldn't yell at Mrs. Williams to stop. Having an unruly ghost around was the pits. What I really wanted to do was drag her out of there by her stuffy business suit collar and tell her not to come back until she knew how to behave.

  As I watched her, I realized that she hadn't finished her mission. No, by the look in her eyes, I knew she wouldn't be finished until my customer was gone. With venom boiling up inside her, she then hastily stomped over and jerked the man's other arm, this time even harder, knocking the book right out of his hand. Right then, he let out a scream and jumped, almost tumbling backward on his heels.

  The customer hurriedly rushed my way, running past Mindy and I, and knocking over a stack of books on his way to the door. He just gave us a frightened look and dashed right out of the store without saying a word. The bell jangled furiously, marking his departure.

  "I'm sure he'll never return,” I said, giving Mindy a frustrated smirk.

  "Are you happy now? You scared that poor guy to death,” I scolded Mrs. Williams, wagging my finger at her.

  "Well, maybe now you will talk to my Robert."

  "What's going on?” Mindy asked, looking in the direction that I was talking.

  "She is driving me crazy, that's what's going on. She wants me to talk to her husband still. And he doesn't want to talk to me.” I glared at Mrs. Williams.

  Mindy nodded; she knew all about Mr. Williams.

  Mrs. Williams stretched out her arms and heaved them across the shelf, sending books toppling to the floor with a loud crash.

  Mindy gasped at the sight. She looked as if she was ready to run from the store as well. She would probably try to catch up with the poor boy who had just been chased out.

  "Fine! I'll try again! But please, just stop that! Give me a chance to talk to him before you scare the rest of my customers away or make any more messes,” I pleaded.

  Over the past few days, I had attempted to talk with Mr. Williams, but he still wouldn't answer his door. I'd been trying to talk to him, really I had. The man was so distraught, and missing his wife so much, that he was staying behind locked doors, although with her behavior I honestly couldn't see why.

  Nonetheless, I suppose someone had to love her. There was someone for everyone, obviously. I had to think of some way to talk with him fast, before she put me out of business. I knew the young customer might tell others about his weird experience and word would spread like wild fire. In a small town like Magnolia, nothing goes unnoticed for long.

  "Anyway, back to Brianna,” Mindy said, spinning around to face the window again. Clearly, she was trying to shake the ghostly incident out of her mind. “Somehow, even though no one in town supposedly likes her, they still shop at her store. Why is that? It's as if they can't get enough of her now."

  "I'm not sure what's going on, but those women want to spend their money. Brianna would have to be caught in bed with their husbands or something to get them not to go to her store. And, even then, I think they would still shop there."

  "I suppose you're right. But I still don't understand it,” Mindy said.

  Walking closer to Mindy, I stared out the window, my eyes fixed on nothing, really. I was just trying to absorb the events.

  "More snooping is needed, you do realize that?” Mindy turned up her soda to get the last drop out of the can.

  "I think I'm all snooped out.” I rubbed my temples trying to relieve the tension building in my head.

  "Are you sure? We may find some juicy details."

  "I don't doubt it. I think I may be better off not knowing those details."

  "Fine, suit yourself.” Mindy shrugged. “You may be sorry."

  "Sorry? I doubt that.” I shook my head.

  "I've got to run.” Mindy said grabbing her suitcase, er, bag.

  "I'll talk to you later.” I waved, watching her walk down the sidewalk. She stuck her tongue out in the direction of Callahan when she passed his shop.

  I laughed.

  "You gotta love her,” I whispered aloud.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 16

  "I told you she was up to something,” Mindy said, sliding in the door once again. It was late afternoon and I was already watching the clock for time to close shop. I needed a break from watching Brianna amble over to see Callahan.

  "Ugh. Mindy, we've already discussed this. I thought we were dropping this? I mean really, let it go already.” I took a deep breath.

  "No, you were dropping this. I never agreed to that. Why you choose to ignore the situation is beyond me,” Mindy said, shaking her head in disapproval.

 
; "Well, why you choose to pursue the situation is beyond me.” I snorted.

  "I just happened to be walking by the store and, let me tell you, she is up to no good. No good, I tell you!"

  "Oh, you just happened to be walking past, huh? You never just happen to be walking past her store. Don't you have classes to teach or something?"

  Mindy conveniently ignored my question. “She is dreadfully strange and I think she is hiding something. Whatever she is doing it can't be pleasant."

  "Maybe she's a serial killer or something and has dead bodies hidden in her store?” I sarcastically raised an eyebrow at Mindy.

  "You've been watching too much TV.” Mindy wiggled her finger in my direction, then grabbed my arm. “Come on we're going snooping again."

  "You seriously need to get another hobby,” I said, forcing her fingers off my arm one by one.

  "I'm serious Larue. Let's go.” She tugged on my arm again.

  "I don't see the purpose in it. We can't do anything. It would just be creepy at this point.” I pulled my arm from her grasp yet again.

  Mindy pinched her brows together and gave me an irritated look. She wasn't used to me telling her no, but this was one time she was just going to have to adjust to the idea. I wasn't snooping anymore. I was putting my foot down.

  "I think you should fight for what you want,” Mr. Haynes said. He gave me a heartfelt look. His eyes glimmered as he gave me a little grin.

  "I appreciate that, but I don't think there's any fighting to do, Mr. Haynes.” I gave him a half-hearted grin. It was hard for me to continue to be nice. The spirits were testing my patience.

  "Look!” Vivian said as she stood gazing out the front window beside us. I glanced over at her. She looked like Scarlet, with her big hoop dress and dark hair falling to her shoulders in ringlets. She was pointing her delicate hand at something across the street.

  Following her finger, I peered out the window at what she was pointing at, and that's when I saw Brianna and Callahan strolling into Brianna's boutique, arm in arm.

  I really could have done without her pointing them out to me at that moment.

  "Well, well. Don't they look cozy? See, that is just wrong,” Mindy said as she followed my gaze and witnessed the lovebirds herself.

  "I have to admit, Mindy, it does put off a strange vibe, the whole situation. Nevertheless, I'm not snooping around her house anymore. I'm afraid we'll be caught. She'll have my head on a platter. I'll be run out of town and lose my bookstore, and everything I love. And, as a matter of fact, I think that is exactly what she wants anyway. She's just looking for the chance to get me, and I'm not going to hand it to her. Like I told you, when I went out with Callahan, her hatred for me immediately increased."

  "Maybe I'll just go myself, then,” Mindy huffed.

  "Maybe you should, but I'm not coming to rescue you when you're caught. I can't afford to bail you out of jail either,” I said, slamming down a book that had been next to my hand.

  Mindy scrunched her face at me in disapproval. A disturbing glare formed in her eyes.

  "I can't believe you are mad at me over this,” I said, as I watched Mindy glower.

  "Well believe it,” she huffed. Mindy stomped to the door and yanked it open, storming out without even glancing back to say goodbye.

  "Unbelievable,” I mumbled.

  She always wanted her way. Well, this was one time I wasn't about to give in to her temper tantrum.

  "What is her problem?” Mrs. Williams asked.

  "I don't know. I guess she's just spoiled.” I rolled my eyes.

  "Well I have no patience for someone with that behavior,” she said sternly.

  I didn't bother to mention she really didn't have patience for anyone, no matter their behavior. And talk about the pot calling the kettle black—I shouldn't even be talking to her after the little stunts she pulled with the customer and the books.

  After my long day, I figured I needed to just go home and relax in the tub. I'd attempt to unwind, soak with candles circling the sides of my tub (not black ones), and listen to my favorite soothing music.

  I was tired of the drama from Callahan, Brianna and Mindy. Moreover, my gang of ghosts weren't helping matters, either. I was getting advice from all sides, and I didn't think any of their guidance was going to help. I felt like they were playing tug of war with my head.

  Just as I was locking the door and heading to my car, my cellphone rang. I honestly didn't feel like answering it, but then I worried it might be an emergency. A worry I always possessed was that any call might be a bad call. For that reason I had to answer every call. So I pulled my purse off my shoulder, sat it down on the sidewalk, then knelt down to root around and dig the phone out. My purse wasn't much better than Mindy's.

  Full of nonessential junk.

  "Hello,” I said brusquely.

  "I hope you're not mad at me. Are you mad at me?” Mindy said quietly.

  "No, you goof, I'm not mad. It would take a lot more than that to make me mad."

  "Good, then come to one of my classes. It'll make you feel better,” she said, cheerfully. Mindy's tone had improved instantly. It hadn't taken her long to snap out of her melancholy mood.

  "No way! I can just picture how much I'd embarrass myself. There are certain things that some people should never attempt. And for me, that is pole dancing,” I quipped.

  "Oh, come on, give it a try. You may like it. Try it once. If you don't like it, I promise I'll never ask you again.” Was she offering a money-back guarantee? She was desperate.

  I shook my head ‘no,’ as if she could see me, then I moved the phone from my ear, looked at it, and said loudly, “No."

  "Why are you so difficult? I never ask you for anything."

  "You've got to be joking. You are always asking for something. I'm sorry if I don't feel like dancing on a pole today. Excuse me for not wanting to make an ass out of myself,” I hissed. Why was she so persistent? She never took no for an answer.

  "I'll stop harassing you about snooping on Brianna,” she offered.

  Hmm. Was she serious? I contemplated her offer. “No more talking about her, either?” I asked guardedly.

  "Nope. I won't mention her again."

  "Hmm. That is tempting."

  "Come on.” Mindy nudged.

  One embarrassing hour in return for her dropping the Brianna spy mission. That was tempting. “If I go you'll leave me alone with the snooping?"

  "Yes."

  "You promise?"

  "I promise."

  I hesitated as I weighed my options.

  "I promise.” She let out a sharp hiss of frustration.

  "All right, I'll do it.” I said reluctantly. “When is it?

  "In an hour."

  "I don't have any clothes to wear for an exercise class."

  "I have something you can wear."

  Damn, I'd thought that would get me out of it. It was just my luck she kept extra clothing for just such occasions.

  As I pulled into the parking lot of Mindy's studio, I realized I couldn't have any of the gang see the dance class. If Abe weren't already dead, he would be after seeing that. Women grinding around seductively on metal poles. I couldn't think of any other person, living or dead, it would be more embarrassing to do that in front of than him. Well, maybe a few, but not many.

  "You all stay here in the car,” I ordered. I turned around and glared at them in the back seat.

  Vivian was riding shotgun.

  "I mean it. You all cannot come in there. I will only be about forty-five minutes. I'm warning you.” I pointed my fingers at each of them.

  I especially didn't want Mrs. Williams in there causing trouble. Vivian innocently nodded her head.

  "I promise,” Abe said.

  What had I gotten myself into, thanks to my kooky friend? I would be better off confronting a demon than tackling pole fitness. At least that would be less embarrassing.

  I slithered into Mindy's studio, wishing I could magically dis
appear when I saw the few ladies standing around examining the pole. I was mortified when I realized one of the women was a friend of my grandmother's. Kill me now. How the heck was I supposed to do what Mindy was showing me? How could anyone do what she was asking of us? Apparently it was possible because all the old ladies were doing it, with ease to boot.

  After almost an hour of humiliation, I was finally finished.

  "Wasn't that great? Can I count on you to be a regular in class from now on?” Mindy asked, wiping her brow with her hand towel.

  I laughed. “I hardly think so."

  The worst part of the entire class was the fact my grandmother's friend was infinitely better at it than I was. My life would have been so much better if I'd never known that fact.

  "I was terrible and I hated it. There's no way I want to participate in your classes, ever again."

  "What are you talking about? You did a great job."

  I didn't answer as I slunk out the door.

  Officially, that was the worst thing I'd ever done. It was absolutely terrible. I was so glad there'd only been two other ladies in the class, even if one was going to rat me out to my grandmother. The news that Lily Donavan's granddaughter was a pole dancer would be spread all over the Summer Glen Retirement Living Community within a few mere hours. Honestly, there was not one part of the experience I'd done gracefully. I was a little out of my comfort zone, to say the least. But considering the circumstances, I guess I could have been worse; I'd only fallen flat on my face twice.

  After that mortification was over, I dragged my aching body to my car so I could head home and take that long soak in the tub I'd been dreaming about all afternoon. Afterward, I was going to do nothing but zone out in front of television for the rest of the night. Luckily, I had a stash of chocolate cookies just calling my name. The gang popped back up as I closed my car door. There was no telling where they had slipped off to while I was gone.

  "Well, well, well ... That really was something, I must say. A true sight to behold."

  I paused in my tracks as my hand sat on the key that I'd shoved in the ignition. I knew where Mrs. Williams was going with her statement.