by Kasi Blake
Nick swept into Van’s office without warning. Moments ago he’d been with Bay-Lee, romancing her as if they had forever to enjoy each other. But their days were numbered. He knew it even if she didn’t. Going to Van to plead his case was an act of desperation. The older man glanced up from the papers on his desk. His eyebrows went up behind the glasses, and he frowned at his wall clock.
Before Van could speak, Nick announced, “I saw my cousin’s ghost.”
Van’s jaw dropped. “When? Have you seen him more than once?”
“Does it matter?” Nick settled in one of the available leather chairs. “He’s going to kill me in a few days.”
Van tapped his pen against the desk. “We... could... try hiding you.”
“Ghosts can walk through walls, and this one is invincible. If we don’t find the wraith’s master, I’m dead.”
Van’s concerned gaze drifted to the open doorway. “Bay-Lee is on her way here. We need to table this discussion.”
“She isn’t coming.”
“Pardon?” Van’s eyes narrowed on him.
Nick considered his words carefully. “I told her I needed to see you anyway so I would tell you she was okay. That’s why she assumed you wanted to see her, to check on her. But you and I know the real reason behind your proposed meeting.” Nick growled deep in his throat. “You can’t tell her you’re her father. It would devastate her. You’ve lied for too long, and I don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Neither do I.”
“Then let me break things off with her in my own way.” Nick clenched his hands into tight fists. “I’ll be a jerk, and she’ll dump me.”
“If it doesn’t work, I’ll be forced to tell her.”
“All I ask is that you give us until my birthday.” Nick felt like he was begging for his life. “If I die, the problem is moot anyway. Let us be together for a few days. Let me make her happy.”
Van’s eyes glistened. “You have no idea how much I wish I could give you my blessing. I wish the two of you could love without the end of the world hanging over your heads. You have until your birthday. Enjoy it.”
After shaking Van’s hand, Nick left the office in a better mood than when he’d arrived. With any luck he would die on his birthday and wouldn’t have to break up with her. Regardless of his promise to Van he wasn’t sure he could do it. Now that he’d opened his heart he wasn’t sure he could walk away.