But unfortunately, Sabines manners are much better than mine. And Ive barely finished the sentence before she shakes her head and says, Dont be ridiculous. Come inside and relax. And, Ever, why dont you order yourself a pizza or something since I havent had time to get to the store.
I follow, lagging behind as much as I can without literally dragging my feet. Partly in protest, and partly because I cant risk bumping into either of them, not trusting my quantum remote to bar me from a sneak peek of their date.
Sabine unlocks the front door, glancing over her shoulder as she says, Ever? Okay? Youre good with the pizza?
I shrug, remembering the two slices of vegetarian Jude left me, which I proceeded to tear into little bits and flush down the toilet as soon as he left. Im good. I grabbed a little something at work. I meet her gaze, thinking this just might be the perfect time to tell her, knowing she wont freak with Munoz (Paul!) standing nearby.
You got a job? She gapes, all wide-eyed and slack jawed right there in the entryway.
Um, yeah. I pull my shoulders in and start scratching my arm even though it doesnt itch. I thought I told you, no?
No. She shoots me a look thats loaded with meaningnone of it good. You definitely failed to mention it.
I shrug, picking at the hem of my shirt, trying to appear unconcerned. Oh, well, there it is. Im officially employed. Chasing it with a laugh that, even to my ears, rings false.
And just where did you get this job of yours? she asks, voice lowered, gaze following Munoz as he heads into the den, eager to avoid all the bad mojo Ive so brilliantly introduced.
Downtown. At a place that sells books andstuff.
She squints.
Listen, I say. Why dont we discuss this later? Id hate for you guys to be late or anything. I glance toward the den where Munoz is hunkered down on the couch.
She glances at the den, expression grim, voice low and urgent when she says, Im glad you found a job, Ever, dont get me wrong. I just wish you wouldve told me, thats all. Well need to find a replacement for you at work now, and She shakes her head. Well, well talk about this later. Tonight. When I get back.
And even though Im thrilled to learn that her plans with Munoz do not extend to the morning, I still look at her and say, Um, heres the thing. Havens cat died, and shes having this memorial service, and shes really upset, which means it could run really late, so I shrug, not bothering to finish, allowing her to fill in the blanks that Ive left.
Tomorrow then. She turns. Now go talk to Paul while I change.
She runs up the stairs, briefcase swinging, heels pounding, as I take a deep breath and make for the den, taking my place behind a big, sturdy armchair, hardly believing its come to this.
Just so you know, Im not calling you Paul, I say, taking in his designer jeans, untucked shirt, hipster watch, and shoes that are way too cool for any teacher to wear.
Thats a relief. He smiles, gaze light and easy, resting on mine. Might get kind of awkward at school.
I swallow hard, fiddling with the back of the chair, unsure just where Im expected to take it from here. Because even though my entire life is undeniably weird, being forced to make entertaining banter with my history teacher who knows one of my biggest secrets takes it to a whole new level.
But apparently Im the only one whos uncomfortable around here. Munoz is completely relaxed, sitting back on the coach, foot resting on knee, the absolute picture of ease. So what exactly is your relationship to Sabine? he asks, arms spread wide across the cushions.
Shes my aunt. I study him, checking for signs of disbelief, confusion, surprise, but all I get is an interested gaze. She became my legal guardian when my parents passed away. I lift my shoulders and look at him.
I had no idea. Im so sorry He scrunches his face, voice fading as sadness fills up the space.
My sister died too. I nod, caught up in it now. As did Buttercup. She was our dog.
Ever He shakes his head in the way people do when they cant even begin to imagine what its like to be you. I
I died too, I add, before he can finish. Not wanting to hear his awkward condolences, struggling to find just the right words when the truth is, those words dont exist. I died right alongside thembut only for a few seconds, and then I was brought back, resurrected, given the elixir that grants eternal lifeI shake my head. Well, then I woke up. I shrug, wondering why I just confessed all of that.
Is that when you became psychic? His gaze is unwavering, fixed right on mine.
I glance toward the stairway, making sure Sabines nowhere near, then I glance at Munoz and just nod.
It happens, he says, neither surprised nor judgmental, more matter of fact. Ive read up on it a bit. Its a lot more common than youd think. A lot of people come back changed or altered in some way.
I gaze down at the chair, fingers tracing along the top of the cushion, glad for the information but realizing I have no clue how to respond.
And from the way youre fidgeting and glancing at the stairs every five seconds, Im guessing Sabine doesnt know?
I look at him, trying to lighten the mood when I say, So whos psychic now? Me or you?
But he just smiles, searching my face with a new understanding that, thankfully, erases the look of pity that lived there before.
We stay like that, him looking at me, me studying the chair, the silence lingering for so long I finally shake my head and say, Trust me, Sabine wouldnt understand. Shed I dig the toe of my sneaker into the carpets tight weave, unsure just where to take it from here but knowing its imperative that I make myself clear. I mean, dont get me wrong, shes a great person, really smart, and a super successful lawyer and all, but its like I shake my head. Well, lets just say shes a big fan of black and white. Shes not so big on gray. I press my lips together and look away, knowing Ive said more than enough, but needing to make one final thing clear. But please dont tell her about meokay? I mean, you wontwill you?
I peer at him, holding my breath as he considers, taking his time as Sabine heads down the stairs. And just when Im sure I cant take another second he says, Well make a deal. You stop cutting class and I wont say a word. Hows that?
Hows that? Is he kidding? Hes practically blackmailing me!
I mean, I know Im not in the best positionespecially since Im the only one with something to lose, but still. I glance over my shoulder, seeing Sabine pause in front of the mirror, double-checking her teeth for stray lipstick tracks, as I turn toward him and whisper, What does it matter? Theres only a week left! And we both know Im getting an A.
He nods, rising from his seat, a smile widening his cheeks as he takes in Sabine, though his words are directed at me. Which is why you have no good reason not to be there, right?
To not be where? Sabine asks, looking way too beautiful with her smoky eye makeup, fluffy blond hair, and an outfit that Stacia Miller would probably sell a kidney for if she were twenty years older.
I start to speak, not trusting Munoz not to blow my cover, but he jumps right in, voice overpowering mine when he says, I was just telling Ever to get on with her plans. Theres no need to stick around and entertain me.
Sabine glances between us until her gaze rests on Paul. And even though its nice to see her looking so relaxed and happy and eager to get the night going, the second he places his hand on the small of her back and leads her toward the front door, its all I can do not to hurl.
CHAPTER 26
By the time I get to Havens, everyones gathered, looking on as Haven stands just outside the window where she first found her cat, saying a few words in Charms memory, while hugging a small urn to her chest.
Hey, I whisper, sidling up beside Damen and glancing at the twins. What did I miss?
He smiles, looking at me as he thinks: Some tears were shedsome poems were read He shrugs. Though Im sure shell forgive your latenesseventually.
I nod, deciding to show Damen the reason for my latenesspresenting the entire debacle in full Technicolor glory. Watching as Haven sprinkles Charms ashes over the ground as the images from just a few moments before stream from my mind to his.
He slides his arm around me, comforting me in just the right way, placing a full bouquet of red tulips briefly into my handscareful to make it appear and disappear before anyone sees.
Was it really that bad? He glances at me as Haven hands the urn to her little brother Austin, who scrunches his nose and peers inside.
Worse. I shake my head, still wondering why I chose to confide in Munozof all people.
I move closer, leaning my head on his shoulder as I add: And the twins? What are they doing here? I thought they were afraid to go outside?
They stand beside Haven, faces identical with their solemn dark eyes and razor-slashed bangsbut the similarities end there, having ditched their usual private school uniforms for ones of their own. With Romy striving for the all-American wholesomeness of a J. Crew catalog model, while Raynes look hails straight from the Hot Topic aisles with her edgy black minidress, torn black tights, and towering platform Mary Jane shoes. Though I doubt they actually shopped at those stores. Not when Damen can just manifest for them.
He shakes his head, arm tightening around me as he responds to my thoughts. Nope, thats where youre wrong. Theyre venturing out. Eager to explore the world outside of TV, magazines, and my Crystal Cove gated community. He smiles. Believe it or not, they chose those outfits themselves. Even paid for them too. Using the money I gave them, of course. He looks at me. Just think, yesterday the mall, today a cat funeral, and tomorrowwho knows? He turns, smiling in a way that lights up his face as Haven says a final farewell to the cat practically no one here knew.
Shouldnt we have brought something? I ask. You knowflowers or something?
We did. Damen nods, lips grazing my ear when he adds, Not only did we bring those flowers over therehe points to a giant bouquet made of colorful spring bloomsbut we also made a very generous, though anonymous, donation to the ASPCA in Charms memory. I thought shed appreciate that.
Helping people anonymously? I gaze at him, taking in the slant of his brow, the curve of his lips and longing for them to press against mine. I thought you were against all of that?
He looks at me, obviously misconstruing the words Id meant as a joke. But just as Im about to explain, Josh motions for us to come over.
He peers at Haven, making sure she cant hear, before turning to us, saying, Listen, I need your help. I messed up.
How? I squint, even though the answer just appeared in my head.
He crams his hands into his pockets, dyed black hair falling into his eyes when he says, I got her a kitten. This guy in my bandwell, his girlfriends cat just had a litter and I thought it might help her get over Charm so I took the black onebut now she wont even talk to me. Says I dont understand. Shes seriously mad.
Im sure shell come around, just give her some time, and shell
But hes already shaking his head. Are you kidding? Did you hear her just now? He glances between us. The way she went on and on about how Charm was one of a kind, how she can never be replaced. He shakes his head and looks away. That was for me, make no mistake.
Everyone feels that way after losing a pet. Im sure if you I stop, gazing into eyes so defeated I know Im not making a dent.
No way. He lifts his shoulders, looking at her, the loss clear on his face. She meant it. Shes sad about Charm, mad at me, and now Ive got this kitten in the backseat of my car and no idea what to do with it. I cant bring it home, my momll kill me, and Miles cant take it because of the whole Italy thing, so I thought maybe you guys would want her. His gaze darts between us, silent but pleading.
I take a deep breath and glance toward the twins, knowing they would love nothing more than a pet of their own, especially after the way they reacted to Charm. But what becomes of it once their magicks restored and they head back to Summerland? Is it possible to bring the cat with them? Or will she become our responsibility?
But when they turn, the two of them gazing at me, Romys face lifting into a smile while Raynes drops to a scowl, I know I need all the help I can get where theyre concerned, and a cute little kitten might be a good start.
I look at Damen, knowing the moment our eyes meet that were on the same page.
We head for Joshs car as he says, Lets have a look.
Omigod! Are you serious? Shes seriously ours? For reals? Romy cradles the tiny black kitten and glances between us.
Shes all yours. Damen nods. But you should thank Ever, not me. It was her idea.
Romy looks at me, a grin spread wide across her face as Rayne twists her mouth to the side, pursing her lips in a way that makes it clear shes sure shes being played.
What should we name her? Romy glances between us before focusing solely on Rayne. And dont say Jinx the second, or Jinx squared, or anything like that, because this kitty deserves her own name. She hugs the kitten tight to her chest, planting a kiss on the top of her tiny black head. She also deserves a much better fate than the other Jinx had.
I look at them, about to ask what happened when Rayne says, Thats all in the past. But Romys right, we need to find the perfect name. Something strong and mysticalsomething truly worthy of a kitty like this.
We sit, the four of us sprawled across the various chairs and couches in Damens oversized den. Damen and I sharing a cushion, limbs entwined as our minds sift through long lists of suitable names until I clear my voice and say, How about Luna? I glance between them, hoping theyll like it as much as I do. You know, like the Latin word for moon?
Please. Rayne rolls her eyes. We know what Luna means. In fact, Im pretty sure we know way more Latin than you.
I nod, struggling to keep my voice calm and composed, refusing to rise to her bait, when I add, Well, I was thinking that since they say cats are connected to the moon and all I stop, taking one look at her face and knowing theres no point in going on, shes dead set against it.