Page 7 of Ghosted

We chatted as I finished my breakfast, falling back into an easy rhythm that almost made me forget the strangeness of our situation. Casper was still the same guy I’d connected with all those months ago—quick-witted, thoughtful, with that irresistible spark of humor that had drawn me to him in the first place. It was easy to slip into conversation with him, almost too easy. If he weren’t see-through, it would have felt like nothing had changed.

Once I finished eating, I stretched and stood. “Okay, now that I’m fueled up, why don’t I take a quick shower and get dressed, and then we can figure out our next move.”

Casper nodded. “Great plan. Need some help scrubbing your back?”

I flipped my hair over my shoulder, turning towards the bathroom. “I’d prefer to wait until you’re flesh and blood again, if you don’t mind.”

He sighed, waving his fingers in the air so the tray with the dirty dishes began floating again. “If you insist.”

I hurried into the shower and then dressed quickly, pulling on a soft knit purple sweater, jeans, and boots. After applying a touch of foundation and some color to my cheeks, I blasted my hair with the dryer before joining Casper at my kitchen table, where he was hovering over the middle in a crossed-legged position with his eyes closed and hands folded in prayer.

“I didn’t know you meditated,” I exclaimed.

He blinked his eyes open and shrugged.

“Helps me center myself,” he said. “I visited an ashram several years ago when I was in India and took a few classes. You should try it sometime.”

Interesting; I hadn’t expected him to be the spiritual type, but I suppose it made sense.

“Maybe you could teach me?” I suggested.

He smiled. “Sure thing.”

I sighed. “First, we need to find Morticia. Halloween is only three days away, so we don’t have much time. I highly doubt she’s cruel enough to send you away for good, though. Otherwise, what could you possibly have seen in her?”

“I certainly hope you’re right,” Casper replied. “But I think you can understand why I don’t want to take the risk. She’s an attorney with a reputation for being ruthless.”

“Oh,” I frowned. That did put a different spin on things.

“At first, I was attracted to her intelligence—and she’s not terrible to look at—but then I realized we just didn’t have thetype of connection I’ve been looking for. The kind I have with you.”

I sucked in my breath, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.

“That’s good to know,” I said softly. “I take it you’ve tried looking for her already?”

He nodded. “I went by her office—Bellamy & Stoneis the firm—but she wasn’t there. From what I overheard from the administrative staff she took a few days off. I didn’t learn any more than that. I also went to her condo a few times, but she wasn’t there, either. I honestly have no idea where else she could be. She never mentioned having any family.”

I drummed my fingers lightly on the table, thinking. Morticia wasn’t just some ordinary woman; she was a witch. If she had disappeared, there was a good chance she wasn’t hiding in a place we’d normally think to check.

“She’s a witch, Casper. Which means she probably has a coven. We need help from someone who knows the magical side of things better than we do.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Like whom?”

“Like my best friend, Daphne, and her aunt, Esme Moonflower. They ownMoonlit Mystics, Sweetberry Hollow’s occult shop.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Casper asked. “Let’s go.”

Moonlit Mysticswas the kind of place that made you feel like you were stepping into another world. The shop was a maze of crystals, herbs, candles, and more mystical paraphernalia than you could shake a broomstick at. The scent of sage and lavenderfilled the air, and soft music played from somewhere in the background, creating a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere.

Daphne was behind the counter when we walked in, arranging a display of moonstone necklaces. She glanced up when the bell above the door jingled, her eyes widening when she saw Casper floating next to me.

“Tabitha!” she exclaimed, hurrying over to me. “Whoever the ghost is standing next to you is really hot,” she whispered in my ear.

I cleared my throat, my cheeks flushing.

“I didn’t realize you’d be able to see him, but Daphne, meet Casper. Casper, Daphne.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Casper said, holding out his hand for a shake but then withdrawing it when Daphne’s fingers passed right through his. “Oops, sorry about that. As you can see, I’ve gotten myself into a bit of a pickle I’m afraid.”

---