Page 92 of Dead Heat

“I might die. And then Alessandro dies anyway.”

Nana Pratt frowned. “Your life is more complicated than mine ever was. The biggest worry I ever had was whether I’d balance the checkbook that month.”

I gave her a pointed look. “You wouldn’t be here now if that was your biggest worry.”

Her hands fiddled on her lap. “That’s different. I didn’t know Steven and Ashley would become orphans, so it isn’t something I fretted about.”

“Maybe not, but you worry about them now.”

She bristled. “With good reason. Ashley went and got herself kidnapped by homicidal witches.”

I pulled myself to a seated position. “No victim blaming in this house. Ashley didn’t do anything to invite what happened to her. It was pure bad luck. Anyway, she’s thriving at Bridger Farm. Magic suits her.”

Nana Pratt pruned lips formed a smile. “I’ve seen the good that magic can do, especially here at the Castle. I like the idea of my Ashley making a positive contribution to the world.”

My heart warmed at her response. “I’m happy to hear yousay that. I think Ashley will be thrilled to know you feel that way.”

“Enough about me, dear. What else is on your mind?”

I laughed. “Because what I’ve said so far isn’t enough?”

“Oh, it’s plenty, but I know there’s more. You still have frown lines left.”

“Those are permanent.”

“The longer we’ve talked, the more they’ve faded.”

“Really?” I paused a moment to reflect and realized she was right; I felt better just from sharing what was on my mind. “I can’t afford a dress for my date tonight with Kane.”

“Do you need to get dressed up?”

I turned to look at her. “What if it’s the last date we’ll ever have?”

“The Lorelei I know doesn’t talk like that. She’s confident and sassy.”

I arched an eyebrow. “You think I’m sassy?”

“Not like Alicia, but you’ve got some sass. Why don’t I make you a dress? Consider me your fairy godmother.”

“I thought you and Ray were the mice. Jaq and Gus.”

Nana Pratt ignored me. “There’s a sewing machine in the attic. I bet it still works.”

“What else is in the attic?”

“Aside from dust, it’s hard to tell.”

“Won’t you need material?” There weren’t even ugly curtains to pull down a laThe Sound of Music.

“I’ll sort through Addison’s clothes. I bet I can stitch something together.”

I eyed her with suspicion. “I thought we got rid of all her clothes.”

“I may have squirreled away a handful of items for emergency purposes.”

“A fashion emergency?”

She gave me a pointed look. “We’re having one right now,aren’t we? I’ll have Ray bring down the sewing machine and make sure it’s functional.”

---