Page 18 of My Inherited House Might be Haunted

“Pepper good? Awesome.”

The sewing machine started up. Phaedra was a really good seamstress, so I wasn’t worried.

“How about you try on some of the others? Can’t have just one pair of clothes to wear.”

Pepper went through the selection and tried on the jean and shirt combination. Which also seemed to fit rather well, although the shirt was baggy.

Changing outfits again, this time to the summer dress, I felt it only right to say something. “Thanks for cleaning the bathroom, Pepper. I do appreciate it. I know it was a mess after we washed Myst.”

The sewing machine abruptly stopped. “Myst?”

Ah, right. She was behind in the news. “So the tech guy next door—”

“Oh, the one you’ve been drooling over?”

“Drooling is such a strong word. Accurate, but still. Anyway, he got adopted by a cat. Said cat came to work with him and then had him open the back door to the shop, only to promptly lead in a neglected puppy.”

“You’re kidding.” Phaedra started laughing. “Now that’s fun. I take it he borrowed your tub for a puppy bath?”

“Yup. Really sweet dog, just absolutely filthy. But I’m beyond grateful for it even if it did destroy my bathroom. I finally, finally found a chance to ask the man out on a date.”

“Ha, about time! You’ve been crushing on him for months now.”

I was pleased with myself. “We’re set to go out tomorrow night. I’m trying to think of a good place to take him.”

“How about Magnolia Grill? It’s got lots of vegan options too if you need some.”

True, I had no idea if he was vegetarian, vegan, had food restrictions or what. Plus Magnolia Grill was on the upper side of being fancy without being need-a-suit formal, so it was a great place for a date. “That’s a suggestion I’ll take. Wait, is that where you and hubby are going tonight?”

“Yup. Which is why I thought of it.” She stood from the machine and came over to Pepper. “Try this on.”

Pepper promptly shucked the dress and pulled on the jumpsuit, which now fit perfectly. As expected of my sister.

Pepper was so excited, she immediately gave Phaedra a hug around the hand.

“Aww, you’re welcome, sweetie. Now, I’ve also brought a dollhouse with me. Do you want to use that as your own mini apartment?”

From the way Pepper’s eyes shone, my sister had offered a lottery ticket with winning numbers.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Phaedra pointed to the door. “It’s in my trunk. Car’s not locked.”

My Beast of Burden training kicked in. “Yes’um, I’m going. Wait, how big is this thing? Where am I supposed to put it?”

“We’ll figure that out while you’re fetching it.”

I should have expected her answer.

Eight

Rhett

Saturday turned out to be one of those perfect weather days. Blue skies, fluffy white clouds, warm without being hot, and a light breeze. I opened up all the windows in the house to air it out some, then spent a few hours unpacking and settling into my new bedroom. I’d chosen the one at the back of the second floor because it overlooked the garden, and frankly, the view was spectacular. Plus, it had a built-in window seat that a certain creature decided was her perch.

Who was I, a mere human, to argue?

Myst followed me around while I did all of these chores, perfectly happy to shadow me. He was such a sweet dog. I was still outraged that someone would throw him out because he’d gotten “too big.” Whatever the hell that meant. I maaaay have splurged last night on Amazon buying him all the things, so come tomorrow, he was going to be spoiled rotten.

Somehow, I didn’t think he’d mind.

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