Page 182 of Evil Hearts

I want to pinch myself and fix my absolute awkwardness, but instead, I just stand there with a smile on my face and a bug eyed appearance.

“Hi, yourself. Want me to get you the same thing I made the other day?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind.”

She rings it up, and I pay for my drink. Moving over to the side as she moves around to make it for me.

“Are you ready for tonight?” She asks me over her shoulder.

“Yes. I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a pretty great day so far, actually. I’m hoping that continues.”

She smiles over her shoulder and then turns back to add some foam to the top of my cup. Dropping sprinkles of cinnamon on top of the foam in a quick shake. Turning to me, she hands me the cup and I take it. Our hands touch and she lingers her grip before releasing and letting me take it.

“I’m sure we can make sure that tonight is puuurrfect.”

She practically purrs the word, and I know my face is heating like a red tomato. I take a sip of my drink as I try to hide behind the large amount of foam on the top. She turns back to her counter to take the next order and I know I should move on and take care of my ghost problem so I can get ready for our date.

“I’ll let you get back to work. Tonight at seven?”

“Tonight at seven. I’ll be there.”

I can’t help the smile that stays on my face as I leave the shop and walk toward my car parked at the end of the street. Todayhas been one hell of a day and I can’t wait for our date tonight. Now if only I can get this damn ghost out of my house.

I search the house, moving room to room to find the damn anchor. So far I’ve searched all the lower half and moved on to the bedroom and then the office upstairs. Still nothing. Not even the ghost has made their appearance known while I’ve searched.

It’s almost like they have just disappeared. Like the ghost just decided to leave the house and me alone now. Which is so fucking weird. I search until I swear I’m pouring sweat in places I didn’t know I could sweat and I’m covered in ten thousand layers of dust and grime.

I’m so tired and I didn’t even find what I was looking for. Not once did I spot the ghost or did the temperature change, no matter where I was in the house. Giving up for tonight, I head for the shower to get ready for my date.

This is the first date I’ve been on in a while, so nervous doesn’t begin to describe my feelings. I turn the shower on and strip while it’s warming up. I have to hurry because it’s already six and I’m supposed to meet her at seven.

I shower off, my mind lost on the ghost and the anchor that’s somewhere in this house. I swear I’ve searched every single room and not once did anything change or did some strange energy just appear.

I hurry through the motions of showering and then climb out to towel off. Where could it be hiding? Am I missing something?

I drop the towel on the counter and head into the bedroom to find the dress I’d laid out earlier. It’s a deep purple and has little charms hanging in strategic places. I love this dress, much like all my other dresses. They give me the power to be confident inmyself as a witch, but also to show that I’m not afraid to just be me.

I know it’s just a dress, but it’s how I’ve always felt about them. Looking back, it’s most likely a trauma response from my mother’s bullshit. Either way, a beautiful dress and a gorgeous woman at my side tonight. A perfect way to end my evening.

I dress quickly and throw on some makeup and brush my hair. I pull it up in a half up do and leave it alone. Nothing too dressy, but still pretty. The phone rings and I rush over to where it sits on my nightstand.

“Hello,” I answer without looking at who it is.

“Lila Evans. This is Wendy. Your Witch’s License has been approved. Congratulations. Come by next week to obtain the official paperwork. Have a good evening.”

The call clicks, ending, and I stare at the phone in my hand for several minutes. Shock fills me with a sense of impossibility.

“I did it. I got my license. Take that mother!”

I spin around and squeal with delight. Fucking finally. This day is the best day ever. Holy shit. I glance at the clock, and with ten minutes to spare, I rush from the room.

If I don’t get out of here, I will be late for my date. My mood couldn’t be brought down by anything tonight. Not even that damn ghost.

Chapter 7

Ipark just downthe street from the coffee shop. Hurrying from the car and down the sidewalk to meet Cat in front of the coffee shop. She steps out the door with two cups in her hand, just as I walk up.

She’s wearing a black pantsuit that hugs every inch of her curves. Her breasts pull her shirt tight across them, displaying a cleavage I’m envious of. Her hair’s pulled back in a ponytail.

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