Page 32 of Haunted Eclipse

“You’re the only customers in here right now,” the waitress said, with a grin, before placing our check on the table. “Just call me if you want anything else.”

I dug into a chicken thigh. Pacific Blue made some of the best diner food I’d ever tasted.

We ate in silence for a few moments, then I set down my fork and leaned back. “Okay, I’m going to say it. What the hell was all of this? How did we end up involved in arresting a psychic vampire? Yes, I know it was my tarot client who started it, but…I’ve read for hundreds of people—maybe a thousand, in my life. And not once did I end up charging into someone’s apartment to arrest them.”

Astra bit into a strip of bacon. “Here’s the thing. You’re back in Midnight Point. You left when you were relatively young, and though you’ve been home to visit, consider that you’re now experiencing the town for what it is. Shadow towns aren’t like other towns. If they want you, they suck you in, and then they open up their secrets to you.”

“I guess you’re right,” I said. I thought about the town and my move. “As scary as today was, and as unexpected, I’m so grateful I moved back here. And I’ve been thinking. You said that I could stay as long as I want. Do you think the house is big enough for both of us?”

Astra perked up. “Do you mean you’d consider staying?”

I worried my lip. “After Dan died, I missed living with someone. I didn’t realize how much, until I came back here. Obviously, I miss Dan. But…I don’t think I’m very good at living alone. I like having someone else in the house.”

Astra reached out and patted my hand. “I told you you’re welcome to stay, as long as you like. If you want to move back in, I’m good with it. If you choose to find your own home, I understand.”

I put my hand over hers and let out a long breath. “Thank you, Auntie. I need you. I need you more than I realized.” Tears began to well up, and a wave of loneliness swept over me. “I never thought Dan would leave me so soon. I know it’s been two years but…”

“Two years or twenty, their absence still hurts. Take a deep breath, hold it, then exhale slowly.” She held my hands while I did as she asked.

As the breath streamed out, so did my tension from the day. “I suppose now that I’m back in Midnight Point I’d better be prepared for anything, because anything might happen.”

“I think you’re right,” Astra said.

We decided to table the discussion over Marcus and Devon for the night. As we finished our food, the snow began to come down seriously, swirling in eddies with the wind. I shivered, staring out into the night. Midnight Point was definitely working its magic on me, but I couldn’t see whether it was for good or ill, and that made me nervous.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Next morning,I slept in. It was Saturday, and I felt both invigorated and yet, a little dazed. The light streaming through the window had an icy feel to it.

I curled my arm around Miss P. and gave her a hug—she’d been snuggling with me, on the pillow next to me. She opened one eye as I kissed her head, gave a little trill, then went back to sleep. Finally ready to face the chill, I slid out from beneath the covers, shivering.

I was wearing a thigh-high sleep-shirt with little snowflakes all over it, and the air hit my legs and arms the moment I stood up. I quickly slid on my slippers and pulled on my robe, then cinched the belt tight as I walked over to gaze out the window. I leaned on the sill, staring out at the wonder in white that spread over the yard.

We had at least three inches already, and the sky promised more. I pushed open the window and the smell of snow filled the air, along with a lot more chill. Quickly, I closed it again. Fresh air was good, but that was a littletoofresh.

“Jeez,” I said, turning around to the now-awake Miss P.. “I don’t know why I thought that would be a good idea,” I added.She blinked. “Okay, a hot shower to start the day, I think.” I grabbed my phone and texted my aunt.

taking hot shower. will be down after that. are you making breakfast?

of course i am,she texted back.i’ll wait on yours till you get here. i thought pancakes, eggs, sausage, and mimosas would be good for brunch.

sounds good to me. okay, talk to you in about twenty minutes.

I tossed my phone on the bed and headed for the bathroom. After a luxurious, long shower, I dressed for the day. Striped leggings in purple and white, a black circle skirt with a cute little witch applique on the hem, a purple cowl-neck sweater, and a gold belt. Then, I brushed out my hair—I’d skipped washing it—and applied my makeup. I found a cute pair of Mary-Jane chunky-heeled pumps. Finally, feeling pulled together, I headed downstairs to breakfast.

Aunt Astra must have heard me coming because by the time I entered the kitchen, she was putting the last pancake on a huge stack of them. A platter with sausages and scrambled eggs sat already sat on the table, along with orange juice, and the espresso machine was primed and ready.

I kissed her on the cheek. “Morning.”

“How’d you sleep?” she asked, setting the tray of pancakes on the table. “Can you grab the butter and syrup?”

I pulled both out of the fridge. We used real maple syrup, not the sugar water that posed as it. After setting them on the table, I pulled three shots of espresso.

“I’m making mocha. Want one?”

“I’d love it,” she said. “Three shots, please. Extra peppermint.”

“Always,” I said. I’d developed my caffeine habits thanks to Astra. Sara had preferred tea. I pulled another three shots, thenmixed the espresso with chocolate milk, some half-and-half, and peppermint coffee syrup, then nuked both till they were hot. I added a swirl of whipped cream, and handed one of the latte mugs to my aunt before sliding into the booth.

---