Page 24 of Hexes and Exes

The sun set about an hour ago, and the temperature is approaching zero. That’s not enough to chase the people of Mystic Hollows away, though. We’re all made of sturdier stuff. Not to mention there are several massive fires burning. Large outdoor heaters have also been set up around the beach to add additional warmth. People are making smores around the fires and the hot chocolate has booze in it now.

We all got roped into helping at one point or another today. Stellan’s been on school duty for most of the day and the rest of our friends have been assisting with the activities as well. Bram disappeared a few times, but I’ve taken concussion watch seriously and make sure to check in on him every now and again. Now that the games and competitions are done, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy the fire and have a few drinks. Josephine hooks her arm through mine as we stand in front of the orange flames, soaking in the heat.

The simple gesture makes me smile. She still hesitates to touch people sometimes, as if she doesn’t believe her curse is really gone for good. I get it. As fucked up as our pasts are,I wouldn’t trust that my curse would stay gone. I’d be waiting every day for it to pop back into existence. That would be the perfect kind of torture. Just when you think you’re free, nope, you’re sucked back into the pits of hell.

“You and Bram looked cozy earlier.”

My eyes drift over the fire where Roman and Bram are talking with Ambrose and Penelope. Josephine's little sister is holding court, and the others are listening good-naturedly. Even Bram. Like me, Penelope is also roasting a marshmallow. Is it a good idea for my buzzed ass to be playing with fire? Probably not, but my stomach is growling, and I want something sweet.

“Nothing cozy. Just some aggressive broom hockey and a slight concussion.”

I take a sip of my Schnapps infused hot chocolate. The drink is only lukewarm, but the booze leaves a trail of heat down into my stomach. I might be a little drunk.

“Oh, is that why you were running your fingers through his hair?”

“Yes, obviously. I was feeling for a bump.” I turn to one of my oldest friends and sag into her side. “He’s really hot, Jo. Too hot. Like, what am I doing running my fingers through his hair? No doubt the only reason he let me is because he has a brain injury.”

“Please. Bram should be so lucky to have you touching him.” Okay, Jo’s drunk too. Good to know. “You’re beautiful, smart and funny. Also, a little scary sometimes when people are mean to your friends. But I love that for you. And for us. You’re a badass bitch.”

I snort. “I think you’re confusing me with someone else. I haven’t stood up to my creep of a boss and I’ve basically dipped out of my parents’ life because I don’t want to have a big confrontation.” I toss back the rest of my drink.

Great, now I’m depressing myself.

And my marshmallow is on fire.

I yank it back from the flames and blow it out. Jo helpfully traps my marshmallow between two graham crackers and a square of chocolate, and pulls the nearly charred goo off my long fork.

“No. You were brave enough to get away from that harmful relationship. I was my mother’s puppet for so long it’s gross to think about.”

“Only because you were protecting Penelope. Come on. I had to walk in on my boyfriend screwing someone else to finally leave that toxic waste dump.”

“Hey, Ava, do you have time to talk now?”

Speak of the fucking devil. Jamie walks up on the other side of Jo. Her eyes are wide and she’s fighting laughter. Well shit, did he hear what I just said? Actually, why do I care? I only spoke the truth. It’s not like I made anything up.

Josephine squeezes my arm and raises her brows so high her eyes are wide like an owl. I look down at my smores and hand it over to Jo with a pout.

“Here. I’ll make another in a few minutes.” I can’t be dignified with white sticky stuff all over my face.

Why did my mind just flash to an image of Bram grinning down at me while I’m on my knees in front of him. Mother, Maiden and Crone, I need help. Josephine takes my snack and my empty cup with a shake of her head.

“You should tell him to fuck off,” she mumbles under her breath.

I know I should, but I’m too damn curious. What does Jamie want? Why come find me after months of ignoring me. How does he even remember me?

I follow Jamie to the edge of the party where the light from the fire doesn’t quite reach. We’re next to the booth that sells hot chocolate, and it smells delicious. It’s much colder away from the fires, and I hug my arms around myself, like that’s going todo any good. The sky is so clear tonight, there’s a million stars twinkling above, but all that is ruined when Jamie opens his mouth.

“I’ve missed you, Ava.”

I lower my head from gazing at the stars and stare at my ex. “What?”

“Don’t act so surprised. We were good together. We had years of good times, didn’t we?” It’s hard to make out Jamie’s face in the dim lighting, but I see his teeth when he flashes me a smile.

His words resurface all the hurt I’ve been trying to get over these past months. I thought we were good together too, or at least I’d convinced myself we were okay. We didn’t go out with his friends or mine much, but I told myself that we had our own bubble, and I was good with a quiet kind of relationship. I didn’t need anything showy or demonstrative. We had somewhat decent sex on a semi-regular basis. Sure, it was a little boring and I never, like, ever finished, but it was fine.

Except, the longer I’ve been away from the relationship, the more I realize Jamie didn’t make me laugh. He didn’t give me butterflies in my stomach. When we first started dating I was like, wow, someone chose me. But I always felt like I was just there. A pet girlfriend who was quietly ensconced at home while Jamie went out and did stuff with other people. I didn’t realize how unsatisfied I was until it was forced in my face along with his intern’s tits.

“Why are you telling me this?” Is he in some twelve-step program and it’s on his list to apologize to me? He hasn’t really said he’s sorry though, has he?

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