Craig frowned, tilting his head and studying me afresh. “You do?”
“Yeah. Yeah. I saw you on,” Gran said with a soft, dreamy look in her eyes.
The fuck?!
You’re the guy who redid that old manor, right? Willowhope.”
Truth be told, I’d picked up a lot of business from my redesign at Chance’s B&B. Jetty’s contractor and handyman business had boomed from his work on it, as well. I didn’t expect kids to have heard about us onYouTube, of all places, though. “I am.”
Theo snapped. “I knew it. The guys on RIPP were talking about that place on their last video.”
Craig grinned. “That’s right. That’s so cool. I hope they come.”
My heart sped up. “Wait. What?”
“Sorry. I forgot you’re probably too old for that podcast. RIPP is?—”
I waved my hand in Theo’s face, cutting him off. “I know what it is. Researchers in Paranormal Phenomenon. I missed the last couple of episodes, but I freaking love that show. They really talked about Willowhope Manor? They mentioned me?” I squealed. “Do you really think they’re coming here?”
Craig snorted. “Chill, dude.”
Theo glared at his friend. “I’d be geeking out, too. Those guys are the best.”
“Right?” I asked.
Sonny cleared his throat loudly. “You two get out of my store and make your deliveries.” He glanced down next to his register. “Number seventy-six.”
The teens snickered and hightailed it out of there, and I placed my order. I was already excited for dinner at Chance’s since Kingston would be there, but I couldn’t wait to tell my bestie that our favorite podcast had mentioned us. Maybe I should stop for a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
The door chimed, and Theo stuck his head back in. “Are you really best friends with the guy who owns the manor?”
“I am.”
Theo grinned wide and strode back in. “If you need anything, especially if it’s out at your friend’s place, hit us up. I’m into all that paranormal activity stuff.” He glanced over his shoulder, then leaned in and whispered, “Craig’s not really a believer, but I totally am.” He handed me his card and scooted back out.
“We need to work on their name,” I muttered as I looked down at the plain white business card that said, Craig & Theo’s Delivery Service.
“Why?” Sonny asked. “Straight and to the point. It’s the best way.” Considering the bakery was called The Daily Knead, I had a feeling someone else helped him name the place. “Now what do you want?”
I placed my order for a fresh loaf of French bread—Kingston’s favorite—and dashed out the door. I couldn’t wait to arrive at Chance’s place. He was going to be so stoked about RIPP. Plus, Kingston would be there, and I was ready to impress him.
“I’m here,”I sing-songed as I skipped through the house straight to the kitchen.
“I expected you earlier,” Chance said from where he sat at the kitchen table with Jetty, Kingston, Scotty, and his ghostly brother, Stevie.
“I can assure you, I have a very good reason for being late.”
“You better have a good reason for bringing in that loaf of bread,” Harry said as he crossed the kitchen and yanked it out of my hands. “Buck made Italian bread to go with my lasagna rolls, and you know it’ll be delicious.”
“Quit scowling, love.” Buck took it from him. “Can’t ever have enough bread.” He winked at me, knowing full well I’d brought it as a way to butter up my man.
“Thank you, Buck. Anyways…” I spun toward the table and clapped my hands together. “Guess what I just found out?”
Chance’s eyes sparkled, and I knew hethoughthe knew what I was about to say—which I’d get to that—but first this. “Soooo…”
Scotty shook his head. “Always so dramatic.”
“I have good reason, my young friend.” I made my way to the long table andpolitelyscooted Scotty over so that I could sit by Kingston. Stevie, who’d been on the other side of his brother, made a show of falling off the bench seat onto the floor, but hello! Apparition. He didn’t really need the seat. As if to prove my point, he pulled his legs up cross-legged and floated next to his brother.
