Page 36 of Hot in Witch City
“I know this isn’t a pleasant topic,” Nova said, “but I have to give you all a heads up.”
Her tone sounded serious. The muscles in the back of my neck coiled.
“Things have been quiet since the um, incident.”
We all knew what she meant. Diego flinched, and Gianna recoiled. They’d both faced that demon and didn’t need any reminders.
“Strange occurrences have picked up again,” Nova said.
“Like what?” Gianna asked, her face blanched.
“Nothing too terrible. We put out a few fires caused by dark magic. It could just be kids experimenting with magic. But I care about you, and I want you to be vigilant.”
“Phew.” Gianna exhaled. “Probably just some reckless teens.”
“That’s what we’re hoping,” Nova said. “You know the drill. If you see something—”
“Say something,” Lucas and I said at the same time.
After that uncomfortable topic was taken care of, we moved on to others. Gianna filled in my roommates on her mother’s unexpected arrival.
Then she said, “She invited me to meet her and some others at a beach house they’re renting. I haven’t yet decided. What would you do in my shoes?”
“Tell her to piss off,” Diego declared. “She abandoned you. She doesn’t deserve a second chance.”
“No,” I contested. “This woman owes you answers.” I faced Gianna. “You deserve an explanation.”
She gave me a thoughtful glance and nodded. “That’s what I’m thinking.”
Although I was sitting next to her, it wasn’t close enough. I resisted the urge to move my chair closer. I ignored the agony of having her so near yet be unable to touch her. At least, she was finally here in my home. I had to take things one excruciating slow step at a time.
Gianna
Sebastian could cook up a delicious meal, that was for sure. Whoever ended up with him would be pleased in many ways.
Why had I agreed to come here tonight? Once again, my feelings confused me. Could we be friends? Lovers? Was it possible to be both, or a recipe for sure and epic disaster?
After dinner, Diego suggested we move into the living room to play a game.
While we walked in, I whispered to Nova, "A board game? Sounds lame."
"No, it's fun. They’ve made variations on all of them, pretty much abandoning the rules. When we play Scrabble, we make up words and try to sell them to each other."
I arched a brow. Nova had been caught up in the world of couples and their boring social activity. Since I didn’t want to be rude, I’d go along with it.
"What should we play tonight?" Lucas asked rubbing his hands together with excitement.
"Guest’s choice," Sebastian replied. "Gianna, do you want to come pick out a game with me?"
Holy tridents. Now it was on me to choose the instrument of boredom? At least I’d be able to pick out the shortest one. No Monopoly.
“Sure.” I forced a smile.
Sebastian led me down into the finished basement and opened a cabinet where a stack of board games was stored. I walked by it and over to the instruments set up—two guitars, a bass guitar, drums, a keyboard, a microphone, and amps. Music was far more interesting.
"Are any of these yours?"
"The bass and one guitar. Some just ended up here, so we all dabble with them. Lucas plays guitar, and Diego drums."
