Page 22 of Never Say Die
“I miss my grandma,” he said, and wished he could scoop the words back into his mouth. He kept talking, too quickly, prodding the glass with his pointer finger. “Where evenarewe? If I get out of the car in this neighborhood someone might call the cops. I’m dead serious.”
Giant immaculate houses with long driveways and manicured lawns lined the street. They followed a windy road, rising high above the city. Pocket-sized sports cars and pretentious courtyards glittered in the morning light, and Aiden knew, immediately, that he did not share a world with Miss Reiki Master Kelly Angelica Crawford, and neither did his sister.
“It’s not that bad,” Shay said.
“Oh-hoh, I am never letting Cami live this down.” He snorted, shaking his head. “Bet this psychic lady’s vegan.”
“Aiden.”
“Got kombucha on tap.”
“Aiden.”
“Probably calls LSD aspiritual journey.”
Shay stifled a laugh. “Okay, sure, whatever. I just need someone to tell me what the fuck to do about. . .” He gestured to his mouth. “I mean, what if. . . What if this is temporary, you know? What if?—”
“It’s not temporary,” Aiden said, cutting him off. “You’re here. You’restayinghere. I just hope we don’t have to deal with you going feral every full moon to keep it that way.”
“Every full moon. . . ?”
Aiden heaved a sigh. “I’m speaking figuratively. Is this. . . ?” He peered over the edge of his sunglasses as Shay turned onto a curved, cobblestone driveway. The house—mansion, definitely mansion—at the end of the road was architecturally modern.Gray, white, trimmed in charcoal, and shaped like a fancy shoebox. “You’re kidding, right? This is where she lives?”
Shay put the car in park. “She’s well known, I guess.”
“Scam,” he whispered, wrinkling his nose. He dodged a quick swat from Shay and got out of the car.
Aiden rang the doorbell. Shrill barking echoed from inside. He gave Shay a once over and noticed that he actually, seriously, might’ve ironed his t-shirt. Laughter bubbled in Aiden’s throat, but the moment Shay swung toward him, snapping—what?—the door floated open.
“Sweet baby Jesus,” Aiden whispered.
Kelly Angelica Crawford wore a floor-length rosé gown. A clear crystal pendant dangled around her neck, and yellow bangles circled her wrists. Her blonde hair was roped into a braid, fingers tipped in coffin-shaped acrylic nails, dainty hands covered in poorly executed henna. She smiled with her entire face and cradled a fluffy, caramel Pomerania under her arm.
“I knew you’d be early,” she said, voice particularly windy. “Come in, Shay. Come in. The drive wasn’t too bad, was it?”
“N-no, it was fine, thanks. This is Aiden, my bandmate,” Shay said.
Aiden lifted his chin, scanning the high ceilings in the foyer and the warm, cream-colored walls. Framed sacred geometry and intricate mandalas lined the hallway, and in the living room, a petal pink fainting couch accompanied two oversized beige chairs draped with knitted blankets. A cheeky Live, Laugh, Love barnwood art piece was nailed above the fireplace, and white prayer candles lined the mantle. He touched a leaf on a potted monstera in the corner and snared Shay in a playful, teasing look—told you so.
Kelly spun to face him. Her smile hadn’t waned. “Aiden Moore,” she said, and nodded as if she’d found a clue. “It’s apleasure to meet you. Thank you for accompanying Shay on his spiritual journey.”
Laughter filled his throat again, but he pressed his lips together, muting the sound. “Sure, yeah. Wouldn’t miss it.”
Aiden immediately pulled out his phone.
Aiden Moore: SPIRITUAL
Aiden Moore: JOURNEY
Standing awkwardly in the open space between the kitchen and the living room, Shay glanced at his phone. He typed furiously.
Shay Bennett: I will strangle you I swear to god
“Would you care for some tea before we start?” Kelly asked. Her hand swept toward the electric kettle on the sparse kitchen counter. “A good, strong green always helps clear the throat chakra.”
Aiden Moore: THROAT! CHAKRA!
Shay shoved his phone into his pocket and smiled awkwardly. “No thank you, I was actually wondering how this works? I found you through the Ramírez Botanica website, but I didn’t see any, I don’t know, explanations. Do you usually help people who… Well, it’s complicated, but?—”
