Page 42 of Obsession

“No, thank you, we just had a smoothie. Azrael is going to shadow me today.”

“Is that another kinky angel term?” Grandma asks excitedly.

“As in job shadow. He’s going to follow me around the shop.”

“How boring. Well, I’m off to Tunica. I just worked a little black cat candle magic and I’m feeling lucky,” she says as she claps her hands and rubs them together.

“On second thought, Vivian, could I accompany you? I’ve never been to Tunica and that sounds like more fun.” And that’s how I had an angelic intern for about thirty seconds.

Walking downstairs, I discover Aunt Callie’s already cleaned the customer restroom. Woo-hoo, Grandma’s luck has rubbed off on me.

I handle some paperwork in the back while Aunt Callie works the front. “Bookkeeping is the devil’s work, that’s all there is to it,” I tell Elvis, who’s watching me from the doorway.

My phone chimes, and I welcome the distraction.

Damion: She has a knack for getting herself into trouble. Luckily for her, trouble is his middle name. Together, these troublemakers are Team Daubry of next season’s House Guest. And my girlfriend has a hot bod but would never do bad things while wearing a bikini.

Damion: Better?

Me: Thank you for saving my virtue, but forget about the pitch. You’re slacking on your puzzle training! And what is your middle name, by the way?

Damion: Angel.

Me: You’re lying.

Damion: Aubry Rose, would this Angel lie to you?

Of course he knows my middle name.

Walking to the front of the shop, I step outside to check the mail. Bills, advertisements, and one letter without postage addressed to Stupid Bitch. Returning inside with a terrible feeling, I grab a letter opener behind the counter and cut the envelope open.

You think your witchy shit is gonna keep me from what’s mine?

“Craig’s not going to be a problem?” I demand, handing my aunt the note.

“You had no right to open this.”

“Then tell your stalker ex to be more specific next time when he’s addressing his threatening letter!” I shout. Taking a deep breath, I blow it out slowly. In a much calmer tone, I say, “It’s time to get the police involved.”

“We don’t know this is from Craig,” she says with arms crossed.

“Really?” I balk.

“Well, if it is from him, then this just proved the magic worked. Craig would have done more than just leave a note.”

“Wait, but I thought you said he was all bark and no bite.”

“I might as well be arguing with a demon lawyer!”

“Thank you.” I’ll chose to take that as a compliment.

“Aubry, I appreciate the concern. But this is nothing to worry about. The magic worked, so let’s not dwell on this any longer.”

Before I can argue, my aunt’s past life regression client enters the shop, and she leads him to the back.

“Nothing to worry about, my ass,” I tell Elvis, who was watching this all go down with feigned disinterest.

The day passes quickly and Grandma returns from her Tunica trip. “Did you have good luck?” I ask her.

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