Page 87 of Heal Me

“Reiki isn’t witchcraft, it’s a Japanese healing method,” I answer without answering his real question. “Your turn.” He just looks at me. “If we’re doing this whole friends routine, this is how it goes. I share something about myself, and then you in turn share something about yourself,” I patiently explain.

“I’m a third generation doctor. I don’t cook, but I like to run,” he says as he takes a sip of his coffee. “I’m training for the Boston marathon next year.”

“I’m jealous. That’s one of my bucket-list items.”

“You could train with my run club on Mondays. Those are our easy run days. We do around three to four miles.”

I should be offended he automatically assumes I’ll need an easy run, but the truth is with Sam’s training schedule, tacking on an additional long-distance run might kill me. “I might take you up on that.”

“How long are you in Boston?”

“I’ve been here for the week visiting my Dad, and I fly home this evening. I’m actually really excited to be moving in with my boyfriend this weekend.” Gabe is a very persuasive lawyer, but it wasn’t a hard sell. I’m head over heels in love with my Nephilim and can’t wait to start this next chapter together.

“What does he do?”

“He’s a business consultant.”

“What does that even mean? Sounds like bullshit.”

“Seriously, what’s going on at the hospital?” I change the subject. Business consultant is bullshit, but it sounds less crazy than demonic law attorney.

“Trauma cases are at an all-time high. We’re at critical shortage. Would you please consider donating?”

“Sure.” I pull up my phone and look at my calendar to see what day I’ll likely be off my period, although it is a guessing game. Honestly, my cycle has been all over the place for the past two years. I’d like to have my hormonal IUD removed, maybe switch over to an herbal contraceptive, but I’m hesitant, as I’m not ready to make little cherubs with Gabe anytime soon. “I can come in on Monday.”

“Did you hear what I just said? We’re at critical shortage.”

“Sorry, that’s as good as I can do. Take it or leave it.”

“Because you’re on your period?”

“Oh my God, what is wrong with you? And how do you know that?”

“I saw the stain on the back of your dress.”

How much more embarrassment must I endure? Taking a deep breath, I blow it out. “I’m not sure how or why we wind up on the subject of my period, but let’s not do that anymore if we’re trying to be friends.”

“I meant no offense. I apologize,” he says, sounding sincere.

Maybe I’m being too hard on the man, and he’s just socially awkward. “Apology accepted.” Glancing at my watch, I say, “We’d better get back.”

He unplugs his phone, and we walk back to the banquet room. “Actually, I’ll be back in just a second,” I say, returning to the restroom.

Entering a stall, I text Gabe.

Me: I’m so sorry. I know you’re in an arbitration, but could you send me my black dress I wore on our first date? I need to change out of the one I’m wearing. I’m not sure which box it’s in, but it’s the dress with…

I’m now wearing the black dress before my fingers can finish typing the message.

Chapter 36

Charlotte

“The tenants will be out of our house this weekend. I’ve already scheduled a cleaning crew and carpet cleaning service. Once those housekeeping matters are taken care of, I’ll give you the grand tour and you can decide if you want to paint any of the rooms,” Gabe tells me as he drives me home from the airport. No air angel was offered on my return trip, so I was relegated back to pedestrian travel. “Then I will unpack your things.”

Gabe’s moving mode is almost as hard-core as his lawyer mode. “Do you have a schedule for all this?” I tease him. A piece of paper entitled Moving Schedule appears in my hands, and I shake my head. “Oh, I’d like to have the ceiling of the front porch painted Haint blue.” Having finished my beginner witchcraft book, I’ve moved on to a book about southern folk magic.

“Done. I’ll extensively ward the house, but I don’t disagree with having the extra protection.”

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