Page 44 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“No.”

“You sure?”

He wagged his head. “That’s what I think.”

“Well, sometimes you think your fantasies are reality.”

“I know. It’s a flaw.”

“What do you need from me?”

“Tell me what to do.”

“Oh. You want me to tell you how to woo this woman.”

“Yes.”

“Act like she’s the most fascinating thing in the world. Ask questions. Encourage her to talk about herself. Act like you care about every thought, feeling, belief, and personal story.”

He looked confused. “That seems backwards.”

“Well. News flash. I guess that confirms you’re male.”

“What?”

“I’ve given you my very best advice. You do what I say, but don’t pretend. You have to really care about her feelings. If she doesn’t respond to that, she’s not right for you.”

“How do I make her right for me?”

I sighed. “You don’t. You move on to the next lucky candidate.”

Loki said nothing, but seemed to be thinking it over.

“Okay, buddy,” Keir said. “You got your question answered even though you broke the agreement to leave her alone for a year. So let Rita get back to her work and her life. Right?”

Loki slowly looked at Keir like he was contemplating disappearing him as well.

“Don’t you do it,” I warned.

“Okay,” Loki surrendered. “I’ll try that.”

“Good luck. See you in September. Not a minute before.”

Loki was gone before I finished that sentence.

“What are the chances you won’t see him until next fall?”

I was shaking my head. “I don’t want to say it.”

“Zero?” he asked.

“I didn’t want you to say it either. I’m going back to work.”

I almost ran into Lochlan when I turned around.

“What’s going on?” he said. “Keir. I thought you were at my house making sure Medusa doesn’t go on a walkabout.”

“I was,” Keir said. “But my wife was having trouble getting rid of pests. I’m on the way back now.”