Page 22 of A Game Cursed and Deadly

“Earth to Esme,” Sara calls out.

I blink twice. “Uh?”

A slow smile spreads across her lips. “I asked you what’s got you so distracted, but based on your color I think I can guess,” she says, poking at my cheek.

I swat her finger and cover my face with my hands. “Oh, stop it.”

Turning on my heels, I seek refuge in the book stacks, driving the cart of new arrivals around to sort books in their appropriate rows. Unfortunately, Sara doesn’t let up, trailing close behind me.

“You know, I haven’t asked how your date went last weekend.”

I hum a noncommittal sound.

“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell me, though.”

I frown. “That sure sounds like you’re asking.”

Sara groans. “Oh come on, Esme. Entertain an old woman. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve dated? Let me live vicariously through you.”

She says that, but her wife is the most loving, smitten woman around. Based on what I see of them together when she stops by the bookstore to drop off a lunch for her, or picks her up in the car when it’s raining out, those two still romance each other like teenagers.

Which means Sara isn’t trying to live through me, she’s being nosey. She’s taken on a surrogate family role in my life since I’ve been back, so I can’t blame her, and in general I’m happy to have her to talk to, but there are things I’ll never be able to share with her. Things like my Sight. Things like what Teizel did to me on the dance floor.

My stomach twists at the mere thought.

“It went well,” is all I say.

Sara huffs. “That much is obvious. You’ve been floating around all week. I was fishing for something more.”

I can’t stop a giggle. “Yeah, I bet, but I don’t kiss and tell.”

Sara steps in front of me, stopping the cart from moving, and wiggles her brows. “So there was kissing involved?”

“Like I said…” I shrug.

She throws her arms in the air. “Girl, you’re going to drive an old woman mad.”

Before I can say anything, the phone in my jeans pocket buzzes. I must pull it out too quickly, because Sara perks up, rushing to my side to read the text alongside me.

Morning, little one. Anything fun going on today?

“Good morning texts, uh?” She’s gloating.

I don’t tell her that it’s not just morning — Teizel and I have been texting non-stop since we left the club. We haven’t seen each other again yet, or spoken on the phone — I’m scared we’d cross some other lines I’ve drawn for myself if we did that — but the texts are nice. He’s funny in a dry, dark way, and I appreciate the distraction, something to sweep me into a fantasy world away from the mess that is my life.

Nothing fun, just fielding the third degree from my boss.

I write for Sara’s benefit, who’s still peeking at my phone over my shoulder.

Playfully, she shoves me. “Ungrateful child.”

Three dots dance on my screen.

Sounds dangerous. Would you like me to come save you?

My heart summersaults up to my throat at the thought of seeing him. I’m not sure I’m ready to face him after last weekend.

My shift doesn’t end for another six hours.