Page 109 of My Undead Heart

The bitter cold creeps under the protection of my wool coat as I step off the bus this dark December afternoon. The rain’s been at it for weeks, but I just returned from a week-long trip back home to visit my parents, where it’s even colder. At least here there’s not far to go before the inside of the building wraps me in its artificial warmth.

“Mia!” Rae waves from the corner booth in Last Pitch.

Jared slides out and waits for me to take off my coat and scarf before capturing me in a tight squeeze, lifting me off my feet and swinging us in a circle. “Kitten! I’ve missed you so!”

“It was only a week!” I laugh and push away to slide into the booth before him.

“We ordered already.” Rae grins and slides over a glass of beer. “Stella for you.”

I mouth thanks.

“Christmas wasn’t the same without you.” Jared pouts, “Plus, Rick Grimes is a real asshole and apparently has an aversion to good fashion.”

“Oh, God! What did he do and what do I owe you?” I cringe to consider which of Jared’s clothes Rick went for this time.

“Oh, I didn’t stick around long enough for him to cause permanent damage but that pussy has a thing against designer jeans. Hissed like he wanted me dead.”

“That’s just how he shows his love.” I pat Jared’s leg.

“I don’t understand why you don’t get a new cat. Rick’s not right in the head.”

“He’s angry at life. A little misunderstood.” I shrug and spin the glass of Stella in slow circles. All this time with my dick of a pet and I’ve never once considered finding him a new home. Maybe because no one will want him and that’s something I understand all too well. He might hiss and scratch and occasionally shit on my shoes but it’s not personal. He’s a little rough around the edges but he still needs love. We’re more alike than I’ll ever admit.

“Hey.” Rae’s brows etch with concern. “How was Clear Lake? Help to get away?”

“No, not really.” I laugh. After spending a week in the room I called home for eighteen years, I was more than ready to come back today. Not even my mother’s home cooked meals or guilt riddled inquisitions could get my mind offhim. In fact, they only made it worse.

When are you going to find a nice man and settle down?

I still don’t like you living alone in the city. What if someone tries to attack you?

Are you dating anyone? Because the new teacher at the high school is available.

Every single question brought my mind back to Matt. As much as I don’t want to, I miss him. “You know it took less than one month for Matt Haywood to weasel his way into my undead heart, so why is it that almost two months later I can’t get him out of my system?”

Rae’s lips pull down with her frown. “I’m sorry Mia. I really am.”

“You know what you need?” Jared asks.

“A new life.”

“Don’t be overly dramatic. It’s unlike you.” Jared rolls his eyes. “I’ll tell you what you really need.”

“Oh, goodie,” I mutter but he’s already nodding his head.

“A new pair of fuck me boots. Am I right?” Jared holds up his hands like he’s solved the world’s problems. Rae shrugs and then actually nods in agreement. “Channel your inner Wonder Woman and take on the world, all thanks to a five-inch heel.”

I raise my brow and pin him with a glare. “That’s the most sexist suggestion you’ve ever made. Wonder Woman would be so proud.”

“Come on! Nothing like a few added inches and some expensive leather to help you take on the world. I’m not wrong!” he shouts and gestures to his sister for support.

“He’s really not.” Rae giggles. I redirect my glare her way and she shrugs. “Sorry, but he’s right. New kicks, fresh start.”

“I’ll consider it,” I grumble and take a long sip of beer thinking there was a pair of Chucks I’ve been wanting for a while. Maybe I should treat myself.

“You’re still coming to our New Year’s bash?” Rae’s anxious stare bubbles indecision on my part. I love my friends, I really do, but the thought of another party at their place only reminds me of the last one and how it was the catalyst to upturn the good thing I had going with Matt.

Rae reads my expression and resorts to begging. “You have to, Mia. I can’t handle Jared on my own.”