Page 113 of Starrily

She smiled. “Same.”

“So you believe me?”

She put the contract down. “You never needed to convince me with words,” she said. “Yes, when I found out, I was angry and couldn’t think clearly. But the anger has passed. I know you’re not deceiving me because I know you. Whichever name you want to go by and however many lives you combine, I knowyou.”

“It’s curious,” he said. “Sometimes, I’m not sure who I am, myself. I remember everything from my life—Raleigh’s life—at least, anything a normal person would. Those memories were never gone, but when I took over as Simon, it was easy for them to slip away. Like knowledge of a language not being used. And I’d lie if I said there’s nothing of Simon in me. I have changed—not because I have his memories or know his life, but because of how others treated me and what his life gave me.”

“For the better?”

“I’d like to think so. I made this decision for myself: I’d never say no to anything, because even if it sounds undesirable or unappealing, you never know what good can come of it. Which is why I didn’t say no to working with you.”

“I see, because even though I was undesirable and unappealing—”

“Oh, no—okay, I see what I did there—”

Callie burst into laughter. “I’m kidding. Bad jokes—got it from you.”

He smiled. “What I wanted to say is … whoever I am now, it’s also because of you. You brought it all together—the part of me that was Raleigh, and the part that was Simon.” He cupped her face and slowly brought her closer. “You make me complete, Calliope Guidry.”

“And you me,” she whispered. She scooted closer, her face an inch away from his—and then she stopped, and sniffed. “What’s that?”

“Hmm?”

“You smell like … I don’t know what. But it smells delicious.”

“Oh! It’s a perfume, or something. Your family made it, following a recipe in Shanna’s book. It’s supposed to stick to ghosts, but they believe it should also help me stay material for the night.”

“That’s good news.”

“Very good news.” He leaned his forehead on hers. “Because there are some things I’d like to do I very much need to be material for.”

“Oh yeah? Which ones?”

He smiled and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “You know, I’d hoped to do this after the ritual. I thought I’d have the time. I’d ask you on a date. Maybe two or three. Then I’d ask if you wanted to be my girlfriend, and we’d go from there.”

She brushed against his cheek. “You still can.”

“Well, then, Calliope Guidry, just for tonight, will you date me?”

“I will.”

“Good.” It might be for one night only, but instead of fear, Raleigh felt peace. This wasn’t the ending he’d imagined, but it was still the best one. After all, it had Callie.

“I love you,” he said.

She smiled and rubbed their noses. “I love you, too.”

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but if I’m gone …”

“No, don’t.”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “If everything is made of energy, then so are my feelings for you. I might be gone tomorrow, but my love won’t. It’ll be out there somewhere, and if I can do anything at all, I’ll make sure you’ll feel it.”

She sniffled and hid her face in his neck.

“Now, don’t be sad. You can grieve, but I won’t allow you to grieve too much. Because you have to enjoy life. Promise me.”

After a bit, she nodded.