Page 93 of Starrily

Callie’s rapid breathing slowly calmed.

“Go ahead,” Shanna said.

“Callie and I were headed to see her family. They’re experts on all matters related to ghosts. They might be able to resolve my fading. And if they can figure that out, maybe they also know how to stabilize the soul in your locket. Perhaps they can even make another body for it.”

Shanna frowned, but in a thinking, rather than disapproving manner. “That might be possible. In the book, another ritual is mentioned—you can resurrect even a centuries-old spirit, one whose body doesn’t exist anymore. It simply turns the ghost material; makes a body for it. I didn’t need that because Simon was freshly dead—I mean, uh—”

“It’s fine,” Simon said.

“His body still existed. But that could work.”

“If it’s urgent for his soul, why don’t you perform it right now?” Callie said.

“I already botched one ritual,” Shanna said. “I’d rather not attempt another. Plus, it’s really complicated.”

“Back to my point,” Simon said. “We all need help in ghostly matters. So why doesn’t Shanna come with us?” He looked at Callie. “Maybe your family can do us a two-for-one-special.”

“Because …” Callie paused and bit her lip. “I suppose they could.”

“Really?” Shanna’s eyes grew large. “You’d do that for me?”

“I’m not doing anything,” Callie said. “I’m leading you to them.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you!” Shanna jumped up and down and hugged Callie, who remained as stiff and straight as a stick.

“Yup, she’s a hugger,” Simon said to no one in particular.

“Well, then.” Shanna fixed the strap of her bag and looked at both of them, her face shining. “Let’s get this show on the road!”

Chapter 22

Simon still had to pack, so Shanna followed Callie to the car. Callie put Theia and her backpack in the back seat. She didn’t know what to do with her new acquaintance; even if she were good at small talk, they were past that point. So she busied herself with things she didn’t need to busy herself with: making sure the safety belt around Theia’s carrier was well secured. Double- and triple-checking her backpack in case she forgot anything.

Looking anywhere except at Shanna.

Her feelings about the blonde formed a nauseating mess in her stomach. First, there’d been jealousy when she realized ShannawasSimon’s wife. Only Simon wasn’t Simon anymore, andherSimon had never known Shanna, so Callie had no reason to be jealous.

She also had no reason to call him hers.

Simon joined them, a backpack slung over his shoulder. “So, Shanna. You wanna join us, or how are we doing this?”

“I can drive behind you if you give me the address,” Shanna said. “I think that’s better for everyone.”

Callie hated herself for the satisfaction she felt.

“You’re sure?” Simon asked.

Shanna waved her hand dismissively. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’ll be behind you. Trust me, you won’t even remember I’m there.” She let out an awkward giggle.

“Let’s get going, then.”

Callie offered to drive in case Simon had another episode while on the road, and off they went.

It was incredible how the mood changed from the first half of the journey. There was no more quipping and singing to music and checking items off the bucket list. They drove for a long time that day, until the desert was replaced by the endless flat fields of Texas. On the inside, Callie warred against herself: she didn’t want to delay this for longer than necessary, and they needed to get Simon to her family as soon as possible; but her other half rebelled and thrashed, wanting to get away, to do anything but approach her childhood home.

They stopped at a motel for the night. Simon went to get them two rooms and returned with the key cards. He deliberated for a moment before handing one card over to her. “Good night.” He turned to walk away.

“I—”