Page 27 of The Curse of Redwood

With the arrival of September, the sleepy town of Ivy Grove awoke once more. Though the actual first day of fall wasn’t for another two weeks, stores had already decorated, setting out displays with pumpkins, scarecrows, and fall-leaf garland. Orange lights danced in the window of one store, while the coffeehouse next door promoted their famous pumpkin spice flavored coffee.

However, it wasn’t the decorations or fall beverages that made the town come alive. No, it was the atmosphere; the history that ran deep through every street and building. As I walked down Main Street that Friday afternoon, breathing in the crisp air and feeling a slightly cool breeze against my skin, I had a profound sense of home.

This is where I belong.

Moving to Ivy Grove to live with my grandma three years ago was the best decision I’d ever made.

“Carter?”

I turned to see Taylor coming out of the bookstore. His short brown hair stuck up in the front, and he wore a green hoodie and Abercrombie jeans. He looked like a total fuckboy. Smelled like one too.

“Hey, Taylor. What’s up?”

He walked over to me, sticking one hand in his front hoodie pocket while holding a book in the other. “Did some shopping. They didn’t have the book I wanted, but I found this.” He held up a book titledDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories of the Supernatural. AScholastic Classicsbanner was at the top. “I read this when I was in school and loved it.”

“I’m not much of a reader.”

Taylor had the same reaction as Z. “Dude, you’re missing out for sure.”

“I think I watched the movie.”

Taylor snorted. “Books arealwaysbetter than the movie. Here. You can borrow it. You’ll like it, I promise. And if you don’t, well, I’ll buy you some beer or something.”

I looked at the book, prepared to turn down his offer, but then something strange happened. A vision came to me of Ezekiel and I lying on a blanket in what looked to be an attic. Sunlight streamed in through the small window above us as he read from a paper book that hadStrange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydeprinted on the otherwise blank cover. He smiled as he read to me, and I smiled as I listened to him.

Just as quickly as it’d appeared, the scene faded and I found myself standing on the sidewalk again.

“You okay, man?” Taylor asked, his brow furrowed. “You spaced out there for a second.”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine.” I grabbed the book and held it to my chest. “Thanks for letting me borrow it.”

“Let me know what you think,” he said. “Where were you headed?”

“Nowhere really. Just enjoying the day. I’m ready for fall.”

“Same. Bring on spooky season.”

“Spooky season?” I asked with a laugh. “God, you’re a dork. No wonder Rich is your best friend.”

“Totally gonna tell him you said that.”

“You’ll probably see him before I do,” I said, rubbing at the back of my neck. College had started for the semester, and Rich had to cut back on his work hours to fit in with his busy course schedule. I hadn’t seen him much over the past two weeks.

Taylor motioned to the coffeehouse. “Wanna grab a drink?”

“Don’t tell me you’re one of those pumpkin spice freaks,” I said, opening the door and causing the bell above it to ring. The scent of coffee beans and cinnamon wafted toward me, and my stomach growled, a reminder I hadn’t eaten lunch yet.

He chuckled as he entered the shop behind me. “Hey, don’t judge me. That shit is like fall in a cup.”

“You’re such a white girl. All that’s missing is the yoga pants.”

“And long hair so I can wear it in a messy bun.”

I snickered and approached the counter. The barista greeted me with a smile before rattling off the drink specials. I ordered a vanilla latte and a cranberry scone before paying and moving aside so Taylor could order. He got an iced pumpkin spice coffee in the largest size they had and ordered two lemon cake slices to go with it.

Once getting our food and drinks, we plopped down at the table against the window. We had a view of the sidewalk as people passed by.

“How are classes going?” I asked, before taking a sip of coffee. “College started back up, right?”