Page 55 of The Ghost of Ellwood

“Ain’t that the truth,” James said, grinning. “Remember when you tried to fix the leaky faucet and ended up flooding the bathroom?”

“I remember you telling me about that.” Shane laughed, placing his hand on James’ lower back.

“Okay, enough laughing at my expense,” I cut in, slightly annoyed. “Have you guys already checked into your hotel?”

“Not yet,” James answered. “We came straight here. You weren’t lying when you said you moved to the middle of nowhere.”

“It’s notnowhere.Moving here was the best decision I’ve made in months. Ivy Grove is special.”

“Maybe for a horror writer.” Shane focused on the stairs and shook his head. “We’ll stop by tomorrow to help you load the books for the signing. Expect a large crowd. This event is already sold out.”

“Sold out?”

“Yep, as of this morning. The location, and the fact you’re signing there, has gone over better than anticipated. Halloween is the best time of year for this shit. Everyone likes to be scared.” Shane slid down his sunglasses and started toward the door. “The after-party is costume optional, but I’d stick to a nice suit if I were you. Don’t want pics of you dressed in some ridiculous outfit circling social media.”

“Why is there even an after-party?”

“Because it’s a haunted house. Plus, the party will probably trend, and anything to get your name back out there is necessary.”

“You make it sound like I’m in a rut.” God, the headache was bad now.

“You are,” Shane said. “Get some sleep, Cross. You kind of look like shit.”

After they left, I leaned against the door and mulled over everything.

It had been a while since I’d done a signing, and knowing it was sold out amped up my nerves. The pressure was suffocating. I hated knowing I’d disappointed readers in the past. What if the ones who attended voiced their complaint over my mediocre releases?

“I don’t like them.” Theo descended the stairs.

“I take it you were the cause of the bang?”

“He insulted you, Ben,” Theo said, coming toward me. “He said your books sucked.”

“Not to defend him, but he was right in saying so.” My temple continued to ache, and I rubbed the spot again. It was gradually getting worse the longer I stood here. The anxiety over the signing wasn’t helping.

“No, he wasn’t. This is your home, and he has no right to come here and speak such rudeness. He’s fortunate I didn’t throw something at his head.”

I slumped down in the chair by the door and smiled weakly at him. “Myhome, huh? What happened to it being your manor?”

“Sharing with you isn’t so bad.” Theo knelt in front of me and took my hands in his, concern shining in his dark eyes. “Are you feeling well, darling?”

“I kind of feel sick, actually.” The headache pounded behind my right eye and through my temple, and I was nauseous. “I thought you weren’t speaking to me.”

“I couldn’t stay away, not when you’re hurting.”

“I’ll be fine. It’s just a stress headache.”

“You need to lie down.”

“No, I need to work.” I rose from the chair and started down the hall to my office. “Didn’t you say the other day that my book won’t write itself?”

“You’ve worked on it plenty the last few nights. You’ve barely slept.” Theo snatched hold of my arm, and the sudden sensation of cold fingers made me jump. He spun me around to face him. “You will rest, Ben. That’s final.”

“Why do you care?” Perhaps it was the pain in my head, but I was losing patience. Theo had done nothing but jerk me around, being kind one moment and cold the next. Ignoring me for days on end. “I’m just some guy who lives here with you.”

“You know damn well you’re more than that.”

“Yeah?” I tore my arm from his hold. “Doesn’t seem like it.”