“One night with forced conversations?” I grunted. “Pleasant.” I turned to Nova. “Isn’t that where you ended up on a speed date with a demon?”
Nova stammered, “Err, yes.”
Gianna clucked her tongue. “And now he’s demon dust. Technically, Nova going there that night helped lead us to that monster.”
Gianna left out the part about how the demon had kidnapped her to lure Nova to bring her family’s valuable Book of Shadows. When Gianna’s expression darkened, I sensed she remembered that unpleasant event.
“Are you trying to convince me to speed date?” I asked, my gaze traveling over them. “Or nail a demon?”
Gianna guffawed. “Pun intended?”
Apparently, her mood lightened.
“No.” Sex with a demon? Eww. I cringed and shook my shoulders.
“Sign me up for the event, Gianna,” Cassandra said. “Being a single mom means it’s tough for me to date. At least, I can crank out a bunch of contenders at once while only paying for one babysitter.” She turned to me. “Come. You know I’ve had such bad luck with guys.”
That was true, Cassandra had terrible luck with dating. I don’t know why she even bothered. If anything, her experiences reinforced my desire to stay home alone. Yet, she was willing to give it another try?
“Be my wing woman. My wingwitch.” She added with glee.
Hmm, I could go along to provide moral support. Besides, I could use more practice with social interactions if I wanted to try the dating pool again.
“It’s fast and fun,” Gianna said. “You’re only sitting with someone for the duration of a song, and we play good music. The night will be over before you know it, and who knows,” she added with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, “Maybe you’ll meet someone special.”
I grunted. “Doubt that.” I glanced from Gianna’s excited expression to Nova’s curious one and then to Cassandra’s pleading eyes.
After a heavy exhale, I said, “Okay, I’ll sign up with you, Cassandra.”
“Yay,” Cassandra cheered.
Gianna hollered a “Woo!” and Nova grinned.
I exhaled from my nostrils and muttered, “I hope I don’t regret this.”
CHAPTER11
AUSTIN
Iwent to a job interview that the Network had set up. It was to be a tour guide on the ghosts and the supernaturals in Salem. It was only part time and in the evenings, so if something else came up, I still might be able to make it work.
It did have some appeal. I’d be outdoors much of the time, telling stories and entertaining tourists. Although I didn’t know much about Salem, they’d get me up to speed with some training so I’d know where to lead a group and what to tell. Key components of the job were to be good with people and be entertaining. The interview went okay, and they said they’d let me know.
After I left, Lucas called me. “Hey Austin, I heard about an event coming up this weekend, and I thought of you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a fun night for supernaturals at my friend Gianna’s club. It has a cool rock vibe with great music and cold drinks. Thought you might want to check it out with me.”
“Sure. When is it?”
“Friday night. Are you busy?”
Since I barely knew anyone in town and didn’t have the job, that was hardly the case. “No.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up.”
Once we ended the call, I thought about talking to him some more on Friday. Despite my intention to go next door and woo Pandora with cat treats, I stood at her doorstep, not knowing what to do with my hands or feet. I blamed part of that on my bear. He got so wound up around her with the insistence that she was our mate that I stumbled with basic things like conversation. I’d continued having peculiar dreams, getting so hot and feeling feverish. Last night, I’d dreamed I was a cat in labor and gave birth to kittens. Whatever was going on with me was downright strange.
