Yeah, hell no.
I’d rather lose my mind from being alone than have people think I’ve lost it because I’m always with a ghost and caught chatting to thin air.
Again.
I know my gift is not just a part of me. It’s a legacy, a responsibility handed down through generations. Nan never shied away from it, and she wouldn’t want me to either. She always said that to help others is to heal oneself.
But she never had to endure what I have because of what we can do.
After stretching, I decide to venture into town. No matter what I’m going to do next, one thing is clear. I need money to do it. Maybe Lubec has something to offer in terms of work. If not, I’ll move on to the next town and the next until I find something.
I slip into my sneakers, throw on a pair of jeans and a hoodie, and step out of the van, my feet meeting the worn pavement. As I head toward the heart of Lubec, I can’t help but marvel at how the town looks frozen in time. Cute, colorful houses line the streets, their wooden façades weathered by the coastal winds. The salty scent of the ocean fills the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked goods and seafood. The wind teases my hair, and I find myself constantly pushing it aside as I stroll along the streets.
It’s clear this town takes pride in its identity. Every few steps, I spot a sign. They’re all the same—dark blue background with a white and red-striped lighthouse in the center, accompanied by the wordsWelcome to Lubec.
My mind wanders as I continue to explore. Living here would be a dream. I could have my own little house, maybe one ofthe colorful ones, with garden beds I could grow herbs in. A big kitchen. And a bed that’s not made of wooden boxes.
Stop it, Sloan.
Right now, I don’t need a home. I need a job.
And I need it now.
Up ahead, a sign catches my eye.Shannon’sreads the bold lettering. Below it, aHelp Wantedsign hangs in the window of the rustic-looking restaurant.
This could be it.
Taking a deep breath, I push open the door.
SIX
The insideof Shannon’s is cozy, with dim lighting casting a warm glow over the wooden tables. The hum of conversation fills the space, and the enticing scent of grilled seafood wafts through the air.
I approach the counter, where a beautiful, very pregnant woman with raven-black hair and striking light blue eyes stands, organizing some menus. She looks up as I approach. “Hi there,” she greets with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling. “Just give me a second.” She finishes placing the menus in a neat stack, then turns her attention to me. “How many will be dining tonight?”
“Oh, I’m not here to eat,” I reply, pointing to the sign in the window. “I saw theHelp Wantedsign outside.”
Her eyes light up with understanding. “Oh! I see. Well, we could definitely use the help. I just inherited this place from my mother, who recently passed away…” She pauses, her eyes misting over, and a chill runs down my neck.
My gaze flicks over the pregnant woman’s shoulder, and an older version of her is leaning against the wall. Some gray streaks are in her black hair, and she has colorfully tattooed arms crossed over her chest. Her light blue eyes clearly indicatetheir relation to one another. She wears a warm smile while watching her daughter.
Before she can notice me watching her, I redirect my attention to the woman in front of me, who continues, “My husband…” she points to a tall but lean man with blond hair serving tables, “… is a fisherman and being on the water all day before helping out in the evenings is just too much. And our other server just had a baby. I was managing it all on my own, but being this pregnant, it’s getting harder every day.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother,” I say sincerely, my gaze flicking again over her shoulder, but the mother hasn’t moved and is still focused on only her daughter. “And I can’t imagine how tough it must be for you right now. I’m just looking for something temporary, though. I won’t be staying in Lubec for long.”
The woman nods, her expression thoughtful. “That’s all right. Even if it’s just for a while, it’ll give me more time to find someone permanent. I’m Tallulah, by the way, but please call me Tally.”
“Tallulah?” I ask, tilting my head.
“I know.” She sighs. “Don’t ask.”
I notice how her mother breathes out a laugh, but I try not to look at her again. I don’t want to deal with a ghost talking to me while I’m trying to act normal, get myself a job, and make a good impression.
“Sloan,” I introduce myself, extending a hand.
Tally shakes it firmly. “Seems like I’m not the only one with an unusual name,” she says with a smile. “If you’re up for it, could you start right now? We’re especially busy on Sunday evenings.”
I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Sure, I can jump right in.”
