Willow laughed nervously. “I doubt that. I’m nobody special.”
My frown deepened.
“That’s not true, Willow. You’re very special.Especiallyto us,” I said, reaching out and grasping her hand. She rolled her eyes, though she was at least smiling now.
“Anyway, I don’t know if going to that church is a good idea; the guy that came by the shop gave me bad vibes,” I said, just as a shrill,annoyingvoice interrupted our conversation.
“Ew, Willow. Isthatwhat you’re wearing? We’re going tochurch,not a coven meeting, you psycho.”
I looked up to see Tweedledee and Tweedlefuckingdum approaching. Tammy and Sophie were both in what I supposed they thought amounted to theirSunday best.Each of them was sporting modest floral dresses that swished around their knees.
Tammy’s dark hair was curled up into a high-maintenance updo, and Sophie’s blond curls were so big and bouncy they made her look like a bobblehead.
Both of their lips curled in identical looks of disgust as they took in Luna and my outfits.
I was wearing black jean shorts with fishnets and a cropped hoodie that said‘sinner’in red letters. My docs were black today and laced to my knees. The all-black and red vibe pulled stark contrast with my bone-white hair, which was piled in a messy bun on top of my head.
Luna was rocking a much more ‘cottage core’ look with a long, blue skirt and a cream-crocheted top.
“What’s wrong with what Willow’s wearing?” Luna asked incredulously, eyeing our friend’s simple peasant top and relaxed jeans.
Tammy rolled her eyes and scoffed. “It’s fine if you’re going for millennial core.”
“At least she’s not serving church girl skank, but I guess to each their own,” I grumbled, and Luna burst out laughing.
“Guys, just leave it alone.” Willow sighed, standing up. I gaped at her.
“Come on, Willow, you’re not actually leaving with these twats, are you?”
“I told you I just… leave it alone.Please?”she mumbled, her face turning beet red. Luna and I exchanged a glance.
“Come on, Willow,” Sophie cooed. “Father Raziel made it clear that you were a very special guest.”
“See! They’re using you! They just want you there because you’re a Nurse!” I hissed, and Willow gave me an apologetic look before moving to join the two bitches that were looking at her like she was some sort of bug they wanted to step on.
“I’ll see you guys later, okay?” Willow whispered, and Luna and I watched, completely flabbergasted, as she followed the other girls away.
“Maybe invest in some knee pads!” I yelled after them angrily. “Wouldn’t want to scrape up your lily-white knees with all the preacher dick I’m sure you’ll be guzzling.”
They both flipped me off and wrapped their arms around Willow, who was staring resolutely at the ground.
“Unbelievable,” I muttered, taking a sip of my latte and watching them go. Luna looked just as concerned, and suddenly, the sunny day felt a little darker.
“Something weird is going on,” she said quietly, and I nodded.
I’d told Luna about the tower card and the two dudes that had moved in next door. I hadn’t seen the dark-haired one again since that first night, but I’d had several conversations with Gabe since then.
He was actually really nice, and he didn’t give me the same sketchy vibes his partner did. I was beginning to look forward to chatting with him when I came home every day after work. He was usually sitting outside, reading. Almost like he was waiting for me.
“What happened to that cat that was following you?” Luna asked, glancing up at a nearby tree where my raven was perched, watching us diligently.
“I haven’t seen him since I found out he belonged to Gabe,” I said. “It’s just the raven now.”
“Hmm. And you still don’t think it’s a familiar?”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t. A familiar would have tried to bond by now. He just… watches me.”
“Super weird,” Luna said, and I nodded in agreement.
