“That’s it?” I asked.
“Girl.” Mabel’s lips pursed as she read Lacie up and down.
“It’s fine,” Nick said. “I’ve?—”
It sounded like thunder as Mabel slapped Nick.
His eyes widened, similar to mine. Had she just smacked the poor guy across the face? She moved closer, grabbing him by the shoulders, shaking him. I didn’t know if I should separate them or let the scene play out. When Lacie wrapped a hand around my arm, we took a step away.
“Consider this your exorcism, Nick Johnson.”
“But—”
She drew back her hand. Nick flinched. “These two beautiful people are standing in the middle of the park. For. You.” She accentuated each word. “Curse? Ha!” This time, she patted himon the cheek. “If you ask me, and you should, cause I know things.” Mabel shot us a wink. “You’re pretty damned lucky.”
Her fingers pinched his cheeks, making his lips purse. Mabel leaned in close enough that I thought they might kiss. I hadn’t been sure what to expect tonight, but a slap and tough love from a drag queen had been nowhere on the list.
“Mabel wants to know,” she whispered. “Is the curse gone?”
Nick’s eyes flickered before eyeing Lacie as she clutched my arm. Was she scared of Mabel? Or excited about what might happen next? Someday, I’d figure her out. For now, she remained a conundrum.
Our eyes met. Nick bit his top lip, unsure of what to say. I wanted to help, to wrap him in a hug and say everything would be okay. Maybe that’s why Lacie held my arm, a reminder that only Nick could make this decision.
I smiled as his back straightened. My pulse quickened as his shoulders widened. I wanted to cheer as he nodded. His eyes returned to Mabel as she continued squeezing his cheeks.
“It’s gone.” His voice shook.
Mabel didn’t relent. “What was that? A little louder for the folks in back.”
“It’s gone.” There was no more shaking.
Mabel threw her hands into the air, stepping back. “The curse has been lifted.”
For some reason, I thought the universe would crack some lightning or extinguish the fire. I didn’t expect it to send us a drag queen with attitude. Whatever got the job done.
“Did it work?” Lacie dragged me closer to him.
“Of course it worked,” Mabel said. “He has more good juju than he thinks.”
Lacie let go of me and wrapped her arms around Nick’s neck. Coming tonight had been the right decision. Yes, I hoped I had helped lift the curse, but it wasjustabout that. We were theoutsiders, yes, even Mabel. We might not live in Firefly, but the town had been what brought us together. I wanted to grumble at the admission, but it was true. The damned town had worked its magic.
While Lacie squeezed hard enough to strangle Nick, he held his hand out, pinky extended. I had spent so much time running away, I wasn’t sure what would happen when I ran toward something. Nick was something worth the risk. My pinky hooked alongside his. Still no answers, but at least I had company while I figured it out.
SEXY MAN APRON
Mum: Don’t stay out too long, we have dinner guests coming.
Charlie: Quilting Guild?
Mum: Sort of.
Mum: Our newest member.
Mum: And her friend.
Charlie: Did you invite them? Are you meddling?
Mum: Charles!
