The temptation to agree, to say yes, is so strong. But I can’t.
‘And I’m here whenyou’reready to be friends with someone who doesn’t have magical powers. I need a mate, Meg, not a coven.’
I walk out, closing the door of her room firmly behind me.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I bang a bit too loudly on Paul’s door and he answers with an eyebrow raised. ‘You all right?’
No.
‘Yeah, good. You?’
‘I’m sweet.’ He smiles his standard charming smile. Usually that bloody grin knocks me off my feet, but it’s not landing today. My breath is still heavy from stomping away from Meg. What was she thinking, doing that ritual? Capturing a crow! I shudder as I picture it perched behind her. Like a familiar.
It’s all a game to her.
‘Sure you’re OK?’ Paul asks.
‘Yeah, sorry. Rough day.’
‘Sorry, man.’ He steps forward to give me a hug.
I forget myself in the embrace and rest my chin on his very firm shoulder.
‘Is that our Michael?’ Cormac shouts through the house.
Paul and I move apart, and his grin is back. It’s having a bit more of an effect now. My stomach fizzes as we head into the living room.
Cormac is on the floor, resting against an armchair cradling a controller. ‘Where’s Meg?’
Cosplaying as Wednesday Addams.
‘She’s not feeling well.’
He shrugs. ‘Fair play. Any news from the hospital?’
I shake my head.
‘Sorry, cuz.’ He jumps up and slaps me on the back. ‘Wanna talk about it?’
Where would I start? I’m devastated about Dad, but pissed off that he’s put us through all of this. I’m angry at Nanny Bet for all the lies, but full of sympathy for what she’s gone through. And I’m furious at Meg for not understanding, while my heart’s breaking at losing our friendship.
‘No, I just really, really want to get drunk.’
Cormac raises an eyebrow and blinks. ‘Well, that we can definitely help with. Right?’
Paul nods. ‘Whatever you need, man.’
I need to forget about everything, even if only for a few hours.
‘I need a beer.’
‘Sorted.’ Paul grins.
I smile back.
Let’s do this.
