“Sorry.” The words were there, but she didn’t look sorry at all. “Why are you worried? You two look like each other, so that means you, too, are super hot.”
The reporter continued. “Minka’s shop was destroyed in a cruel personal attack. One person perished during the explosion, though the victim’s identity is still unknown due to the condition of the body.”
Ari sucked her teeth. “Ooh. Good luck finding DNA in that ash.”
I snorted.
“Keep watching. This is where it gets good.”
Mom peered into the camera with her creepy green gaze. “We will find the person responsible for this heinous attack and respond accordingly.”
It felt like Mom was staring right into my soul.
“Strangely enough, the attack was contained to only Minka’s shop, which is closed for the foreseeable future. Some suspect magic, some suspect a clever use of explosives. Investigators are still sifting through?—”
“Marie’s ashes,” Ari said with a snort.
“—the evidence to find who or what was responsible for this heinous crime.”
“Heinous,” I scoffed. “Maybe I’ll write to the station and tell them that bitch started it.”
“As one of the largest philanthropists in the area, Minka’s contributions to our small town cannot be ignored.”
“Ugh. Gag me,” Ari said. “Bitch stole my weapon.”
“If you have any information concerning this crime, please call the local police station.” A number flashed on the screen.
“Booooo.” If I had any popcorn, I’d toss it at the screen.
“Yeah. Your mom sucks.” Ari smacked my knee and stood. “Alright. Just wanted to make sure you knew your awful mom had your number.”
“Not literally, thank the gods.”
“Might be easier if she could call you.”
I winced. “No. Can you imagine her calling me and asking how my day went?”
The shudder rattled my body.
Ari waved. “Next Thursday. You. Me. Copious amounts of booze. Don’t miss it.”
“We’ll see! Depends on if my mother starts trying to kill me again.”
“Only your imminent death is an acceptable excuse. But if she’s not actively trying to kill you, then I expect you to meet me at Grace’s. Eight p.m. Wear something you don’t mind throwing up in.”
“Gross. We’re not twenty anymore.”
“We are next Thursday!” Ari gave me a little salute and disappeared in a shower of silver light.
The news report had ruined my desire to binge. I turned off the TV and unfolded myself from the couch. It wasn’t too late, and I’d already had dinner. All the junk food in the cabinets had gone bad during my busy work schedule, so I had nothing sweet to munch on.
I dug through the pantry and found flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and all the other accoutrements for the cookie bars I wanted to make. After preheating the oven and tying an apron around my waist, I turned on music and got to work.
A couple of hours later,just as I was sprinkling the last of the toasted coconut on top of the cooled bars, someone knocked on the door.
“It’s open!” I called.
Ethan let himself in. I smelled him as soon as he walked inside. My hand, still filled with coconut, froze.
