I pull her into a hug, hoping to help ease her further. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
Without dropping her hand, I walk to the front of the house, opening the door and leaning against the frame, looking down at her. “I’m really looking forward to tonight.”
She smiles, leaning up on her toes and placing a quick kiss on my lips. “See you tonight.”
And with that, she’s bounding down the steps, heading toward her house. I watch her until she’s out of sight, not exactly thrilled to be headed back inside.
I’m not afraid of ghosts, and I’m certainly not afraid of Isla, butit’s like I said…strange. What do I do? Do I talk to her? Assure her I’m all right and she can move on?
Do I even want that?
Yes.
Isla deserves peace.
I start to shut the door, but stop, frowning.
Someone stole my damn wreath.
10
The Hanged Man
“I’m so excitedfor you, Ally,” Nina says, pinning a piece of my hair back. “Tonight is going to be good for you.”
I watch through the mirror as Nina continues to tuck pieces into various places, looking like an expert as she does it.
“You should really have considered cosmetology. You’re really good,” I say, smiling at my friend through the mirror.
“Yeah, right. Can you imagine my mother’s horror if I had suggested such a thing?” She looks up, widening her eyes and crinkling her nose.
“It’s exactly why you should’ve.”
She laughs. “Well…while I do enjoy occasionally dabbling in hair placement, it’s not my calling.”
I turn around to face my friend. “You do whatever you want. This is your life, and we only get one to live.”
She nods. “It’s why I plan to help women. It’s something that I know will fulfill me.” She blows a piece of her hair out of her face. “Despite my mother forcing me to get my PhD, I truly love what I do.”
“I know you do,” I say, smiling.
“So, tell me all about your plans for tonight,” Nina says cheerfully. “Aside from the sleeping arrangements.” She winks.
“Oh god. Did you have to remind me? I’m so nervous, Nina.”
She tilts her head. “Why? It’s not like you haven’t had sex. You should be a pro by now.”
I make a face, rolling my eyes. “It has nothing to do with that. It’s so much worse.”
She quirks a brow but doesn’t speak, giving me the floor.
“This morning when I woke up at Nick’s, I saw a woman.”
Her eyes grow wide. “The woman in red?”
I shake my head. “Nope. This particular ghost is no poltergeist.”
Her face relaxes and she chuckles. “Well, that’s good. Isn’t it?”
