Page 51 of Big Witch Energy

While this was weird, Caroline wasn’t sure that panic was in order just yet. The painting being missing didn’t necessarily mean someone stole it. The purple-lady ghost could have moved it through sheer evil determination. Or hell, it was equally possible one of her brothers could have used it as scrap paper. She was frowning in the direction of the basement entrance when Cole spoke. “So I was thinking, there are other bars in this town, besides yours. And maybe we could go to one of them and have a drink? Consider it market research.”

His smile was so warm and friendly. It was clear and definite, while everything with Ben was so murky and uncertain.

Caroline told him, “I appreciate the invitation, Cole, but I’m…”

She didn’t know how to define it. Hopeful elsewhere? Desperately seeking closure? Horny and nostalgic? None of those sounded good. She had feelings for Ben, deep, resounding, complicated, messy feelings. And even that wasn’t enough to scare her off.

“It’s Ben, huh?” Cole asked kindly.

“Yes,” she said, sounding more sure than she felt. “At least, I hope so?”

Cole shrugged. “Well, everybody talks about the two of you like you’re the Romeo and Juliet of Starfall Point, with a slightly less tragic ending.”

“Only slightly,” Caroline said.

Cole’s grin was one of good-natured disappointment, sending a little thrill of relief through her belly. “Well, good luck then. But if he messes up, give me a call.”

She laughed. “Thanks.”

“I can’t even hate him because he’s so nice,” Cole huffed.

“He really is, isn’t he?” she said, throwing her hands up.

“It’s the worst,” Cole said, laughing as Mina and Gert walked out of the kitchen. Gert’s hand was on Mina’s shoulder, a rare gesture from someone who didn’t hand out affection easily.

“I think we’ve done all we can today,” Gert announced. “Cole, you about done for the day?”

Cole glanced up at the drying ceiling. “Sure.”

“I’m making olive burgers for dinner, if any of you are hungry,” Gert said.

Cole seemed pleased by Gert’s offer. “Oh, that’s nice, thanks!”

“What the heck is an olive burger?” Mina asked, shuddering.

“You take ground beef, mix it with chopped olives, brine, and mayo. And then make burgers,” Gert told her. “You don’t have that back in Arizona?”

“No, why would you do that to an innocent hamburger?” Mina gasped, making Gert cackle.

“Thanks,” Caroline told her. “But Mina and I have plans with Riley.”

“You’re heading up to Shaddow House?” Gert asked, frowning. “Again? What do you do up there?”

Caroline smirked. “Oh, play albums backward, try to summon the spirit of Jim Morrison.”

Best to lean into the worst expectations and play them off like a joke, rather than make some lame excuse about board games and movie nights.

“Wait, who’s Jim Morrison?” Mina asked, frowning at her.

“Your father has failed you,” Caroline informed her.

“Well, there’s no reason to be a smart-ass,” Gert shot back.

“I hope that’s not true,” Caroline said, kissing her cheek. “I’ll see you later. Bye, Cole!”

Cole waved them off while Gert helped him lock up. Mina helped Caroline walk toward home. “Your ankle is killing you, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” Caroline admitted.

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