Page 10 of Vampire so Virtuous
“Almostfainted. I don’t know. Maybe.”Yes.
Eve shifted in her chair. “You’re going to think I’m nagging, but I bet this was down that shortcut you take, wasn’t it?”
“Yes?”
“I knew it.” Eve said. “Why do you go down there? Alone and at night?”
Cally rolled her eyes. “Because it’s faster than walking the long way round.”
“And if you encounter someone?”
“I have a third-dan blackbelt in taekwondo.”
“And a fourth-dan blackbelt in being stubborn.” Eve glared across the table. “This time you fainted. What if next time someone finds you?”
“What if I get hit by a bus walking the other way? You’d feel guilty forever.”
“Stubborn… reckless…” Eve flapped a frustrated hand. “Stubborn.”
“Who are you, my mom?”
Eve gave a start. “I… Sorry, I—”
“I said it, not you.” Cally shrugged, dismissing it. “I may not have one, but I’m still allowed to use the word.”
“Right. Of course you are.” Eve cleared her throat. “So what’s causing your nightmares?”
Cally toyed with her mug, craving the comfort of its warmth. “Probably nothing. I’m just feeling discombobulated.”
“Do you think you should see a doctor?”
“What’s the point?”
Eve gave her a flat look. “Because you have nightmares every time you sleep.”
“Yeah, but…” Cally waved a hand in exasperation. “A doctor won’t help there.”A therapist, more like.
Eve cocked her head to the side. “Some melatonin, maybe? Not suggesting you need it. But worth trying?”
“I’m sure it’ll pass. Don’t worry about it, forget I said anything.”
“Well. Okay. If you’re sure.” Eve looked unconvinced, then tried to lighten the mood. “So, want to come shopping with me?”
“Uh,” Cally demurred. “I was thinking of heading to the dojang.”
“Yeah, I figured when I saw the bag.” She nodded as if giving her approval. “The workout will help. Maybe it’ll even scare your demons off.”
“That’s the idea.”
“You still okay for our session with the girls tomorrow night?”
“Ugh.” Cally groaned. “Do I have to?”
“Yes.”
*
Cally swiveled on her standing leg, her other arcing up in a crescent kick, her foot slapping away the pad.
