Page 62 of Curses & Cold Brew
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RAMONA
Naphula and I wandered the edges of the Halloween Festival, liberally poured libations in hand while we surveyed the festivities from a distance like we did every year. The merriment was the perfect place for scouting future marks. Even during their happiest moments, it was easy to see the greedy and desperate ones. I had a feeling the bounty would be plentiful this year.
As we rounded the funnel cake cart, though, Naphula slowed and drew into the shadow of the nearest tree. She’d been sluggish since the curse had been lifted, but that was to be expected. The fact that she’d survived it at all was a testament to her incredible strength. The look on her face said it was more than that, though. I followed her gaze across the bustling town square to where it landed on a woman with curly blonde hair styled into a short-shaved undercut.
“Why don’t you just go talk to her?” I asked, tipping my head toward Eloise, who laughed uproariously as she shared an orange popcorn ball with Willow. “I’d say she won’t bite, but we both know you’d love that.”
Naphula let out a long breath and shook her head, her silver hair dusting across her shoulders. “I wanted to tell you . . .” She took a long sip of her gin and tonic. “I’m heading back to London for a while. I’ve got a friend out there who could use a helping hand with her damned souls, and I offered to assist.”
I let out a derisive huff. “So you’re running away.”
“Don’t be so sentimental,” Naphula admonished. “I need a break from the watchful eyes of little towns, from places where everyone knows each other’s business. The big city will be good for me.”
“This town has an attention span of two weeks, you know that,” I countered. “No one will remember what happened with Esme by Christmas.”
But we both knew that wasn’t the reason.
“I need to clear my head,” Naphula finally confessed. “My indiscretions almost cost lives.”
Without even turning to look at my friend, I knew she was watching Eloise. “You should at least go say goodbye.”
She shook her head. “Just add it to the list of things I’ve royally fucked up.”
“Come on. Don’t disappear into the night.”
“Don’t worry about it, Mona. She won’t even notice I’m gone.” She sounded so defeated.
“If I can manage to win the heart of a witch, you can shag a werewolf,” I encouraged, my eyes searching the crowd for said witch. “You could at least?—”
“Stop. Please.” Naphula folded one arm across her chest, propping up her elbow to cradle her drink next to her lips. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m leaving tonight. She’s better off with me gone. You all are.”
Stubborn.Foolish.
But all I could do was shake my head and resign myself to enjoying the last bit of time with my friend before she left on a new adventure.
“Do you need me to water your plants?” I asked into my drink.
“It’ll be easier if you take them off my hands until I get back in the spring.”
“Six months?” I balked. “You must be down worse than I thought.”
“Six months is minutes for us,” she said. “Besides, I really don’t want to hang around for the disgusting love fest I know is about to take place between you and that little redhead.”
My eyes found Iris across the crowd, as if just thinking about her had summoned her from the fray. She was in a circle with Jordyn, Harlow, Willow, and Wyatt, throwing her head back and laughing with her whole body. I knew the exact sound she was making without even hearing it. My lips curled up despite themselves.
“Point made.” I playfully punched Naphula’s arm. “I’m still going to miss you.”
“Thank you for not hating me,” she replied, and I was struck by the sadness in her voice. “I’m sorry?—”
“I am as petty and vengeful as they come, Naph. But there are no grudges between us,” I assured her. “I’m more upset that you didn’t think you could talk to me than anything else.”
“I know.”
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a rare show of affection. “I forgive you.”
“Thank you.”
