Crawling into bed alone, I wonder what it would be like to be cuddled by those big bat wings. Yes, the guy stood me up, but he also seemed genuinely sorry about it. Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt? At least while I’m here. If things go wrong, I can always leave Ghostlight Falls in the rearview mirror.
Chapter seven
Frankie's Grocery
Mappy
My head is pounding, and I’m way too tired to deal with the chaos that surrounds me right now. There was an accident at the intersection of Constabulary Road and Sores and Boils Alley, causing a backup all the way to the Visitors’ Bureau. Someone stole a bunch of street signs last night and changed the direction on all the one-way roads, ultimately causing the mess that I’m dealing with. And why am I dealing with it? Because I’m a map, and it falls under my jurisdiction, I guess?
“Coffee. Does anyone have coffee?” I ask the crowd that has formed around me.Everyone is talking at once, and I don’t know what anyone is saying, but people are yanking on my wings and yelling about things, and I really don’t like it. I continue forcing a smile as people keep screaming, unsure of what exactly I can do to fix this situation.
“Here.” A gentle voice comes through the crowd as a travel mug of coffee is placed in my hand. “You look like you need this more than I do.”
I’d always be happy to see Miguel, but at this moment it feels like he is an actual angel. I mouththank youas I take a sip of the drink—coffee with cream and sugar—my exact order. What are the odds? This is probably soulmate-level shit.
Gently placing a hand on my shoulder, he positions me away from the crowd. “Why don’t we give Mappy a few minutes to figure things out?” He moves between me and the mob, watching them as they disperse into little groups.
Clutching the coffee like a life raft, I stare at Miguel. Yesterday, I wasn’t sure if he hadaccepted my apology about missing dinner, and today, he’s riding in like a knight, saving a damsel in distress. And I am definitely in distress.
He takes a step closer to me. “You good?” His voice is so soft.
I want to reach out and touch him. Use him to ground myself. I nod, like I always do when asked that question, but realize it’s not true, and I think Miguel wants the actual answer, so I shake my head no.
He places a hand on my arm. “What do you need?”
I huff out a dry laugh. “Painkillers. Some street signs. Answers would be great.”
He smiles. “Well, I can’t do much about the last two, but I’m sure we can pick up some painkillers at the store. Let’s go.” His hand slides down my arm until our fingers are interlaced. It all feels so natural, but I can’t stop staring at our hands as we walk. He notices and tries to pull away, but I tighten my hold, not letting him. He squeezes myhand in return.
Once the painkillers have set in—apparently Miguel wanted some too—I’m able to start looking for answers. Since he has nothing else to do, Miguel offers some assistance, and I gladly take him up on it.
“I don’t know who would take street signs. What’s the point?”
Miguel gestures to the remnants of chaos around us. “Probably some teenagers who thought it would be funny.”
“Or someone who wanted to ruin my day,” I mumble.
“I can’t imagine a guy like you has many enemies.” He drums his fingers on the bench beside him. “Any exes or bad breakups, maybe?”
He asks like he doesn’t care about the answer, so maybe I’m reading too much into it. I can’t help but smile, anyway. “No, nothing like that. At least, not that I can remember.”
“You forget a lot of things?”
I shrug. “Never really gave it much thought.”
He turns to face me fully on the bench, draping an arm behind me. “Tell me something about your childhood. What was it like growing up?”
There’s nothing. No matter how hard I push to remember a single detail, nothing comes to mind. The harder I try to force my way into the past, the more pressure seems to build in my skull. “Sorry, I think my headache is coming back.”
“Maybe you should go home and get some rest.” His brows furrow as he rubs his hand along my neck. His thumb moves up and down, relieving some of the tension. As much as I know he’s right about needing rest, the last thing I want to do right now is leave.
Once again, we’re so close. I’m lost in his eyes. It wouldn’t take much to close the distance between us. Does he want that? His lips part just a little as he slowlyleans closer to me. My heart is racing as I move to meet him.
“Mappy?” Mabel’s voice pulls me out of my trance. Dropping my head, I close my eyes and take a big breath before turning to face her with a smile.
“What’s up, Mabel?”
“Just wanted to make sure you were okay after this morning’s mess.”
