A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2)(26)

A wave of relaxation stretches over me, my eyes taking a second to adjust on her as I follow behind. It’s the sedative taking effect. It must have been strong. What would have happened if I ate the whole thing?

“The Shadows can be very tricky,” she says. “But as you know, you always have a choice. Well . . .” She pauses as if thinking about it. “That used to be the case. I believe things are changing now. Which, of course, is why you’re here.”

“What?” I ask, confused. Slightly disoriented. I hope she didn’t poison me with that stupid mint. “I—”

“You’ll be fine,” she says, patting my arm. “Only lasts an hour or so. Now no more talking today. I’ll see you soon enough.”

CHAPTER 12

Marceline opens the door, and I hear her crunch down on the rest of her peppermint, the noise loud enough to make me think she cracked a few more teeth in the process. I turn to ask if she’s okay when I see her looking past me. I follow her gaze, and see Abe standing on the sidewalk, facing her house with his hands casually in the pockets of his black pants. He’s devilishly handsome with a crisp white T-shirt, his hair brushed to the side. When he sees me, he offers a subtle wave. I smile.

“Go on now,” Marceline says, putting her hand on the small of my back to usher me out. “No one can help you, child. It’s up to you. You have to follow your Need. It’s the only way to remember.”

I turn back to ask her again about the Need, but she closes the door, the lock snapping shut. For a moment, I stand there, facing the house—swaying a little on my feet. Her story of the Forgotten seems ridiculous outside of her small living room. I almost wonder if all of this is part of a hallucination. Just then, Abe calls my name.

“Thought maybe you’d want to hang out before work,” he says as if that’s a completely normal reason for him to have tracked me down at the house of the town psychic.

“How did you know I was here?” I ask, stepping off the patio to make my way toward him. The air is heating up as the afternoon quickly approaches.

“Was it a secret?” he asks.

“No.” I’m embarrassed as I answer, knowing that I was hoping to hide it from him. It makes me think of the memory I had in Marceline’s living room about lying to someone I loved. Fresh hurt opens in my chest.

Abe’s eyes check me over when I reach him. He brushes the back of his finger over my cheek. “You were crying,” he says, shooting an alarmed look behind me. “Did she hurt you again?”

“Nothing like that,” I say, afraid to tell him why I’m really here. Afraid to tell him about the stories, especially since I refuse to believe them myself. “I just wanted to ask her why she attacked me.”

“And?”

“It was an accident.” I shrug. “Case closed, I guess.”

Abe watches me, a small smile crossing his lips. “You are a terrible liar, Elise. But if you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. Just know that you can.”

“Thanks.” I rub my face, trying to get my bearings now that I’m outside.

“She gave you a mint?” Abe asks, sounding amused. I turn quickly to him.

“You know about that?”

He grins. “She gives everyone a mint. How else will they believe the garbage she tells them? I just hope you didn’t eat the whole thing.”

I shake my head. “No, I didn’t. But I am a little foggy.”

“Here.” He offers his hand to me. I catch his gaze for a second, his expression sweet. Inviting. I let him take my palm and feel instantly better.

When we get to the car, I’m back to myself—or a slightly calmer version. Marceline’s stories are pushed away, almost silly now. What was I thinking, listening to a psychic? I’m embarrassed for myself.

I turn the ignition of Lucy’s car, but there is only a series of metallic clicks. “Not now,” I say, and groan. I try it again. This time I get nothing.

I glance over to Abe. “You don’t happen to be a skilled mechanic?” I ask.

“See this face, Elise,” he says, using his finger to circle his features. “Do I look like the kind of guy who can fix cars?”

“No,” I say, sounding disappointed. “You’re way too pretty to get dirty.”

“Exactly. You should call home.”

I fish out my phone and dial the house, but it rings without anyone picking up. I try Lucy’s cell, but she doesn’t answer that either. It’s still too early to call my father, so I’ll have to wait until his services are over. Great. What am I supposed to do until then?

“No answer?” Abe asks.

“Nope.”

“Huh. Well, I live close. You can come to my house, at least until your dad can pick you up.” He raises his eyebrow as he looks over, and I have to smile.

“Is this just a clever ruse to get me to come home with you?”

“You think I tampered with your spark plugs and unhooked your home phone line? That’s at least two steps further than I would go for a girl. So what’s it gonna be, Elise? Hang out in front of Madame Marceline’s house for all to see, or come check out where I live?”

“When you put it that way . . .”

I grab my purse, locking the car door before pulling my hair into a low knot to keep it out of my face. But as we start to walk, Abe reaches over to undo it, letting the strands cascade down my back.