The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Sixteen

After briefing us on what was to happen the next morning, Mindy and I left Cooper and Matt so that I could open the Book Nook. I didn’t want to deprive the people of Magnolia of their books for too long. They needed me... they needed books. Mindy headed off to run a few errands before promising to come back and discuss what we’d wear for the show tomorrow. I hadn’t even thought about the ordeal of picking out an outfit.

An odd feeling had taken over my body. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it or explain it if I needed to, but it was there nonetheless. It was probably anxiety from knowing that a camera would be in my face in less than twenty-four hours.

Of course I had to stop by and say hello to Callahan as I walked by Full Cup. I wanted to share my excitement with him. Yeah, I guessed I was getting a little bit excited about my new gig.

That familiar and warming smell of coffee surrounded me when I entered the coffee shop. Of course, my ghoul friends were in tow. I couldn’t sneeze without them being around. Elvis got a pass though. He could stay as long as he wanted. He was a sweetie pie. Yeah, I was biased.

When I entered, Callahan hurried over and took my hands in his. “I’m glad you stopped in. I wanted to talk with you.” He let out a deep breath.

My heart rate increased. I hadn’t thought about it, but maybe Callahan wasn’t as fond of me as I was of him. I thought things had been going well, but maybe that was wishful thinking. Was he getting ready to give me the “it’s not you, it’s me” speech? Might as well get it over with quickly—rip off the bandage.

He must have read the look in my eyes. “Oh, it’s nothing bad. I’ve decided to take on a part-time job.”

Wow. I searched his eyes. What did this mean?

He rubbed my arms. “It’s just that you’ve got a lot going on with your business and the ghost stuff, so I thought I’d get a part-time job. The coffee shop keeps me busy, but I’ve always been a workaholic like you and I want to fill every spare second.”

Okay he was making me feel bad. Maybe I worked too much. I should make more time for friends and family. More time for the living.

I quirked a brow. “A part-time job? What does that mean? Are you quitting your coffee shop?” I asked.

My heart thumped while waiting for an answer. What was taking him so long to speak? This was not what I wanted to hear from Callahan. Was he leaving Magnolia? Was it my fault? Had I spent too much time living in a world with people who weren’t living? I definitely needed to focus more on my friends and family who were alive.

“I’ve been talking a lot with Mike Cartwright. He’s started the car wash across town. I told him I’d help him out for a while. You know, with the business side of things. I know how hard it is to start a business.”

“That is so sweet of you. I know he’ll appreciate it.” I tightened my embrace on Callahan.

I tried to hide my disappointment from him. After all, it wasn’t fair for me to ask him not to do something like that. All my time would be taken up with the show for a few days, then I’d be back at the store and who knew what haunted house next. But when would we see each other? My show business career was only going to last my allotted fifteen minutes. How would I fill in my free time after that? I knew that meant a whole lot of pole fitness classes for me. Heaven help me.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he said, “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving Magnolia and I’m not quitting the shop either.”

Whew. That was a relief.

“Like I said, I have extra time after the shop closes, but since you’ve got your new gig, well, we don’t have a lot of time together. I just thought I’d find a hobby, I guess.” He touched my chin with his index finger.

This was all very sudden. I’d only just found out about the show. Something didn’t add up for me.

“I’m sorry, Callahan, I didn’t mean to ignore you. It’s just that an opportunity such as this doesn’t come along often.” I looked down at my sneakers.

“No. I know it doesn’t, that’s why I’m glad you’re doing it. I’m so proud of you.” He flashed his bright smile.

I blushed. “Thank you.”

“I don’t want you to feel badly. I want you to do this. I’ll help Mike until you’re finished, by then he’ll have a good handle on things.”

Well, I guessed that wasn’t such a bad thing. I could handle that. Just a few days and things would be back to normal.

Callahan leaned down and kissed me. Elvis was sitting at the table with his arms folded across his chest and feet propped up in the chair across from him.

“Please stop the kissing. You’re going to make me gag,” Candy Cherry said.

“Yeah, get a room,” Mr. Fine added.

I wished I had a dial to tune them out. Callahan lifted my chin with his finger to meet his gaze. “Things will slow down for us soon. And I can’t wait.”

“Me too.” I smiled.

“So, when do you start the show?” he asked.

I sighed. “First thing in the morning and I’m really nervous.”

“I know you’ll do great. Break a leg.”

I never liked that saying. I was always afraid it would lead to the person really breaking their leg.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Callahan asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll see you later.” He kissed me again lightly on the lips.

Another groan from the ghosts came from over my shoulder.