Grave Misgivings Read online

  “So you think I shouldn’t cut it?” Maddie was starting to worry.

  “How many inches are we talking here?” Christy asked.

  “Two.”

  Christy snorted. “I think that’s a healthy haircut,” she said. “I also think you and Nick are the only ones who are going to notice it. Your hair is really long.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t,” Maddie hedged, biting her lower lip. “Nick loves my hair long.”

  “Sit down,” Christy ordered, rolling her eyes. “I promise you’ll be happy when I’m done.”

  Maddie climbed onto the chair and leaned forward so Christy could drape a protective smock over her. “Don’t go crazy.”

  “I never go crazy,” Christy said, grabbing a bottle of water from the counter and spraying Maddie’s hair. “So, tell me, how is the construction going?”

  “It’s not too bad,” Maddie said. “I kind of wish I would’ve had them finish the upstairs bedroom before starting on Granny’s apartment, but it’s too late now.”

  “Why?”

  “They’re refinishing the hardwood floors and there’s dust everywhere,” Maddie said. “I had to hang some of those plastic sheets at the top of the staircase so the dust doesn’t drift down into the store, but people are traipsing in and out … and Granny refuses to wear the little plastic booties when she’s up there … so it’s still a mess.”

  Christy smirked. “It won’t take long,” she said. “Just think, when it’s all finished, you’re going to move into the big room with Nick. That has to be exciting.”

  “It is,” Maddie conceded. “I’m a little nervous, though.”

  “Why?”

  “I … he’s going to see me all the time, even when I’m at my worst.”

  Christy waited for Maddie to expand.

  “My hair is a mess in the morning.”

  “You guys haven’t spent a night apart since you got together,” Christy pointed out. “He’s already seen you at your worst. I should point out, though, that your worst isn’t bad so you should probably shut up if you don’t want people to hate you.”

  Maddie made a face. “I … I’m sorry.”

  “You should be.”

  “I can’t decide if you’re good for my ego or bad for my self-esteem,” Maddie said.

  “I’m both,” Christy replied, nonplussed. “You’re a beautiful woman, Maddie Graves. Sometimes I think you purposely don’t see it because you think it makes you vain. Other times I think you’re fishing for compliments.”

  “I am not!”

  Christy grinned. “It’s okay to fish for compliments,” she said. “Everyone does it. I just wish you’d admit you’re doing it.”

  “I hate you sometimes,” Maddie grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Well, I love you,” Christy said. “What are you and Nick doing this weekend? Are you looking forward to the reunion?”

  “I wasn’t going to go until Nick sprung it on me last night,” Maddie replied. “I honestly forgot all about it.”

  “Why weren’t you going to go?”

  “No offense to you, but I hate everyone we went to high school with.”

  “No offense taken, bitch,” Christy deadpanned.

  Maddie rolled her eyes. “It’s just … high school was a really hard time for me,” she said. “I was always so nervous … and uncomfortable in my own skin. I had a hard time fitting in, and it always felt as if people were staring at me.”

  “You went through an awkward phase in middle school, like everyone does,” Christy said. “Somewhere after sophomore year, though, you blossomed. I remember when everyone came back from summer break before junior year started. All the guys were buzzing about the ‘new’ girl in school.

  “The thing is, there wasn’t a new girl,” she continued. “It was you. I remember you sprouted like two inches in three months, and your boobs filled out, and every guy in school decided you were the one they wanted to get.”

  “That didn’t happen,” Maddie said.

  “Yes, it did,” Christy said. “You were in your own little world, so you probably didn’t realize it, but it definitely happened. The entire football team had a bet to see who was going to get the first date with you.”

  Maddie stilled. “Nick was on the football team.”

  “He was the only one who didn’t play the game,” Christy said hurriedly, not wanting to cause problems between Maddie and her heart’s desire. “Trust me. He was nothing but respectful where you were concerned.

  “The problem for poor Nick was that he’d gone through the whole summer with you and somehow managed not to notice all the changes your body was going through,” she said. “I think it was just one of those mind-over-matter things. He didn’t want to see it, so he didn’t see it. The more the football team talked, though, the more Nick realized you were hot.”

  “It’s a little weird that you know all of this,” Maddie said.

  “I was in the band,” Christy said. “Talk about geeky … ugh.” She shuddered and then returned to the moment. “I heard all the gossip because we practiced on the field next to the football team. You were the topic of conversation for weeks.”

  “What did Nick do?” Maddie was interested, despite herself.

  “Well, at first he pretended he didn’t notice what everyone was saying,” Christy said. “He tried to ignore it when everyone talked about your legs … and boobs … and butt.”

  “You’re making me uncomfortable,” Maddie warned.

  Christy winked into the mirror. “I do remember one specific blowup,” she said. “Brian Franz told everyone he was going to sneak over to your house and spy on you because he was desperate to see you naked. Nick completely freaked out and beat the crap out of him. Brian had a black eye for two weeks.”

  Maddie frowned. “I … that’s why Brian and Nick fought? Nick said it was an accident on the football field that got out of hand.”

  “I think it definitely got out of hand, but it wasn’t an accident,” Christy said. “I know that Brian was begging Nick to get off of him by the end and he promised he would never even do so much as look at you again as long as Nick stopped hitting him. That’s when everyone knew.”

  “Knew what?”

  “That you and Nick were destined,” Christy said. “Everyone knew you guys were close up until that point. No one – especially you two, apparently – knew that you were in love.”

  “I don’t know what to say to that,” Maddie admitted. “I … part of me is happy to hear it. Does that make me a horrible person?”

  “It makes you human,” Christy said. “I’m glad, too. I was a little worried you were an alien because you were so perfect.”

  “Okay, you’re officially good for my ego,” Maddie conceded. “I’m a little worried about something else, though.”

  “What?”

  “Aaron Denton invited Nick to stay at his house this weekend as part of the reunion celebration,” Maddie said. “I agreed to go with him, and I’m really nervous. I never hung around with that crowd in high school. Nick did sometimes, but I only hung around with Nick when it was just the two of us.”

  “Oh, you’re going to Aaron’s?” Christy looked surprised. “I am, too.”

  “You are?” Maddie didn’t realize she was holding her breath until it whooshed out. “I’ve never been happier to hear anything in my entire life.”

  “Six weeks ago Nick Winters admitted you were the love of his life and he wanted to spend forever with you,” Christy said. “You’re saying the fact that I’m going to be staying at the Denton mansion with you this weekend is better news than that?”

  Maddie’s smile was rueful. “You have a way of putting things into perspective.”

  “I do,” Christy said. “It’s going to be okay, Maddie. “I don’t think there are going to be a lot of people there. I heard it’s only going to be like eight or nine of us total. That’s not a lot of people. It will be good for you.”

  “You sound like N
ick,” Maddie muttered.

  “Nick loves you more than anything else in this world,” Christy said. “He would never let anything bad happen to you. This weekend is going to be a way for you to put a lot of those high school insecurities behind you.

  “Think about it. You grew up to own your own magic store and you’re practically engaged to your dream man,” she said. “You’re on top of the world. Do you really think people you didn’t take the time to know in high school are going to tear you down?”

  “I guess not,” Maddie said. “I … they didn’t take the time to get to know me either.”

  “It wasn’t for lack of trying,” Christy said. “I’ll admit that a lot of the girls didn’t want to get to know you because they were jealous, but almost all of the boys – even most of the gay ones – wanted to know you. You were just … standoffish.”

  Maddie made a face. “I wasn’t standoffish.”

  “Fine,” Christy said, holding her hands up in mock surrender. “I shouldn’t have used that word. That makes you sound like a snob, and you’re definitely not a snob. You were isolated, though.

  “Listen, I know why you were like that now,” she said. “You were scared to death people were going to find out … certain things … about you. Personally, I think that would’ve made you even more popular, but what do I know? It’s different now. You’re an adult. It’s going to be fun. I promise.”

  “I hate to say it, but I feel so much better knowing you’re going to be there, too,” Maddie said. “I was worried I was going to cling to Nick and smother him because I was afraid to interact with everyone else.”

  “I think Nick likes to be smothered. I wouldn’t worry about that.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I do,” Christy said. “I’m really looking forward to this weekend. We’re going to have a good time. We’re going to get drunk … and we’re going to gossip … and I’m hoping some of the guys have aged well enough for me to get lucky and still retain my dignity the next morning.”

  “You are so gross,” Maddie said, chuckling.

  “I am,” Christy said. “I’m also done with your cut.” She twirled Maddie around so she could look at the back of her hair. “What do you think?”

  “It looks good,” Maddie said. “I … feel good.”

  “You should feel good,” Christy said. “Your life is practically perfect right now. You don’t have anything to complain about.”

  “I don’t,” Maddie said. “Are you going to the bonfire tonight?”

  “I would never miss the traditional Fourth of July celebratory bonfire,” Christy said. “I look great in the romantic light given off by a huge bonfire. Men are going to be falling at my feet. Why do you think I brightened up my hair?”

  “You really are … something,” Maddie said.

  “I try,” Christy said. “I’ll see you at the bonfire tonight, and if I don’t, I’ll definitely see you at Aaron’s house tomorrow night.”

  “I’m actually excited to see the house,” Maddie said. “I’ve heard it’s spectacular.”

  “You pick weird things to be excited about,” Christy said. “Here I am excited to get hammered and lucky, and you’re excited because you want to see the mansion.”

  “I want to see the mausoleum, too,” Maddie said.

  “Weirdo!”

  Three

  “Why are you packing?”

  Olivia Graves popped into view, her gaze immediately falling on the open suitcase on Maddie’s bed. Even though her mother died months before, Olivia’s soul remained behind, popping in from time to time to visit. Maddie was glad to have her any way she could get her, but she missed being able to hug her.

  “I’m going out to Aaron Denton’s house for a reunion party this weekend,” Maddie said, smiling at her mother. “By the way … we need to work out a system for you to pop in once Nick and I move to your bedroom. Things might get … awkward … otherwise.”

  Olivia smirked. “Don’t worry. I always listen before I leap. I won’t embarrass you. In fact, I think it might be wise to have a ‘no bedroom’ rule from here on out.”

  “Oh, I don’t know if that’s necessary,” Maddie said.

  “Well, how about we make a rule that I can’t pop in unless I’m sure you and Nick aren’t doing anything,” Olivia suggested.

  Maddie’s cheeks flushed with color, and she averted her eyes from her mother’s ghostly orbs. “Mom.”

  “You’re so cute sometimes, Sunshine.” Olivia’s ghostly hand brushed against Maddie’s cheek, and her daughter believed she could almost feel the touch. She definitely felt the love behind the gesture.

  “Thanks, Mom,” Maddie said dryly.

  “So … why are you going to Aaron Denton’s house?”

  “He invited us, and Nick really wants to go,” Maddie said.

  “Don’t you want to go?”

  “Not really.”

  “Maddie, you can’t go through life being scared of your own shadow,” Olivia said. “You’re not the same girl you were when you left after high school. You’ve grown as a person, and you’re a strong woman. This is going to be good for you.”

  “Why does everyone keep telling me that?”

  “Who is everyone?”

  “Christy and Nick.”

  “Maybe because those are the two people who know you best … other than your grandmother and me, that is. Speaking of, where is Mom?”

  “I’ll get her,” Maddie said, sticking her head out the bedroom door. “Granny? Mom is here if you want me to share messages before I go to the bonfire tonight.”

  “Oh, it’s the Fourth of July bonfire,” Olivia said. “I always loved a good bonfire.”

  “I know,” Maddie said. “That was one of the town celebrations you refused to miss every year.”

  “Is Nick picking you up?”

  “Yeah. I decided to get a head start on the packing for tomorrow because I figured we would be out at the bonfire late tonight. The problem is, I have no idea what to pack for a weekend at someone’s fancy mansion.”

  At that moment Maddie’s grandmother, Maude, shuffled into the room with a wide smile on her face. She must have heard the tail end of Maddie’s statement because she instantly started searching through Maddie’s dresser. “Tell your mother I said hi.”

  “Granny, she can hear you,” Maddie said. “You can talk to her like you normally would and I’ll just repeat what she says back to you.”

  “Don’t get fresh, missy,” Maude said. “I know how it works.”

  The magical peculiarity that flowed through the Graves genes skipped Maude, and while the elderly woman had always been happy about that development, now that her lack of supernatural powers kept her from talking to her only daughter, she was mildly bitter. Maddie internally chastised herself for forgetting how desperately her grandmother wanted to hear Olivia’s voice. “I’m sorry, Granny.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t like it when you call me that?”

  “Just a few hundred more, Granny,” Maddie teased, smiling at her persnickety grandmother.

  “How long are you going to be staying at Aaron Denton’s house?” Maude asked.

  “A few nights … three, I think. Are you okay with that, or do you want me to stay home with you?”

  Maude made a face. “Oh, please, you are not using me as an excuse not to go,” she said. “I’m perfectly happy to stay home alone. It will give me a chance to walk around the house naked.”

  Now it was Maddie’s turn to make a face. “Excuse me?”

  “I like to free my bits from time to time,” Maude said. “I’ll be able to do it as much as I want when my apartment is finished, but since you came home, I’ve had to be careful because you’re such a prude.”

  “I am not a prude,” Maddie protested. She turned to her mother for support. “Tell her I’m not a prude.”

  “Of course you’re not a prude,” Olivia said.

  “She said … .”r />
  “She coddles you,” Maude said. “That’s why she said it. You’re definitely a prude.”

  Maddie rolled her eyes. “Do you want to help me pack for the weekend, or are you going to … be you?”

  “I’m going to help you pack,” Maude said, her eyes sparkling. “I think you’re going to need my help so you don’t pack a whole suitcase of Amish clothing.”

  “I don’t have Amish clothing.”

  “You could’ve fooled me,” Maude said, turning her attention to Maddie’s closet. “Do you know what you’re going to be doing while you’re out there? I hear they have a river that runs right up to the back deck, by the way. That sounds really cool.”

  “It does,” Maddie agreed. “As for what we’re doing, though, I honestly don’t have a clue. I’m guessing I should take a mixture of stuff.”

  “I’m betting there will be a few dinner parties,” Maude said, shifting toward the closet. “You have that nice black dress Christy loaned you, but I don’t think you own anything else that’s not Amish.”

  Maddie growled, causing Olivia to giggle.

  “I miss you, Mom,” Olivia whispered.

  Maddie glanced at her, her expression sober.

  “Don’t tell her I said that until you’re leaving,” Olivia said, never moving her eyes from Maude. “I want that to be the last thing she hears before I leave tonight.”

  Maddie nodded silently. “Granny, what about that blue dress?”

  Maude pulled the dress in question out of the closet and immediately started shaking her head. “Absolutely not.”

  “Oh, good, I’m not too late,” Christy said, breezing into the room with a garment bag in her arms.

  “Oh, it’s Christy,” Olivia said, her face brightening. “I love her hair. She always has such good energy. Did I tell you how happy I am that you two became friends?”

  “I’m happy, too,” Maddie said.

  “What are you happy about?” Christy asked.

  “Oh,” Maddie said. “I was just … .” She broke off, unsure how to answer.