Page 139 of When Darkness Calls

The town has this type of energy engraved in its entire makeup. From its history to the legends that circle through the halls of the schools like ghostly gossip awaiting a new generation to scare. To the more recent endeavors that have built Pinehaven into becoming a pillar of fall travel with a plethora of events, attractions, and activities spaced out through the month leading up to the huge Halloween celebration.

Shadow Grove, more specifically East End, may be my home, but something about this place calls to my soul.

“Do you wanna hit the bookstore or the boutique? A couple of girls from the high school volleyball team said they got their costumes from Mabel’s. Apparently, she practically turned the whole place into a costume shop instead of splitting it down the middle like she usually does.” Liz switches the bags from one arm to the other, as we stroll down the sidewalk from the video store.

The older guy who owns it might be one of the grumpiest people I’ve ever met, but he’s hilarious. His sarcastic quips and dry humor are the best, and you can tell he doesn’t mean it in a rude way, it’s only his personality. I just know he’s got some great stories to tell if what I’ve heard about him is right and he used to work on movies back in the day.

I hum in thought at Liz’s first question, but my eye catches the cafe just down the street on the right. “Coffee first?”

“Oooh, yes.” She grabs my hand, tugging me along behind her as she rambles about which books she’s hoping to find.

Two fantasies, one about a kingdom at war and the other set in a world where magic and technology co-exist.

A romcom series that seems…very macabre and equally cozy.

A dark romance set at an old academy where things aren’t what they appear to be.

And—

“Dracula?” My shock is palpable.

Liz nods. “Mhm. I figured it would be a good read before the month is over.”

“But—But I’ve tried to get you to watch the movie so. Many. Times. And you never wanted to!”

“I know. I know. But I’ve changed my mind. I do want to read it first though, and then we can watch it together.”

I open my mouth to speak but she cuts me off. “The Winona Ryder one. Not the black and white one. I’m getting more into the dark, gothic-y stuff—I think the books are helping because you know I’d rather read than anything—and the horror movies, but…I can’t vibe with those yet. Maybe like far into the future.”

My grin is wide. “I can deal with that. But I will get you to watch them one day, ma’am. Mark my words. Even if I have to blackmail you or something.”

“Pfft, okay,” she scoffs. “Come on. I’ll get your coffee, you snag us a seat at one of the tables.” Liz inclines her head toward the small veranda set between the cafe and the building next door—passes her bags to me and makes for the entrance.

I call after her. “Iced—”

“Chai latte with caramel, I know. What? Do you think I’m an amateur or something?” She flips her hair over her shoulder dramatically and walks through the door. The soft jingle of the bell melding with her light laugh.

From the little round table, I watch as cars slowly crawl past along the street, families walking hand in hand, and store-owners venturing out to sweep the stoops. Above me, the sky begins its transformation from a rich cerulean into bright pink and gold that reflects off the large fluffy clouds.

Yeah, there’s magic in this town.

Liz returns with our drinks, plopping into the seat across from me with a long slurp on her straw and a drawn out sigh.

“I think I might quit school.”

I choke, the spiced liquid spluttering from my lips. “What?”

She releases a heavy sigh, like all the air is being drained from her. “Yeah,” she draws out. “I’ve really been thinking about it. I’m going to wait until after the semester’s over to really make the decision. But I don’t know, Deeds. I’m so tired.”

And for the first time in all the years I’ve known her, I can see it.

Her eyes still shine a bright blue, but there’s a weariness within them. Slight shadows line her bottom lashes and it’s not makeup. Her cheeks aren’t as full, and I don’t think the messiness of her ponytail was on purpose today.

“I think waiting is smart. That way you will have these classes completed in case you choose to enroll again later. You won’t have to re-do half a semester.”

Liz rocks forward, setting her cup down. “That’s what I was thinking too. And I will have all of winter break to weigh my options.”

I lay my hand on hers, giving her a gentle squeeze. “You know I will always support you. No matter what. Hell, if you want to do the red hair dye and Venezuela trip with Carl the duck, I’m there. I’ll go right now to buy the dye, just say the word.”