“I couldn't find the ink pot that goes with it, but oh well. This says poetry, doesn't it?”
“I think so.”
She bangs her hands together and I choke on a glitter cloud. I think Tex has a glitter addiction. She should join GAA. Glitter Addicts Anonymous.
****
Later on, she catches me in the New Age section of the store. It's located right next to the knitting books in a back corner near the heater that is so loud you can barely hear yourself think. It was also perpetually dusty because no one really wants to go back there. Also because Tex's parents had contempt for anything remotely like that, so they hadn't ordered any new books in years. Or bothered to do anything about the ones they did have.
“What the hell are you doing back here?”
“Would you believe me if I said I was dusting?”
“Yeah, nice try. No one's dusted back here since this guy was alive.” She holds up a book with a guy with a beard so impressive, it covers most of his face, a shirt covered in flowers and a pair of bell bottoms that looked like lampshades.
I can't lie to her anymore. “I was just, um, looking for a book about dreams.”
“And my next question is: Why?”
“I had a dream and I wanted to know if it meant anything,” I mumble.
“You should have just asked. I've got one of those encyclopedias at home. Aunt Bea gave it to me.” She rolls her eyes as she says it. She's Tex's mother's sister, Beatrice, otherwise known as Aunt Bea or the Crazy Lady. I've only met her once and my first impression was that she looked exactly someone who dressed as a cheap psychic for Halloween. Only she dressed like that all the time. Scarves and long flowy skirts and bracelets that jingled whenever she moved. She also brought a cloud of patchouli wherever she went. Tex said it was to cover up the smell of pot smoke, which wouldn't surprise me. After she'd told me my aura was cloudy I'd pretty much tuned her out.
“You can borrow it if you want.”
“Yeah, sure.” She gives me a weird look and then edges away from the books as if they're going to give her a disease. I also want to escape the close space that smells like dust and books and blood.
Work drags on for another hour until I can finally leave. Peter's waiting for me outside the back door like a shadow. We always walk back to my car, taking our time. I'd told him he didn't have to, because Tex always tackled him with questions about Viktor. Tonight was no exception.
“Hello Texas.” He always calls her by her full first name. I think it bugged her at first, but she seems to have gotten over it.
“Well hello there.” She always tried to fake-flirt with him, trying to get a rise. It never works, but Tex is not easily deterred.
“Ava.” He nods formally at me.
“Peter.” I smile and curtsey, feeling both of our relief that we're near each other. It must last for a while because Tex coughs and waves her hand in front of my eyes.
“Yeah, that's enough eye sex. You should remember to wear protection.” I smack her in the shoulder. Real classy, Tex.
“We need to go.” I take Peter's arm and try to steer him toward the street. Tex darts in front of us so fast, I wonder if she's a noctalis.
She snags my arm. “Uh! We need to talk date details.” I give Peter a look that says I'll tell him later.
“We'll let you know.”
“What, are you like one person now?”
I think I'm getting a migraine. “Tex, can we please not do this now?”
“I just don't want to see you saying things like 'we love pumpkin scented candles' and wearing matching plaid shirts.” Like that would ever happen.
“You are free to slap me in the face if I do any of those things.” Peter doesn't say anything. I look at him and he blinks. An agreement.
“Bye!” I grab Peter's arm and start walking before she can react.
“Wear protection!” She calls. I wave over my shoulder, considering giving her the finger.
Peter
“Have you come up with a plan yet?” Ava says as we walk back to her car. She's still holding my arm. It blazes against my skin.
“I have consulted Viktor. He has stayed less in touch with the noctalis world than I have, so he did not know what we should do. There is an old friend I can contact.” She stops.
“You have a friend?”
“Yes.” I do not elaborate. Cal is from a time in my life that I do not want her to know about. Granted, if I hadn't Claimed her, and wanted her to stay away, I would have told her. It would be enough to make any human run. Even her.
“Why have I not heard of this friend?”
“I have not seen him in a long time.”
“What's he like?”
“Tall.” How can I describe him in a way she would understand? I am not sure how.
“Tall? That's it?” She raises her eyebrows.
“He is my oldest friend.” That is a truth I can part with.
“So you've got a little bromance going on.” Her smile returns. I am not familiar with that term, but I believe I know what she is thinking of.
“He is my friend.”
“So you think he'll help us?”
“Yes.” He has helped me before. When I have needed him, he has been there. Ava searches my eyes, looking for more information. Her natural curiosity will harm her one day. It already has. She came back to see me, even after that first night in the cemetery. I told her then she was reckless. She has not learned.
She sighs and leans her head on my arm. Her contentment is palpable.
“How was your day?” I say as we get in the car.
“Awful. Jamie's issues just keep getting bigger and Tex won't leave me alone about Viktor. I may have to kill her before this date happens.” Her laugh is weak.
“You could not kill anyone.”
“How do you know that?” She is offended. Angrily, she starts the car and turns the radio on loud. It is one of Texas' German rock albums.
“Your soul is pure.”
“So is yours.” Ava will hold to her belief I have a soul until she breathes her last breath. I like her determination. Even if it is false.
I do not want to discuss the status of my soul so I remain silent.
“What are you thinking about?” she asks.
“You.” It is the kind of thing that makes her blush. The scent of her blood fills the car, and I want it so much I have to push myself as far away from her as I can get in the small space. Her blood calls to me, sings to me, taunts me.
“Oh god,” she says, clutching at her stomach. I reach to take the wheel before we veer off the road and into a ditch.