All The Wrong Signs

Sitting in my chair, with my MacBook in my lap, I tried my best to look like I was working on my projects, but I was really texting Lakyn. I had told her when she went to her grandmothers to get the plants that I could help her if she needed me too.

I hoped that would be a clear enough hint that I wanted to go.

Thankfully, Lakyn had accepted my offer. I had no idea how I was going to get past Petra to leave with Lakyn, but I knew I had to think of something. It was risky, but it was a risk I was willing to take to try to help Blaze.

He had already told me he didn’t read any ill will in Lakyn, so hopefully her grandmother would be detached enough from her family to feel the same way.

“I’m going to visit Lakyn at her shop later,” I said, typing a reply back to Lakyn and never once looking up. “She’s already questioning why I don’t come visit anymore. You can come, right?”

I was hoping the answer was no.

Petra frowned. “I’d rather not go into her shop. She could have wards that we don’t know about and if I trigger them, she will know that you still have a demon following you. I can walk you to the shop and wait.”

That was the best I was going to get, and I knew it. Trying to keep my act up, I looked over at her innocently. “Do you think Blaze will be mad?”

Shaking her head, she looked up at me. “I’m sure he’s told you what he expects from you. Just don’t betray him and he will be fine.”

I highly doubted that. Even though I wouldn’t technically be betraying him, I knew he would be furious when he found out I was missing. How long would Petra wait before she told him? Would we be able to leave without her seeing us?

Looking down, I knew Blaze was going to be pissed. Would it destroy the fragile relationship we had? I wasn’t even sure what kind of relationship we had. Demon and summoner? Demon and naïve human? Friends? After last night, could I even call us lovers?

I was still typing, trying to look busy, but it wasn’t work related. I was typing my thoughts, my feelings, and my fears. It was an open letter to Blaze, hoping that if anything went wrong, he would at least understand me. I’d never let him read it, but it still helped to ease my mind knowing that I was about to do something that he would disapprove of. I just hoped he didn’t come back before I left. It would be much harder lying to him.

Lakyn text me around 4 telling me that the shop had been dead, and if I was ready she could come pick me up. I quickly let her know I would walk to her, telling her I needed to get out of the house and stretch my legs some.

Petra looked a little worried as I came out of my room, throwing my purse over my body. “Ready,” I said, smiling, hoping that I didn’t look too dressed up to be going to Lakyn’s shop.

I had changed into jeans and a sweater, but had thrown on some boots instead of my normal tennis shoes. Putting my phone in my back pocket, I looked up at her. “You really don’t have to walk me if you don’t want to. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Shaking her head, Petra went and grabbed her own jacket. “I’ll walk you. I’ve been cooped up in this house with you all day.”

Trying not to look disappointed, I opened my front door, stepping out into the icy wind. The weather had been dropping in preparation for the incoming storm.

As we walked, I looked left to right, expecting Blaze to pop up at any second and ruin any and all plans I had. “Can anyone see you right now?”

Petra shook her head, “just you. “

“Great. So I look like a crazy person talking to the wind.”

“Basically,” Petra said with a laugh.

Approaching Lakyn’s shop, I felt my nerves start to get the better of me. I did not want Blaze mad at me, but I honestly thought I could help. “I’ll be a couple of hours. Do you have a phone? I can call you…”

“I’m fine.”

Looking up at her, I had to bite my tongue not to start apologizing to her already. In a way, I was now betraying her, too. I’d have to tell Blaze this was all my fault. I didn’t want him mad at her for something I had planned.

I was halfway across the street when Petra called to me. When I turned my head to look at her, she gave me a flat smile. “Be careful.”

I nodded, but my mind was panicking. Did she know? How could she know?

Opening the door to Lakyn’s shop, I couldn’t help but turn around and watch as Petra took a step back but watched. “I’m here,” I called, not seeing Lakyn.

She popped her head around a table. “I’m here. I just restocked my crystals and I have to put the boxes back up. Give me a minute.”

I nodded, walking over to the book section where I could look like I was browsing, but I could also turn my head a little and see Petra. It occurred to me that she could become invisible, even to me. If that happened, I’d be doing nothing but wasting my time.

Popping up, Lakyn started talking her normal chatter. “You really should have come out with me and April last night.” Stopping, she tilted her head, “you look different today.”

I instantly looked down. “What? I mean, I put some makeup on, not wanting to scare your poor grandmother.”

Lakyn shrugged, “maybe that’s it. Your face is flushed, but it’s probably blush.”

As she turned to head behind her counter, I looked out again, seeing Petra still in the same spot. “Hey hit the sign, will you? I already posted online I’m closing early today.”

Nodding, I walked over, hitting the sign, hoping it wasn’t an immediate red flag to Petra. She didn’t move, so I hoped she hadn’t noticed.

Lakyn walked up beside me. “I told gran you are coming, so she is cooking for us tonight. She’s kinda a hippy, so there is no telling what she is making us, so just go with it. I do.”

I laughed, “thanks for the warning. Uh, where are we going?”

“I’m parked in the alley. I had to take the trash out earlier and well, I’ve been slacking and had like 5 bags.”

I could only hope Petra didn’t see us leave, but I wasn’t counting on it. I had a feeling she knew I was about to ditch her. I just wasn’t sure why she hadn’t called Blaze yet.

Cranking her car, Lakyn turned her heat on, rubbing her hands. “Collin hasn’t popped up anymore, has he?”

I shook my head no, trying to press myself into the seat as we pulled out onto the street. “He hasn’t even called.”

“I don’t get guys.”

“What about you and Noah? How’s that going?” I asked.

Lakyn frowned, “it’s not. I think I’ve rejected him too many times, and he’s given up. Or maybe he has found someone new. Or maybe he just wanted a good tip.”

I turned my head to look at her. “Maybe he is waiting for you to make the first move. You have his number. Why don’t you text him so you have some communication that doesn’t involve food?”

“I do really like him. I hate to admit it, but he just makes me happy. He makes me laugh.” She shook her head, “and damn if that boy isn’t fine. But I need more. Like what are his goals because while I love a good DoorDash I need him to have some grownup plans.”

“You’ll never know if you don’t ask him,” I pointed out.

“Maybe he has a friend we can hook you up with…”

“No,” I said, cutting her off.

“Too soon?”

I nodded. When Collin and I had separated, being with another man was the last thing on my mind. Even now, if you would have told me I’d have another man in my bed already, I would have laughed at you.

Yet, I had shared my bed with Blaze. In fact, it had been all my idea. And I’d do it again and again.

Lakyn kept the conversation going as she drove, and it helped ease my nerves some. I wondered if Petra had realized I had left yet. She may still think we were in the shop. Or she might have already told Blaze what I had done.

I shivered, imagining the look of hate in his eyes.

“Are you cold?” Lakyn asked, turning the heat up some more.

I shook my head. “I swear the temp is dropping by the minute.”

Lakyn played with the music as I watched the city disappear into the distance. The further we drove, the more isolated the landscape became. I wondered for the thousandth time if maybe I was making a mistake. This could be a trap.

I closed my eyes, wishing Blaze had a cell phone. I could at least tell him I was sorry.