A Ghoulish Midlife (Witching After Forty #1) - Lia Davis Page 0,8

mumbled as I took our coffee cups to the sink. Out of habit, I rinsed them and went to open the dishwasher. Except Winnie didn't have a dishwasher.

Crap on a cracker.

I left the cups in the sink, deciding I’d deal with them later. “So, you’re not in trouble for playing hooky at the witch’s house?”

“Nope. He knew to call if I was needed. Not much happens in Shipton Harbor anyway.” Sam leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

I nodded and walked him to the door. It was true. The town was small and only recently became a tourist town. But still nothing exciting ever happened here. It was easy to feel normal here.

“Have a great rest of your day.” I waved to Sam as he got into his patrol car and drove off.

Closing the door, I scanned the living room, looking for something to do. I didn’t sleep much, especially since Clay died. It didn’t feel right going to bed without him.

Okay, Ava, you are being silly. It’s been five years. It’s time to move on.

Not forget. Just move on.

Besides, I promised Clay I would try.

So, I decided to call the realtor, Betty Knolls. Betty and Auntie were close friends and would most likely know right off what I needed to do to the house to get it on the market.

Now to remember where my phone was.

Ah, my office.

Sure enough, it was on top of the desk, face down. Picking it up, I dialed Betty’s number. She answered on the first ring. At least I thought it was her until I heard the sultry voice on the other end of the connection. “Moonflower Realty.”

Moonflower? I was sure I dialed the right number. “I’m calling for Betty Knolls.”

There was a brief few moments of silence before I got a reply. “Betty is my mother. She retired a few weeks ago. By now she should be enjoying her beach house in Florida.”

“Oh, wow. And good for her.” I didn’t know Betty very well, but I did know she was getting up there in years. “I’m Ava Harper. My aunt was Winnie Howe.”

“Ah, yes. Betty left me some notes that you may return to sell off that gorgeous old Victorian.” She paused then added, “Sorry, I’m Carmen Moonflower. I took over the company and am still getting organized. I hadn’t expected you to call so early.”

I hadn’t either. “I haven’t been to bed yet and thought I’d call before hitting the sack.”

“Good thinking. That way I wouldn’t come over and wake you.” Carmen paused again and I heard muffled talking in the background.

“Am I disturbing you?”

“Oh no, I just arrived at the office. Do you have a pen and paper handy?”

I nodded, realizing she can’t see me. “Yes.”

“As much as I do not want to see you sell the place, I understand.” She let out a soft, sad sigh. “Here is the number of a contracting company owned by a friend that I recommend for all my clients. Just tell whoever answers that I sent you. They will know the name and are expecting you. Jude will know what the old house would need to be updated. Plus, he will keep the historical look to it so we could get the highest offer possible for it.”

I wrote down the number and thanked her. Betty was a psychic and had always known what you needed whether you knew it or not. It didn’t surprise me that her daughter seemed to also have the gift of sight.

After I hung up with Carmen, I called the contractor and made an appointment for tomorrow. I had too much to do today to deal with contractors. First was to try to get some sleep, then I had to get supplies and food.

I glanced at my computer and smiled, feeling accomplished. I got words, four chapters’ worth, and scheduled the contractor to start work. Things were moving along. I just hoped the repairs were minor and I wouldn’t be stuck in town longer than I needed to be.

Chapter Three

I went to bed with a big smile on my face, amazed at how good it felt to be writing again. The sense of accomplishment flowed through me. I’d have another book to send my publisher in no time, and maybe then all my money problems would be less of an issue. If the creativity continued to flow, I was hoping to eliminate the financial strain all together. This was the break I needed. The last of the