eyes wide. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re not going to die. Well, I can’t promise, because you know…you could die from anything. And you’re much more likely to die the next time you get in a car than from a demon. Oh, shit again. You drove here. I’m sorry. That all came out wrong.”
“It’s okay,” I assure her.
She opens a can of tomato soup and dumps it in a pot. “What I mean is, we don’t usually get close to anyone we’re working with. Not just because of the danger, but because it’s hard forming a friendship just to have it end. Most people don’t want anything to do with demons once they’ve been saved. Not that I can blame them, but it makes it hard for us to connect with anyone who’s not in the Order.”
“I get that,” I tell her. “I can relate a bit with the whole being able to see ghosts thing. It’s not dangerous like hunting demons, but people don’t like associating with anyone they think is weird or whatever.”
“How many people know?”
“Just my brother and two friends. My parents know but don’t believe me. My mom is a doctor and is all science first about everything. Which, don’t get me wrong, I believe in science, but not everything can be explained or understood by looking at it under a microscope.”
“You said your brother is your twin?”
“Yeah. And no, he can’t see ghosts,” I say because I know she’s going to ask. “I guess it skipped him like the magic. Now I kinda feel bad for him.”
“You like being a medium?”
“Yes and no,” I say as I finish putting together one sandwich. “I struggled as a kid being different, and I’ve spent so many hours of my life terrified of ghosts, but it’s all I know. And the ghost is still there whether or not I can see it, ya know?”
“That’s how I feel about being in the Order. I don’t know what a normal life would be like, and I’d rather know the things that go bump in the night because sooner or later, something does end up bumping. This way I’m prepared.”
We talk more about what it was like for her to grow up in the Order, and how she and Sam got to know Ethan and his dad. We set the table once the food is all ready, and I grab my phone from my purse as I wait for Ethan to come back downstairs.
I have two texts: one from Harrison and one from Laney—from last night. I forgot she wanted to hang out, and I feel bad right away. Luckily, she had texted to tell me Josh surprised her after work so she couldn’t come over anyway. I open the text from my brother next, he asked if I’m at work, and text him back.
Me: No, I wasn’t feeling well so stayed home.
Harrison: Damn, I was hoping you were there.
Me: Why? You don’t have a pet.
Harrison: I stupidly agreed to pick up a client’s medication for his dog. The guy’s an asshole, but if I can get him to sign with us, I’ll get a huge bonus.
Me: Oh, well, I hope it helps! Katy is working at the front desk today. She knows who you are.
Harrison: Thanks. Feel better, sis.
Me: I’m working on it.
I make a face as I send that last text since I hate lying. And I always feel like lying about being sick sets me up to jinx myself and then I’ll really get sick.
“Hey.” I look up from my phone and see Ethan come into the kitchen. His hair is damp and he’s wearing dark gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt, making me feel a fluttering in my stomach. “You didn’t eat without me, did you?”
“We were just about to,” Julia tells him and sets two glasses of ice water on the table. “Sam! Lunch is ready!”
“Do I smell better?” Ethan asks, taking a seat next to me.
“Hmmm. I need a closer inspection.” I rest a hand on his thigh and lean in, closing my eyes and inhaling. He smells fucking amazing, like cedarwood and soap. “Yeah. You pass the test.”
“If you two want to head out after lunch, I’ll thumb through the books a bit more,” Julia offers.
“I can help,” I tell her.
“I don’t mind. It’s what I do,” she insists. “Sam and Ethan fight, I research and read. I’m not good with hand-to-hand combat. Plus, I’m kind of klutzy and have really bad