Ashlyn Chase - The Vampire Next Door

Gwyneth breezed into Slys apartment, but Morgaine remained in the hall.

Sly wondered if she was hesitating because she was worried about what he had to say. Arent you coming, Morgaine?

I-its awfully dark in there. Would you mind turning on the lights?

Im afraid I never hooked up the electricity.

Gwyneth sighed. Morgaines afraid of the dark. Have you ever heard such a silly thing? A witch afraid of the dark?

Morgaine folded her arms and glared in Gwyneths general direction.

Oh, come on. He might as well know since his place is always dark.

When Morgaine didnt respond, Gwyneth continued, I can bring some candles down.

She let out a deep breath. I can get some. And it isnt silly. Its an actual condition called nyctophobia.

No need to leave, Sly said. I have candles here. Ill be right back.

While he was in the kitchen, he overheard Morgaine say, Did you have to tell him Im afraid of the dark? Couldnt you have said its harder for us to see in a dark apartment than it is for him?

Gwyneth whispered, Yall are bein silly. Its Sly, after all. Not someone yall have to impress. In fact, yall might as well tell him about your agga agriv whatever that condition is called. The reason why I came up North to help yall in the first place.

Morgaine whispered, Agoraphobia. And, no thank you. Id rather not tell anyone if I dont have to.

Oh, for pitys sake. What are yall gonna do if Im not around and yall need something from the store?

Wait until you get back.

Gwyneth let out a big sigh. I do declare. Yall are helpless as a Yankee at a grits-eatin contest without me. Either get over this, or find someone else to help. I wont be here forever.

Sly returned to the living room with a couple of jar candles Roz had left for him. Shed said they werent allowed to burn candles at the school, even in the resident apartments, but he suspected that was a ruse. The thought was appreciated and, as it turned out, handy as well.

The witches settled on the couch once illumination was flickering around the room. Sly placed the candles in the empty fireplace. I hope you dont mind cinnamon scent.

Gwyneth smiled slyly. We dont mind at all. Cinnamon inspires lust. Did yall know that?

Morgaine elbowed her.

Sly leaned against the mantel. Well, thats sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.

Gwyneths eyes popped. A three-way?

Sly almost burst out laughing. Said with the innocence of a phone-sex actress. No. Actually, I thought before anyone got the wrong idea, I should explain why Im not interested in a sexual relationship right now.

Gwyneths face fell. Yall dont want a three-way? Yall must be the only man on the planet who dont.

Morgaine leaned over and covered her face. Wheres a black hole when you need one, she mumbled.

Sly figured hed better jump right into his explanation. Gwyneth, Morgaine, youre both beautiful women, and any man would be lucky to have youseparately or, uh, together, but Im afraid I just wouldnt feel right about that.

Why? Because youre still hung up on your wife? Shes been dead for about a zillion years, Gwyneth protested.

Twenty-six. Its not that. I dont want to come between you two. Id like to date one of you, but Id hate to hurt the others feelings. Theres one thing I know about womennone of them want to feel like second best.

Aint that the truth, Gwyneth said. So, which one of us are yall choosin?

Morgaine and I seem to have more of a connection, Gwyneth. I dont want to insult you, but I think she and I might really hit it off. Was he imagining it, or did Morgaines eyes widen as if she were shocked?

Gwyneth rose. Well, I wont be botherin yall anymore, Sly. I know when Im beatin a dead horse so to speak.

Morgaine bolted upright. Gwyneth, youll still help Sly by going to Salem, right? I mean, hes still our friendeven if he doesnt want to have a romantic relationship.

Of course. What do yall take me for? I aint someone who turns her back on a friend. She turned her pert little nose up. Ill even help him set up and run the still, just like I promised.

Morgaine visibly relaxed. Good.

Well, Sly. I guess Ill mosey on. Yall let me know if

Morgaine sent her a head shake.

What? I was just gonna say

I know what you were going to say.

Gwyneth threw her hands in the air and walked out muttering something about how folks have the right to change their minds.

Morgaine moved toward the door but stopped before she got there. Did you mean what you said about me, or were you just saying that to discourage any more advances?

Sly strolled over to her and took her hand. I absolutely meant it.

She smiled shyly and then glanced up the stairs. Im sorry about my cousin. I dont know if she has the maturity to understand completely. Ill explain that it wasnt personal.

Can you stay for a few minutes?

Sure.

Sly closed his door and led her back to his couch. I dont have much to offer in the way of refreshment, but I do have that champagne Merry gave me. Would you like some?

I thought you didnt have a corkscrew.

He chuckled. Champagne doesnt need a corkscrew. I was just making a joke. I didnt really want to open it then.

But you do now?

He tipped his head and shrugged. Why not? Unless you dont want it since its not chilled. No electricity means no refrigeration.

She hesitated a moment, then mirrored his gesture and said, No, I dont mind. Sure. Why not?

She waited on his couch while he strolled to the kitchen. He watched her stare into the candle flames as if in deep concentration.

This witch fascinated him. He could read the other one like a book. A book with two pages, including an index that referred every item to page one. Not that shes shallow or anything

Morgaine was far more complex and raised questions he would love answered. Prying wasnt in his nature though.

He grabbed a couple of glasses and set them on the counter. Then he pulled the champagne out of the fridge and ripped off the foil paper to open the bottle. When the cork popped, Morgaine jumped.

Are you okay, Morgaine?

She chuckled. Yeah. I just forgot about the pop when opening the champagne. I should have been ready for it.

Jeez, she has quite a startle reflex. Sly strolled over with the glasses and the open champagne bottle. Are you nervous?

No. I was just far away. Sometimes looking into flickering flames puts me right into a trance.

I see. He poured a glass and handed it to her. Is it all right if I sit next to you?

Of course, silly. You and I have sat next to each other before. She took a big sip of champagne.

In a few moments, she appeared relaxed and comfortable again. Good.

Do you ever see things in the flames? he asked.

Yes. How did you know?

Ive heard its one way psychics scry. Is that the right word scry?

She grinned. Yes. Im surprised you knew that. Another long sip of champagne, and her posture relaxed some more.

He shrugged one shoulder. Im full of surprises. I spent many evenings at the Boston Public Library reading anything and everything that caught my interest. Setting down his wine glass, he rubbed his hands together, hoping the friction would take the chill off.

He took her hand in his. I have a confession to make.

She sat up a little straighter. Confession? Im a priestess, not a priest. We dont generally hear confessions.