Chapter 14

Meanwhile, back at home, Gwyneth knocked on the door of the new neighbor who moved into the apartment directly below hers. She had been anxious to welcome her to the building. Since Merry was diagnosed with those Braxton-Hicks contractions and sent home, she was off the hook for a while. Whew.

A petite Asian woman opened the door a few inches and peeked around the opening.

”Howdy, I hope I’m not interruptin” anythin.” I”m Gwyneth—your neighbor from upstairs.”

”Ah, I”m pleased to meet you. My name is Lily.” She didn”t open the door further or invite Gwyneth in.

Puzzled, Gwyneth asked, ”I don”t normally invite myself, but do you mind if I come in?”

”I...” Lily glanced over her own shoulder, nervously. ”The place is a mess. I”m just moving in.”

”Oh, you don”t have to make no fuss, bless your heart. I don”t need no impressin”.”

”I—uh, well...”

What a silly woman. Did she think a few unpacked boxes would matter to a neighbor? Lily looked behind her again. When she let go of the door Gwyneth pushed it open, ready to reassure her that her place was no more a mess than any—

”I do declare! What in tarnation happened here?”

Lily hung her head in shame. Gwyneth wandered through the apartment, open mouthed and wide eyed. Scorched furniture and rugs were scattered over the blackened hardwood floors.

”I—I”m sorry. I haven”t worked in a couple of days.”

”Worked? What”s work got to do with it? Unless you”re a professional fire bug. In which case, I want to know. I live right over you.”

”No, it”s nothing like that. I... I have this problem.”

Gwyneth took her hand and patted it. As she led her to the charred sofa, she said, ”Maybe I can help.”

Lily sank down onto the couch. ”I doubt it.”

”Now, come on sugar, you can tell me anythin” and I won”t breathe a word. We all have our little problems.”

”Not like this.”

”Try me.”

Lily heaved a deep sigh. ”I might shock you.”

”Oh honey. I”m a witch and a phone sex actress. How shocked can I be?”

Lily bolted up straight. ”Really?”

”Uh huh. Now come on. Out with it.”

Lily bit her lip, then offered the strangest explanation Gwyneth had ever heard.

”I”m a dragon. I sneeze fire. The only cure for it is regular sex. So, I”m a call girl. Because I just moved to this city, I have no clients and haven”t worked recently.”

”A dragon? But y”all just look like a pretty girl to me.”

Lily smiled. ”Thank you. You”re looking at my human form. If I need to protect myself, I shift into my dragon form, but that”s only as a last resort.”

”I see. So, you”re a shapeshifter?”

”You”ve heard of us?”

”Oh, honey. You have no idea. But back to the sex thing. I think I get it. That”s how y”all blow off steam—so to speak.”

”Exactly.”

”Well, I”ll be jiggered. Can”t you find a dildo? I have several upstairs. What”s your favorite color?”

She chuckled. ”Thank you, but vibrators don”t work. I need the real thing.”

”Well, there”s got to be somethin’...”

”Perhaps there is, but I don”t know of anything else and haven’t any clients yet. I just moved here from San Francisco.”

”Why, that”s clear across the country. What made you pick up and move so far away?”

”I… I”d rather not talk about it.”

I wish Morgaine was here. She”s way more psychic than I am, and this lady is just confusin” the hell outa me.

”Well, there”s gotta be somethin” I can do to help. I can”t let you set the building on fire.”

Gwyneth could think of only one solution. It wouldn”t be her favorite thing to do, but this was an emergency.

She moved closer to Lily and draped an arm around her. ”Now, I don”t usually swing this way, but for the sake of my neighbors...” She pursed her lips. ”Pucker up, darlin”. Looks like we”re gonna have to get cozy.”

Lily shoved her off the couch, and Gwyneth landed on the hard floor with a thud.

”Ouch! Why”d you go and do that? I was just tryin” to help!”

Lily crossed her arms. ”I don”t swing that way either, and I don”t want to start now.”

Loud laughter echoed all around them. Gwyneth shook her fist at the ceiling. ”Chad! You know it”s impolite to eavesdrop.”

”Yeah, but I wouldn”t have missed that for the world.”

Gwyneth’s lips thinned. ”What in blazes—er, I mean, what in tarnation are you doin” here anyway?”

”I wanted to meet the new neighbor too.”

”And how long have you been here?”

”I was right behind you, oooo...”

She glanced at Lily who was giving her the oddest look.

”Oh, sorry. You don”t know about our ghost, I guess.” She picked herself up off the floor and brushed off her skirt. ”He can be a smart-ass, but he”s basically harmless.”

Lily glanced around the room, nervously. ”Basically?”

”He only pulls pranks on people he don”t like. I”d say not to worry, but burnin” down the place he haunts might really tick him off.”

Lily covered her eyes and wailed, ”What am I to do?”

”If only I had a body...”

Gwyneth snapped her fingers. ”That”s it! I know exactly who can help you, Lily.”

She lifted her eyebrows. ”Who?”

”Yeah, who?” Chad asked.

”Nathan! He lives in the apartment right under yours. I don”t think he”s ever had a girlfriend in his life.”

Lily sounded doubtful. ”He isn”t gay, is he?”

”Nope. I remember some reporter tryin” to make it look like he and Jason had a thing for each other, but from what I hear, they was both pretty horrified at the thought.”

Lily folded her hands in her lap. ”Would this Nathan be understanding of my—um, real nature? As understanding as you are?”

”Oh, heck yes. He”s a shapeshifter too. That”s why I thought y”all would be good together.”

”Oh! Is he a dragon?”

”No, but I wouldn”t feel right tellin” you all his secrets. Why don”t I go talk to him and if he”s interested, he can tell you himself.”

”How can I ever thank you?”

”Don”t burn down the building. That”ll be thanks enough.”

“Sly, dear. It’s me, Alice.”

“Alice?”

Sly bolted uptight and saw his late wife sitting at the foot of the bed. She looked as young and beautiful as the day they met. “But how can you be here? You’re...”

She smiled. “Dead?”

“I was going to say a dream.”

“I know. I had to come and see you one last time. This is the only way I could.”

“Why? Are you going somewhere? Or, somewhere else?” Sly scratched his head.

“No, I’m where I’m supposed to be. I had to visit you though. I have something important to tell you.”

“I’m listening.” He reached for her hand.

She laid her palm in his and curled her fingers around his hand. He was amazed by the warmth and pressure. She actually felt real, but how could that be?

“I want you to stop holding onto the past. I’ve seen you struggle and resist the changes in your life. It’s time for you to move forward.”

“What do you mean? He glanced at the other side of the bed, but it was empty. Where was Morgaine? “Do you mean with someone else?”

“Yes. You’ve brooded for too long. It’s time to enjoy life again.”

He stared at his lap. “If you can call what I do living.”

“You have a lot to look forward to. You’ve been reunited with our daughter, a grandchild is on the way, and you have the wholehearted love of a good woman. But you could miss out on that blessing if you don’t open your eyes and your heart.”

“Is that why you’re here...to tell me it’s all right to fall in love again?”

“It’s not just all right. I want you to.”

“Seriously? But you had a jealous streak when we were dating, sometimes even after we were married.”

“It’s not like that anymore. Things like envy, jealousy, greed, and fear...we let them go here. As it turns out, all we really have that matters is love.”

Sly smiled. “You were always the wise one.”

“You’re wise too. You simply have to believe in yourself and believe your instincts. She’s right for you. Allow the love you already share to blossom.”

He looked to his side again, and there was Morgaine, sleeping with an angelic look on her face. A blond curl crossed her cheek and lay on the pillow next to him. Warmth flooded his heart. He wanted more than anything to touch that curl, but he didn’t want to wake her.

“Alice?” He glanced back toward the foot of the bed, but she was gone.

How odd. Why hadn’t Morgaine been there a few moments ago when Alice appeared? Now Alice was gone, and Morgaine was beside him. He knew dreams took strange turns and often represented the dreamer’s subconscious thoughts.

It didn’t take a genius to figure this one out.

Sly blinked in the glare of the first sunrise he’d witnessed in twenty-six years. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he noted the beautiful colors reflected in the windows of the high rises. New York City was beautiful at this time of day—and almost quiet. He wondered how many others woke up to this view and didn’t even notice it. A lump formed in his throat.

Morgaine came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Are you enjoying the view?”

He couldn’t speak, so he nodded.

As if she understood, she remained quiet and let him stand there and lean on the windowsill for a long time. Morgaine was the perfect person to share this moment. His late wife Alice would have been chattering away, completely unaware of the spiritual impact this was having on his psyche.

He turned in Morgaine’s arms and hugged her closely. “I never appreciated this time of day like I do right now.”

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Morgaine whispered beside his neck, her breath warming him. With even more joy, he realized that although he could hear her blood coursing through her veins, he had no desire to drink from her—or anyone else.

He pulled away far enough to see her face. “This morning is unbelievably beautiful, and so are you.”

She gave him her shy smile and looked down.

“Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Hide your eyes when I give you a compliment.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I just want to savor the moment privately. I’m not used to it, you know.”

He sighed and shook his head. “Yes, I know, and I don’t understand it. You must have had boyfriends at some point.”

Her expression saddened immediately.

He placed a finger under her chin and held her gaze. “What happened?”

“How can you tell something happened?”

He smoothed her hair down her back, hoping to soothe her. “I just can.”

She let out a deep breath. “Date rape put a stop to my social life. I thought it would be temporary, but the longer I went without a relationship the more comfortable it became.”

Profound anger invaded his gut. He could tell there was more to this story, and it was hard for her to talk about. Controlling his voice, he asked, “There’s something else. What is it, babe?”

“I almost died—Natalie Holloway style. Only I managed to escape.”

“Shit! No wonder you’re scared. Look, you don’t have to tell me anymore, if you don’t want to, but I’m here to listen if you’d like to talk it out.”

“I think it’s enough to know I’m safe with you. Years ago, when it happened, I talked about it with counselors and the police. I got a lot of support, and the guy went to jail for a long, long time.”

“Is that why you moved away from Baltimore?”

“Yes. Boston reminded me of Baltimore, somewhat. I lived in a little row house there and the Back Bay has the same kind of historic vibe—but on a slightly larger scale. And even though it snows more in Boston, the summers aren’t quite so hot and humid.”

“Is that when the agoraphobia started?”

“Shortly after that. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to hex the Hell out of the guy.”

Sly enveloped her in a strong hug. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry that happened to you. If he ever gets out, let me know. Okay? I’ll pay him a little visit.”

That made her smile. “I’ll bet. But you don’t have to defend me. It’s just nice to hear you say you want to. I love you, Sly.”

Fuck.Could he say it back yet? She certainly needed to hear it. But did he mean it? He thought he did. He wanted to. Her expectant eyes shifted to her feet. If he hurt her, he’d never forgive himself. Better wait until I’m sure.

Gwyneth pounded on apartment 1A’s door for the third time. “I know you’re in there, Nathan. It’s just lil’ ol’ Gwyneth. Now open up.”

Several clicks on the other side of the door said he was unlocking what must have been Fort Knox-like security.

Finally, the door opened and Nathan peeked around it.

Gwyneth jammed her hands on her hips and sputtered, “Geezum Crow. Y’all would think there’s martial law and chaos out here or somethin’.”

“What do you want, Gwyneth?”

“Well, for starters, how about some manners? Where I come from when a neighbor comes to call, you invite her in.”

Nathan hung his head and stepped back, opening his door wider. She understood that was the only invitation she was likely to get and breezed inside.

He closed the door behind her and relocked it, but only used one deadbolt. He looked handsomer than usual. His black slacks and black shirt were nicely pressed, and his hair, though wet, looked good slicked back that way.

“So, aren’t y’all gonna offer me some hospitality, like a place to set a spell?”

Nathan shrugged, then gestured to his sofa. “I suppose you want a cup of coffee too.”

“If it’s not too much trouble. That would be most kind of y’all.”

Nathan shuffled off to his kitchen and while he was gone, Gwyneth wandered around the living room, appraising the only apartment she’d never seen. Other than the necessary furniture and a large screen TV, there was very little in it.

As expected, the raven had a lovely hand-carved perch next to his big bay window. “I wonder if he’d ruther be in his human or bird form?” she mumbled to herself.

“Oh, he definitely prefers his raven form. I envy his ability to fly on the wind and have some control over it. Me? My energy would spread itself halfway down the block with the slightest gust.”

“I didn’t know y’all was here, Chad.”

“Yeah, I followed you downstairs and came in behind you. So, if you were a shapeshifter, what kind would you be?”

“If I was a shapeshifter, a bird would be the type I’d choose. Not like Nathan or Jason or Morgaine’s owl Athena. I’d be a beautiful swan or a Canada goose, able to glide across water or air currents equally good.”

She settled on his comfortable distressed leather couch and crossed her ankles, in an attempt to look ladylike. However, no lady would propose what she was about to ask Nathan.

“Chad, would y’all mind leavin’ us alone for a bit? I have somethin’ personal to discuss with Mr. Nourie.”

Chad sighed. “I suppose. Although I’d love to see him squirm when you ask him to be Lily’s booty call.”

“Oh, hush, you.”

Chad laughed.

Nathan returned with two mugs and handed her one filled with steaming dark brown liquid.

“Yeck, black coffee. You should have asked for tea.”

In as sweet a way as she could muster, she asked, “Do y’all have a speck of milk or sugar? I’m not used to drinkin’ my coffee black.”

He rolled his eyes and schlepped back to the kitchen.

Why did he always seem so sad, she wondered? He had a good job—not one she’d ever want, but he seemed suited to it. He lived in a lovely place. But something was definitely missing. If she had to guess, she figured it must be companionship. The thought of fixing him up with Lily lifted her spirits a little. Even with all his oddities, she liked him.

He returned with her mug and handed it to her.

“Thank you kindly, Nathan.” She blew on the steaming tan coffee and took a tentative sip. It wasn’t bad. Not that a shot of moonshine wouldn’t improve it a hundred and fifty percent, but at least she could drink it.

He stood stiffly in front of her as if he had no idea what to do next. She patted the couch cushion. “Set a spell, sugar. I won’t bite.”

He lowered himself hesitantly and perched on the edge of the couch, as if he might flit away any second.

“There’s somethin’ I need to take care of first. Chad? Did y’all leave like I asked?”

She waited a bit, but when he didn’t answer she said, “Oh good. He must have honored my request for privacy.”

“Nope.” Nathan pointed to the door. “He’s over there, leaning against the wall.”

Gwyneth whipped her head around and stared at the space Nathan pointed to, but it was completely empty. “You can see him?”

“Yes. I can’t hear spirits like you can, but I can see them.”

“So, y’all are clairvoyant and I’m clairaudient. Hey, between the two of us, he can’t never hide nor talk nasty behind our backs.”

Still staring at the door, Nathan chuckled.

Gwyneth squinted. “What’s he doin’?”

“He’s giving us the finger. But at least he’s leaving.” Nathan turned back to face her. “Okay, we’re alone now. So, what did you want privacy for?”

“I have a special request. It’s kinda unusual and may take some explainin’ first.”

“I’m all ears.”

She traced the shell of his outer ear. “Actually, you have cute little ears. And a bit of a beak-like nose. Even when you’re not a bird, you kind of remind me of one—in a sexy, manly way a’course.”

He shivered with her touch. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about? My birdlike appearance?”

“No, it ain’t. I discovered we have a common problem, since we live on the same side of this building, and you might be able to help with it.”

“What does our side of the building have to do with anything?”

“Well, you know we have a new neighbor whose apartment is sandwiched between yours and mine.”

“That’s an interesting way of putting it.”

“Well, for lack of a better description—I think the bread on our sandwich might be in danger of toastin’. Ya see, the fillin’ has a tendency to explode.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Explode? Is our neighbor some kind of anarchist who makes bombs in her bedroom?”

“No, but you could say she defuses them there. No, wait. I’m not doin’ a very good job of this explainin’.”

“No shit. Why don’t you skip the colorful language and just give it to me straight?”

“That’s a fine idea. You see, Lily, our neighbor, is the fillin’ in our sandwich.”

“Yeah, I got that. Now, what about her is exploding?”

“Well, she claims to be a dragon. I ain’t seen her like that, but I’ve seen her apartment. It’s all scorched-like on the floors and furniture.”

Nathan raised his eyebrows again. “You said I might be able to help. How?”

“Well, she needs to blow off steam or she’ll sneeze fire. It’s like some kind of weird allergy to clean livin’, I guess.”

Nathan looked confused and shook his head. “I don’t get it. What do I have to do? Take her out drinking and gambling?”

Gwyneth laughed and patted his arm. “Bless your heart, no, silly. You need to have sex with her.”

Nathan reared back as if she’d slapped him. “What?”

“She says it’s the only way she gets rid of the fire. If you could just help out until she gets her call girl business set up…”

Nathan sprang off the couch. “No.”

“Well, shucks. There’s no need to be horrified. She’s not an ugly toad or anythin’. In fact, she’s quite pretty.”

He faced away from her. “I’ve seen her. Still not interested.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know you was gay. I got the distinct impression you wasn’t when that paparazzi reporter tried to make it look like you an’ Jason…”

“I’m not gay.”

Gwyneth threw her hands up. “Then what’s wrong? If y’all ain’t gay and she ain’t ugly—is it some kind of bird thang?” She stood. “Birds of a feather fuck together?”

“No, I can have sex with humans when I’m in my human form.”

She crossed her arms. “Then enlighten me. I’m tirin’ of this guessin’ game.”

He took a deep breath and let out a sigh. “Gwyneth. I’m in love with someone else.”

“Oh! Well, I’ll be jiggered! You got a girlfriend. I had not one clue. Who is she?”

He snorted. “She’s not my girlfriend. I’ve been trying to get up the nerve to ask her out for a long time, but…”

“Oh, you poor thang. You’re shy. How long have you been like this?”

He gazed up at the ceiling. “Give me strength.”

Gwyneth sidled up next to him and wrapped her arms around his. “Maybe I can help. I’m a girl. Y’all can practice on me.”

He turned toward her, slowly. “Gwyneth? Will you go out to dinner with me?”

She beamed. “You see? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“Well, will you?”

She frowned. “You don’t want to be pushy with the woman. If she says yes, you make plans. If she says no, you say somethin’ nice like, ‘Well, maybe another time.’ Give her the option to change her mind.”

He hung his head. “Okay. Well, maybe another time.”

“But I didn’t say no.”

He looked up again, hope glimmering in his eyes. “Then you’ll go?”

She bit her lip and stepped back. “Wait a minute. You are confusin’ the heck outa me.”

He slapped his hands over his face and looked like he was about to scream. She waited until he composed himself.

“Maybe it would help if you tell me somethin’ about this woman.”

He stared at the floor but nodded.

“You must know her pretty well. You said you’re in love with her?”

“Desperately.”

“And how do you know her?”

“She lives in my building.”

Gwyneth’s jaw dropped. “Why, that means it’s got to be someone I know…”

Nathan rolled his eyes. “She has long red hair, a smattering of freckles across her nose, and the cutest armpits I’ve ever seen. Oh, and she’s a witch. Not a very psychic witch, apparently.”

Gwyneth’s knees went out from under her, and she caught the edge of the sofa just before she hit the floor. Nathan was beside her in a second.

“I’m sorry. I knew I shouldn’t have told you.” He averted his gaze and stared at the floor. “Please forget I said any—”

“No! I will not forget it. I just needed to find my voice is all.”

He helped her up. “You don’t have to say it, I understand.”

“No, apparently you don’t.” She launched herself into his arms and kissed him on the mouth.