The Mare Rider of Cornwall Cove by V.L. Locey

Author:V.L. Locey [Locey, V.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2025-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Stepping into the bookstore was like walking into a worried auntie convention.

Everyone rushed us, including the three ghosts, and began talking to us in unison. Phil, who had taken the brunt of the encounter this time, sagged into the couch under the stairs like a puppet with his strings cut. That seemed to cut through the thousand and one questions, complaints, and concerns that were being flung at us.

“Okay, chill, please,” I said with some volume as I sat down beside my boyfriend to help him remove his coat. He did it himself but gave me that darling smile to pass along that he appreciated being coddled. “Phil needs tea, sugar, and rest.”

“The tea is steeping and the crispy honey noodles are ready,” Grandpa announced and then began the climb up the stairs. Monique, who was a lot more spry than Grandpa, went with him after giving me a look that made it clear we were going to talk. Something I was longing to do—after a nap and some noodles. And some tea.

Tray sat on the coffee table after moving some of his gear and placed his hands on Phil’s knees.

“Hey, buddy, you looked wiped. You okay?” Tray asked Phil with real concern. Roxie stood at the end of the sofa, arms wrapped around her middle, chewing worriedly on one of her braids. “Mr. Kee said something about a ghost laying its hands on you?”

Phil summoned up a little chuckle of amusement. “Yeah, I got slimed.” We all tittered nervously. “I’m just super tired. I’ll be good tomorrow. And totally ready for the game.”

Typical jock. Worried about sport. I sincerely hoped he would be okay to play as this season had been a good one for the Lions. I glanced over at the register when the bell tinkled softly. Three spirits hovered there with expressions of deep concern. I gave Reggie a wobbly sort of smile that didn’t seem to erase his worry at all. Guess we’d ruined their New Year’s bash. I’d make it up to him with a phantom party for Chinese New Year next month.

My sight flickered from Reg to Roxie. She was tight-lipped, hugging herself hard, and rocking to and fro. I grabbed her hand.

“It’s all fine. Really. We’ll do another stream real soon. But we just need to scope out the places first just to get a feel of the vibes as well as the internet,” I softly explained.

She nodded as a tear rolled down her smooth cheek. “I’m so sorry,” she gasped as the tears began to flow in earnest. Tray, who had been talking softly to Phil about the game, shot to his feet to embrace his girlfriend.

I was stymied as to what to do or say next. I felt terrible for making her cry. “Hey, hey, don’t cry, please. Everyone is fine. It’s part of the job, right? Spooky spooks like to be spooky,” I said in my most jovial “it’s all cool” way.

“Maybe we should just call it a night,” Tray offered and got a nod from Roxie.

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