Page 119 of XO Karma

“How was your date?” he asks, and it’s difficult to determine his expression. While last night he seemed totally unaffected, today his inquisition feels more targeted.

“Who’s asking?”

“I didn’t tell Liam, if that’s what you’re insinuating.” Jackson chuckles, and I don’t know why that relieves me so much. Usually, I tell my brother everything. He’s the only one who knows I’m Karma—well, besides Aster—and I’ve never kept him so in the dark before. To be honest, I hate it. But I also feel it’s necessary, and explaining to him how Aster and I met or anything about our relationship is just more effort than I can handle at the moment.

“Well, in that case it was good.” My lips curve upwards at the memory. “Great, actually.”

What has my life come to that I describe a date where we’re almost caught twice, find a beetle pit of dead bodies, and finish the night hammering open a bedazzled human skull as “great?”

“Glad to hear it,” Jackson says with a smile that seems genuine. “Aster’s a good guy.” He clearly doesn’t know him that well because I find it hard to believe a detective would call a serial killer a good guy.

“How do you two know each other again?”

“His brother Oliver and I were friends.” Grief flickers in his eyes.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks. It’s been thirteen years, but sometimes it still feels like yesterday.” His gaze meets mine. “I know you can relate.”

I nod. “Yeah.” Damn it. I came here to not think about Violet, and somehow, she still finds a way into my mind. “How did you know Oliver?”

“We met in college,” he says, giving me absolutely nothing. “Anyways.” He stands. “Just came to grab some coffee for the guys.”

“I thought you’re gunning for captain,” I tease. “Why are you handling rookie tasks?”

“A captain’s gotta take care of their team. That’s all I’m doing.”

“Touche,” I say, and he’s off without another word.

A plate scrapes across the table before me, a warm croissant upon it, and I glance up to find Amara with a wide smile on her face. “Well, hello.” She slides in the seat across from me. “Are you going to give me any details on your night with the sexy Grim Reaper or do I have to beg?”

Stifling a smile, I rest my chin on my folded hands. “I do like it when you beg.”

“You’ve been a bit MIA since that night, so I’m assuming he’s been a delicious distraction?”

I bite my inner cheek. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Good. I knew there was sparks between you two.”

I present an imaginary trophy. “I shall grant you wing woman of the year!”

“Yes.” She shoots an invisible bow. “Call me cupid from this day forward.”

Snorting a laugh, I say, “We need to add it to your marketing materials. Mocha Muse—come for a latte, leave with lasting love.”

“I adore it.” She beams. “Texting my marketing assistant immediately.”

I laugh a full belly laugh, and it feels so good. It’s amazing how even in the morbid chaos that is my life, friends like Amara still bring me sweet moments of normalcy. Of belonging… Of home. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Being you.” I shift in my seat. “Being there for me.”

“Aww, babe. I just want you to be happy.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand in hers, eyes sincere. “Are you?”

My heart warms as her friendship surrounds me, and Aster’s handsome face floats to the forefront of my mind. In complete honesty, I reply, “Yeah… I think I am.”

My clammy hand grips the door handle, breathing shaky. I’ve been in this exact position for fifteen minutes, pep-talking myself to enter Violet’s room.