Page 40 of Hex Appeal

Everyone brought something representing a relationship, date, crush, or romantic mistake they’re ready to leave behind. We’re going to toss them into the fire one by one.

Not because we actually believe burning a movie stub from a terrible first date will magically improve our love lives.

Probably.

But sometimes you have to make room for something new.

Jessie is holding a cocktail napkin from a restaurant where a man once spent an entire first date explaining cryptocurrency to her.

Pam brought an old photograph she assures us is a copy because, and I quote, “I’m ready to release the asshole, not destroy historical evidence.”

Valerie has refused to tell us what she brought.

And I have a small piece of paper folded inside my own pocket.

“So,” Jessie says with more than a hint of mischief in her gaze. “Tell us about the fire chief.”

Despite my best efforts, I instinctively smile. “What about him?”

“Rumor on the streets says he’s been sleeping over every night this week.”

“That sounds like a nasty rumor.”

“It’s not a rumor, it’s the truth,” Pam chimes in. “We heard it from your sister.”

I glare at Valerie. “Traitor.”

She raises her glass. “I regret nothing.”

Knowing when I’m beat, I admit that Welles and I have been seeing each other. Dinner. Breakfast. Slumber parties in between. He even watched my favorite fall movie with me about two sisters who are witches and fighting to break a centuries-old curse.

And he only made a few cracks about Valerie and me.

By the time I finish, the ladies are practically swooning. Even Jessie, who is dealing with her own disappointments in love after things went south with the search and rescue guy.

“Obviously this fire isn’t for the two of you.”

“No, not really.” Though I would like to extinguish a demon or two from our paths to clear the way for us.

Because, the more time I spend with him, the more I realize this isn’t a fantasy fling. I want a future with him. Whatever that future holds, I’d like it if we could be together.

But first things first: I have to let go of my fears of disappointing others. And I need him to let go of, well, his fears of not being everywhere all at once to save the day.

“All right.” Valerie gets to her feet. “Who wants to go first?”

Every hand points at Jessie.

“Rude.”

“You brought a cocktail napkin,” I remind her. “There’s clearly a story.”

She groans but stands.

“Fine. His name was Kevin.”

A chorus of boos immediately erupts.

“I haven't even told you what he did.”