Lacy dressed with excitement for Ally’s party. Over the last week her physical injuries had healed, but Ryan was still being overprotective, not letting her lift a finger or go to the diner. Doc had given her the all clear to go back to work yesterday when he came to check on her. The cuts on her feet were gone. She still felt a little tenderness but no more pain.
Her emotional trauma wasn’t so easy to fix. Sh
e still had nightmares and wouldn’t go outside by the woods without Ryan. She couldn’t sleep without a little light on. Ryan had been so patient, but she felt so guilty that she couldn’t be braver.
Chico was in jail in Detroit where he would stay for a long time, she hoped. They had to go and testify and pack up Lacy’s things and empty her apartment out. She was a little melancholy about giving up the home she shared with her mom, but essentially it was just a place. The memories were branded in her mind and would last forever. They were just waiting for Detective Garcia to call with a date. But as long as Ryan was with her she wasn’t scared to get on the stand. It would make sure Chico would never be able to hurt another person again and then she could do her best to forget the whole ordeal.
She’d stayed at Ryan’s house all week long while he and Ally went to work each day. He’d carry her to the living room so she could watch TV and rest with her feet propped up on pillows, but she had slept most of the days away, letting her body heal.
Now she was bored and wanted people to talk to. She missed the diner and its customers a lot and told Ryan she was keeping her job. He looked like he wanted to argue with her but wisely held it in.
“You look too sexy, witch. Let’s stay home,” Ryan said as he walked into the bedroom and saw Lacy in her costume. He hugged her waist from behind and pulled her close so she could feel his erection.
The dress looked good on her but it was her smile and the happiness in her eyes that touched Ryan’s soul. He placed soft kisses along her neck, hoping to tempt her into staying home and making love all night. That was way better than a party any day, in his opinion.
“No way.” She laughed, moving out of temptation’s way. “I’ve been cooped up in this house all week long. I want to see my friends and Doc says I’m doing great. You heard him.” She looked over and whistled. He was wearing all black clothes and a red-and-black cape. His hair was slicked back with gel and his face was painted white. He smiled, showing off his sharp vampire fangs ready to bite her.
“Let’s go, kids,” Ally yelled from downstairs, interrupting the mood. “We’re gonna be late to our own party!”
Lacy picked up her witch’s hat and broom and laughed at Ryan’s gloomy expression. “Let’s go before you get grounded, Count Dracula.”
Ally was waiting by the front door dressed as a big red-and-white box of popcorn. “Ryan, don’t forget the pumpkin we carved,” she reminded him.
Together the three of them had carved a spooky face on the giant pumpkin Ryan had bought for Lacy. It turned out so well that they decided to put it in front of the diner on display.
“You look so cute!” Lacy hugged Ally excitedly. She had never been to a costume party. “Let’s get this party started.”
Ryan shook his head and groaned but gave them both an indulgent look. “I’m doomed and outnumbered. Parties are lots of work, darlin’, not fun.”
Lacy ignored him and ran out to the car with Ally. She couldn’t wait to see everyone in town. She was bubbling over with excitement.
The diner was full of costumed townspeople chatting and laughing. Food and drinks were laid out buffet style. Music was playing and tables had been moved to make a small dance floor. The lights were dimmed low. Carved, glowing pumpkins were scattered around, creating a spooky atmosphere. Lacy was swamped with questions and well-wishes but she didn’t mind stopping and answering them. She was touched by people’s concern for her. They all told her she was so brave to fight and get away from the crazed killer. Ryan, Ethan, and the Wilson brothers were being hailed as hometown heroes and Lacy agreed with the townspeople. They were her guardian angels, she told people.
“Oh, Mrs. Johnson, you look wonderful!” Lacy exclaimed, hugging the elderly lady dressed in her fifties outfit. She wore a white shirt and blue skirt with a black poodle embroidered on it.
“So do you, dear. I am so glad you are safe,” she said. They talked for a few more minutes, then Lacy excused herself to go and find Liz. Stella wasn’t here yet.
Lacy found Liz right away thanks to her glittery angel wings and long white flowing dress and went over to where she was standing by the buffet looking at the food.
Liz screamed with delight and hugged her so tightly Lacy couldn’t breathe. “I’m so glad you are alive. I wanted to visit you. I went to the station, but that obnoxious man said you needed time to heal and wouldn’t tell me where you were,” she said in a disgruntled tone of voice.
“Ryan?” Lacy asked with a puzzled look. “Why would he do that?”
Liz shook her head and pointed to someone across the room. Lacy turned to see Ethan White leaning against the wall but looking straight at them. “Ethan? He’s a sweetheart.”
Liz snorted. “I can call him lots of things but not sweet. I didn’t know he was a deputy.”
Lacy nodded. “Ryan just hired him officially. He helped save my life and catch Chico.”
Lacy dragged Liz by the hand over to where Ethan stood. There was definitely something going on between these two and she was willing to give them both that little push. Liz deserved someone strong like Ethan, and Ethan needed Liz’s sweetness. Stella was rubbing off on her. She laughed to herself, feeling happy again.
“Doing okay, hun?” Ethan asked her gently, putting her hair behind her ear. He had kindly kept her company on some days when Ryan had to work late, knowing she still felt nervous about being alone and she liked his steady strength. She counted him as a good friend. He kept looking at Liz with interest and Liz was looking right back with the same interest.
Lacy nodded. He was dressed in a deputy uniform. “Why aren’t you wearing a costume, Ethan? You’re not on duty, are you?”
Ethan laughed and shook his head. He pointed to the star on his shirt. “But I’m a sheriff, can’t you tell?”
Lacy and Liz both laughed. A slow romantic song came on and Lacy saw her opening. “Will you dance with my friend, Liz? She loves this song.”