“Smooth change of subject,” she snorted. “And no. The Polterguys called to let us know they’ll be here in two hours. I was thinking of going to the diner, or we could see if Gary would let us borrow the kitchen and whip up a big dinner?”
“You know, I’ve been dying to get back in the kitchen,” Sully said. “I’m not a great cook, but I enjoy it.”
“Good, we’ll need the extra hands,” she said easily. “Lincoln, if Gary is alright with it, are you and Ethan up for a store run?”
“Absolutely,” I said as I stood up. “You got a list?”
“No, but Ben does,” she said, standing as Sully released her so she could help him up too. “Any additions?”
“Steak,” I said. “You think Gary has a grill?”
“He does, Ethan already checked,” she laughed. “I need something sweet for after.”
“I make one hell of a crème brûlée,” Sully said, surprising us both. Gary had no objections, and within an hour we were being bossed around by Brea and had dinner well underway.
Despite meeting them before, the closer it got to time for them to arrive, the more nervous I became. There was a difference between a quick unexpected collaboration, and one this big. I just hoped bringing them in was the right choice.
ChapterEighteen
Brea
By the time the front door opened and we heard Gary calling out a greeting, we’d just finished setting the table. Excited to see our friends again I tore off my apron and ran to the lobby to meet them.
“You made it!” I cheered, rushing over and giving them each a hug that they easily returned.
“It was a hell of a trip,” Adam grinned. His dirty blond hair was even longer, enough to have it secured on his head in a man-bun. His smile was as bright as ever and I loved the energy he brought into a room.
Gavin was a bit more reserved but in a laid back way. I didn’t really detect any shyness. He had some serious boy next door vibes with his shaggy brown hair and bright green eyes. He gave a lazy grin before setting his bags down on the rug.
Troy was the only man I’d ever met who would willingly travel in a button down, but he didn’t seem the least bit fazed as he glanced around.
“Cute place,” he noted before his stomach let out a growl. “We might need to head for the diner we saw, though. I’m starving.”
“Glad you’re hungry, because we have a feast ready.” Ethan grinned as he held out his hand to shake theirs. “Need help carrying anything upstairs?”
“We haven’t even checked in yet,” Adam pointed out. “But I think we’ve got it. I’ve got our equipment secured in the van.”
“Then meet us in the dining room when you’re done,” Ethan said with a quick wave, walking away.
“Gary, these are the guys we were waiting on,” I told him sweetly before leaving them to it.
Everything just felt lighter now that we officially had backup. The guys were likely exhausted but we could easily do a tour tomorrow and dive into a full investigation tomorrow night.
“Holy shit, I didn’t expect all this,” Adam said a few minutes later, taking in the insane amount of food we’d prepared. Since we’d promised to clean up after ourselves, Gary didn’t mind us using the kitchen.
“I did say feast,” Ethan countered with a laugh. “Come on in guys.”
They settled into the last three seats and I waited until everyone had food to talk again.
“We’ve all met already, but this is Sully. He’s an old friend of mine and an amazing investigator,” I started, glancing at the man in question. We’d talked about it and he was alright with me sharing his gifts since they had some of their own. Or at least Troy did with his ability to hear the dead.
“Nice to meet you,” Troy said formally. “We’ve watched your investigation streams over the last few weeks, you seem to fit right in.”
“Brea’s like a second little sister,” he said, giving me a nudge. “But I think she’s using me for my sight.”
Ben choked out a laugh at the joke. “Wait.”
“I meant ghost sight you dick,” Sully teased, laughing as Ben flushed red, realizing he’d taken it wrong.