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“I know all y’all vampire folk have to be invited into someone’s home, but is it the same the other way around?”
    He shook his head but kept his smile and said, “Not that I’ve ever heard. Seems a little unfair, but… Please, have a seat.”
    Oh, good. It looks like my Southern charm, as Chad calls it, is workin’.
    She settled herself on Sly’s comfortable leather sofa and hoped he’d sit next to her. No such luck. He took the rocking chair beside it. She set the candelabra on the table between them.
    “Looks like y’all got a new chair. I don’t remember it from the housewarmin’ party.”
    “Merry said I could borrow it until the baby comes.”
    “Well, ain’t that nice. Bless her heart.”
    “Yes, she’s a special girl.”
    “She ain’t such a girl anymore. She’s a little older than I am, and I consider myself a grown woman.” She arched her back just slightly, hoping her small chest would look larger.
    “I guess you’re right. So what brings you down here?”
    “Well, two things. I need to give you a shopping list and directions to make the mash.”
    He took the piece of paper and skimmed the recipe. “Kill Me Quick?”
    “That’s what it’s called. It’s fast to make—it doesn’t really kill ya.”
    He chuckled. “Well, since I’m already dead, I don’t suppose I need to worry about that.”
    “Oh, speakin’ of parties, I was figurin’ on askin’ you to attend a Halloween party with me.”
    He cocked his head. “I thought Wiccans had a different name for Halloween and considered it a solemn holiday.”
    Shoot. He knows about our traditions. Now what? “That’s absolutely right, but Halloween looks like so much fun I thought maybe I’d participate this year. We could dress up in costumes.”
    “Hmmm… that’s interesting. So who will be attending this party?”
    She squirmed in her seat. “Well, I don’t know yet. I thought I’d start with you and see how many folks could make it.”
    “Well, we know Nathan won’t come. I doubt the superintendent will. How does Morgaine feel about abandoning her traditions in favor of a non-pagan holiday?”
    “I’m not sure. I haven’t mentioned it to her yet.”
    “Hey, Gwyneth,” Chad interrupted. “What the hell are you up to? You know Morgaine won’t go to a costume party on Samhain.”
    Gwyneth stuck a hand on her hip and looked toward the ceiling. “Chad, I don’t recollect invitin’ y’all to this conversation.”
    Sly looked at the ceiling too. “Chad’s up there?”
    “He’s somewhere around. I can’t see him. I can only hear him.” She raised her voice slightly. “Y’all aren’t welcome at the moment, Chad. Now, git. I’ll talk to y’all later when I’m back in our apartment.”
    “Make me.”
    Gwyneth’s posture deflated like a day-old balloon. “I guess we’re stuck with him. He refuses to leave.”
    Sly shrugged. “I don’t mind if he hangs out here for a little while. He must get awfully lonely, and you witches are the only ones he can talk to.”
    “Yeah,” she mumbled absently. “He’s powerful lonely. I just wish he’d go bother Morgaine for a while.”
    “She’s asleep.”
    Gwyneth sighed. “Well, if he’s stickin’ around, I’ll have to cut this short. So what do you say to my invitation?”
    “I—uh, I don’t know yet. Let me think about it and get back to you.” He stood.
    “Oh.” She rose slowly, giving him a chance to reconsider. Disappointment washed over her. Why was Sly less than enthusiastic about the “party”?
    Maybe she should have been honest. He didn’t know it would only be the two of them. She knew Nathan would have nothing to do with it, and she could count on Morgaine not cheapening the most sacred Wiccan holiday there is. She’d just “forget” to invite Jules or say she forgot accidentally on purpose because he’s the super and doesn’t like parties in the building. Sly doubted Jules would go anyway, so she could say she didn’t want to