Chapter Eight
Michelle wandered out onto the sidewalk in search of Cassandra and Malik.
Malik had excused himself immediately after Michelle’s arrival, citing he’d left his wallet in the car.
A few minutes later, Cassandra had gone to check on him, only neither had returned.
Turning left, Michelle trailed off toward the back of the building. She could have sworn she heard voices coming from behind the restaurant.
She turned the corner in time to see Cassie enfolded in Malik’s arms, kissing him as if her life depended on it.
Michelle cleared her throat, her lips twitching in humor. “I hate to interrupt such a touching moment, but the waitress is ready to take our order.”
The two lovebirds broke apart as if caught making out in their parents’ car.
Cassie spoke first. “This is what you get for accepting a dinner invitation from a pair of newlyweds. Let’s go eat.”
Turning toward the sidewalk, Michelle glanced back at Malik before focusing her attention on the pretty blonde walking alongside her. “How is married life, or do I even need to ask?”
Cassie grinned. “We are obvious, I know. But wow, it’s amazing, Cherokee. Definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Michelle’s heart swelled with happiness for her friend. She knew all too well the kind of life Cassie had endured before meeting Malik. “You deserve it, you know.”
“Deserve what?”
Opening the restaurant door, Michelle stood back to allow Cassie to enter first. “A good life. It was way past time you found someone deserving of you.”
Cassie stopped, a strange light entering her eyes. “Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that.”
Malik sidled up next to Michelle and gripped the door above her head. “Ladies first.”
Michelle relinquished her hold on the door and followed Cassie to their table.
The waitress appeared the moment they returned to their seats. “Are you guys ready to order?”
Cassie and Malik ordered steak, rare, with a salad and baked potato.
“I’ll have the same thing they’re having,” Michelle announced. “Only, make my steak medium. I’ll also have a Bloody Mary.”
Malik leaned back in his seat. “My favorite drink. I’ll have one as well.”
“Me too,” Cassie piped in with a wink.
Michelle took a sip of the water sitting in front of her. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner. I really needed to get out.”
“Is everything all right?” The question came from Cassandra.
Michelle glanced away before meeting Cassie’s gaze. “I’m fine, really. I’ve just been working a lot.”
Apparently, Cassie wasn’t buying her vague explanation. “Spill it, Cherokee.”
Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Michelle shrugged. “I’ve just had some strange experiences lately. And it’s causing weird dreams.”
The waitress showed with the salads and their drinks. “Can I get you anything else?”
“We’re good, thank you.” Michelle sent her a grateful smile.
Malik picked up his drink. “What did you mean by strange experiences?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Michelle muttered, taking a sip of her delicious Bloody Mary.
“Try me.”
Thinking it odd that Malik would be interested in the details of her life, Michelle glanced at Cassie, only to find her watching her intently as well.
“Okay,” Michelle acquiesced, taking an uneven breath. “I have recently encountered a dead man.”
She waited for Cassandra to laugh or maybe roll her eyes, but neither Cassie or Malik said a word.
Cassie seemed to find her tongue. “You mean dead man, as in a ghost.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, a ghost,” Michelle admitted. “He’s not the first one I’ve seen. I had one reveal herself to me several years ago in my bedroom, late one night.”
Malik held up a hand. “How is it that you can see spirits?”
“I’m told it’s because I carry the White Buffalo totem,” Michelle explained. She went on to tell him about the significance of the totem and what it meant to the Cherokee people.
Malik looked intrigued. “That’s astounding. So, this spirit you recently encountered. What did it want?”
Remembering what had happened between Utah and herself, Michelle blushed. “I don’t know what he wanted. I didn’t give him a chance to explain his appearance in my home.”
The food arrived, relieving Michelle of further explanation. She quickly changed the subject. “How’s your mom doing, Cassie?”
Cassie paused in the middle of cutting up her steak. “She’s better. We’re planning on paying her a visit soon.”
“I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.” Michelle buttered her baked potato. “She’ll no doubt harass you about giving her grandchildren.”
Something flickered in Cassie’s eyes.
Michelle laid her fork aside. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I was only teasing.”
“I know,” Cassie softly replied. “You didn’t say anything wrong. It’s just that, Malik and I aren’t planning on having children. I know that sounds strange, but that’s how we feel.”
Michelle blinked. “It doesn’t sound strange at all. I hadn’t planned on having children either. Not that I don’t love babies. I do. It’s just that being a mother is not something I’ve ever desired to be.”
Cassie took a drink of her Bloody Mary. “Well, this is the twenty-first century. There are so many homeless children in the world. I figure if we ever get the desire to be parents, we’ll simply adopt. Or steal Carly and Logan’s baby for a day or two.”
“Speaking of Carly,” Michelle interjected. “How is she doing? I haven’t seen her around for a while.”
Cassie grinned. “She’s too busy making babies to mingle with us common folk.”
Michelle’s eyes grew round. “Is she pregnant again already?”
“Not that I know of,” Cassie answered in a humorous tone. “But the way they stay holed up on that ranch, pawing at each other like dogs, it won’t be long before she’s expecting again.”
Malik’s chuckled. “Dogs being the keyword.”
Michelle became instantly aware they referred to an inside joke, only she had no clue what it might be. “I’m not even going to ask.”
“So, what about this ghost?” Malik pressed, obviously interested in the paranormal. “Did it seem aggressive or try to harm you in any way?”
Swallowing her recent bite of steak, Michelle shook her head. “Not at all. It— He. I mean, he.” Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Apparently, I’m the only person who’s been able to see or hear him.”
Malik seemed to relax after her explanation. “Good to know.”
Dinner went by in a flurry of conversation and Bloody Marys.
Michelle couldn’t recall the last time she’d enjoyed herself as much. She moved to stand. “I believe I’ll call a cab to drive me home. I’ve had one too many alcoholic beverages.”
“A wise decision,” Malik agreed, gaining his feet as well. “We’ll wait with you until the cab arrives.”
Michelle shook her head. “There’s no need. I’ll be perfectly fine. But thank you so much for the wonderful evening. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Cassie came around the table as Malik trailed over to the hostess to get them out of debt.
Wrapping Michelle in a hug, Cassie murmured, “Don’t be a stranger. I’m always here if you need me.”
“Ditto…”