Sempre (Sempre 1)

Carmine paced the foyer, the sound of his feet against the wooden floor echoing through the downstairs. The sun hadn’t risen and he already couldn’t stand still.

After what seemed like another hour, although only a few minutes had passed, a car pulled up outside. He swung open the front door so forcefully he was surprised he didn’t rip it from the hinges. “You’re late.”

Dia pushed him out of the way to step in the house. “You told me six. It’s five forty-five.”

His brow furrowed. “It’s not six yet?”

“No, it’s not.” She handed him a piece of paper. “Relax, it’s going to go fine.”

“You’re sure? I mean, it’s enough, isn’t it?” Dia raised her eyebrows, her expression causing his foolish panic to surge. “Christ, it’s too much. I’m going overboard.”

“She’s going to love it, Carmine.”

“I’ve never done any of this before,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“I know. It’s sweet of you. I’m more than happy to help.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I’ll get some cash in town and pay you for your freelancing.”

She laughed. “No need to. This one’s on me. I’m looking forward to hanging out with her.”

“No shit? You actually wanna socialize with a girl in my life?”

Dia rolled her eyes. “It’s not my fault you used to only bring Moanin’ Lisa around.”

* * *

Haven picked at her cheese and mushroom omelet, listening as Dia ranted about school as they sat in a booth at Crossroads Diner, a small restaurant in the center of town. Dia had woken her up an hour before and asked Haven to have breakfast with her. She had resisted, afraid to leave the house without permission, but Dominic called Dr. DeMarco to ensure it was okay. She didn’t know why she was there, but she was grateful someone wanted to spend time with her.

Even if that person was still a mystery to Haven.

After Dia finished her pancakes, she excused herself to the restroom. Haven grew nervous as she disappeared. Being in public by herself, surrounded by strangers, put her on edge.

“What’s a beauty like you doing eating alone?”

She grew rigid as Nicholas slid into the booth across from her. “I’m with Dia. She went . . . somewhere.”

“Cool, it’ll be nice to see her,” he said. “So, I have a question for you.”

She gazed at him apprehensively. “What?”

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pink box of candy hearts, dumping a few of them in his hand. “What do you call a vampire’s sweetheart?”

She smiled. Another joke. “I don’t know.”

He popped a piece of candy in his mouth. “A ghoulfriend. Get it? Like girlfriend but a ghoul?”

She stared at him, not seeing what was funny about that.

Dia returned and slid into the booth beside Nicholas. “What are you doing here?”

He shrugged. “Stopped by for some breakfast on my way to the station. I have community service with the police chief.”

Dia’s brow furrowed. “Shouldn’t you be in school, though?”

“Looks who’s talking—shouldn’t you?”

“I took the day off,” she said. “Haven and I are getting her ready for her date.”