Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
“Why can’t we just do this in my backyard?” I grumbled as Luna’s headlights flashed through the dark, illuminating a gravel road in front of us.
“Do you want your neighbors to look over the fence and see two naked women chanting around a pentagram?” Luna asked, her eyes on the road.
“It probably wouldn’t be the worst thing they’ve seen,” I pointed out.
Luna sighed and shook her head, slowing her car as we approached a bumpier part of the road.
“Hank would be a distraction. Distractions are not a good thing when casting a spell,” Luna said, like she was explaining something to a third grader.
“Point taken,” I said, then flinched when Luna switched off her headlights but continued to drive.
“Why did you cut the lights?” I stage whispered across the car. I could barely make out Luna’s face as my eyes struggled to adjust to the dark.
“Because we aren’t supposed to be on this beach and I don’t want anyone seeing my lights approaching?” Luna asked, again sounding as if she were talking to a third grader.
“Well excuse me if I don’t go on naked night-time spell casting missions on the regular,” I shot back, crossing my arms over my chest. As my eyes adjusted, I realized the light from the moon was more than enough to guide our way down the overgrown lane.
As we drew closer to the beach, Luna swung her car to the side and began to execute a three-point turn.
“We leaving already?” I joked, my voice sounding entirely too hopeful.
“No, but I always like to leave my car facing out. You know, just in case,” Luna shrugged and my eyes widened.
“Just in case of what?” My voice may have squeaked a little – I’ll never admit to it, though.
“In case we need to get away quickly. When trespassing on a private space, you need to be prepared for anything,” Luna said, quietly easing her door open and motioning for me to do the same.
I stumbled in the dark as I got out, and silently cursed myself.
Have a mojito or two, you said; it’ll take the edge off, you said. My inner voice was thoroughly disgusted with me right about now.
“Here,” Luna said from my side and I jumped.
“Damn it, Luna, you’re like a cat,” I swore, reaching out to grasp the velvet bag she was handing off to me.
“Sorry – natural grace, I suppose,” Luna whispered, then motioned for me to follow her down the lane.
Soft moonlight filtered over us, and I could hear the waves lapping against the rocks of the beach.
The air – heavy with humidity even at this late hour – pressed thickly against my skin as I followed Luna down the rocky path, stepping carefully onto the beach.
Now, here’s the thing about the Keys – you don’t really get a lot of sandy beaches. In fact, most sand beaches are man-made by the resorts because it’s what the tourists want. So when I felt my feet sink into sand, I grabbed Luna’s arm.
“Is this a sand beach?”
“Yes, just a bit of one. There’s a long rocky outcropping that kind of conceals this sandy part. That’s why they’re developing the new condos here,” Luna explained, bending down to slip her sandals off.
I slid my feet from my flip-flops and stepped forward onto the sand, observing my surroundings.
A line of palm trees jutted out from the rocky point, providing some privacy to the beach.
Though the lights from town twinkled between the trees, we were essentially shadowed from anyone being able to see us.
“I can see why the turtles like this beach,” I said, feeling a wisp of sadness sneak through me, knowing they would have to find another spot to lay their eggs.
“I know. It’s really private – which I like. We’ll have to figure out a way to preserve some of this land down the coast. I think Miss Elva and I should be able to come up with something that will at least protect a chunk of it,” Luna said, and I beamed at my best friend.
I knew there was a reason I liked her.
“Well? Let’s get naked,” Luna said.
Did I just say I liked her? I lied.