Free The Awakening by Heather Graham Page A

get it in New England.”
    He closed his menu. “Scrod it is!”
    Their waitress came to the table and took their order. Megan saw that Finn’s eyes fell upon the pentagram the young woman was wearing.
    He noted Megan watching him and smiled.
    â€œYou’re sorry you took this gig, aren’t you?” she said softly.
    He shook his head.
    â€œI wish I believed you.”
    He shook his head again, reaching out across the table, curling his fingers over hers. “In all seriousness, I think that Salem is wonderful. The first museum was really well done—it made the history concise, and touched upon the incredible sadness of what happened. The memorial is exceptionally well done, too. It’s a great town.”
    â€œThen . . . ?”
    She was hoping that he would somehow convince her that nothing was really wrong at all. But he hesitated. “It isn’t Salem, honestly. Or New England. I think it’s beautiful. Even with autumn passing us by a bit—the colors are still fantastic. I love the old buildings and the shops.”
    â€œAnd you think Wiccans are silly.”
    He sighed. “Megan, you know that I’m not a big believer in organized religion. I believe in God . . . and mostly, being decent to your fellow man. So . . . Wiccans don’t do any evil. They believe in an earth goddess—or whatever, I don’t have any of it down exactly. There’s just something . . . personal going on here that makes me a little uncomfortable. All right—I don’t think your folks are happy that we’re back together.”
    â€œOf course they are! Mom told me that all young couples have problems, but if they believe in marriage, they work them out. My father told me once that I’d only ever be happy with another musician, because it’s a language of its own, and someone who loves music the way I do can only be happy with someone else who speaks the language.”
    â€œYour father really thinks that we both need nine to five jobs.”
    She laughed at the wry twist of his lips.
    â€œFathers the world over tend to worry about the future for their offspring. Honestly, Dad likes you.”
    â€œExcept that now, he’ll really think that I beat you, or that I’m an abuser.”
    He didn’t sound angry. Or as though he thought it was her fault. It was as if he had really gotten past the dream. But he was bothered by something.
    â€œWhat went on in your reading?”
    â€œAh, the reading.”
    She’d hit pay dirt. She could tell by the pulse ticking in the vein at his throat.
    â€œWell,” he said with a shrug. “Seems that Sara thinks I’m really bad for you.”
    â€œSara doesn’t know either of us.”
    â€œYes, but she’s a seer, right?”
    He had ordered a draft beer. It arrived as he spoke offhandedly, lifting it to her.
    Megan stirred her iced tea, staring down at it. Morwenna’s reading had been disturbing as well. She didn’t intend to tell Finn about it.
    â€œFinn, I’m really sorry. I guess they can’t help but be concerned.”
    â€œSure. Your family.” He managed another rueful smile. “So . . . just how many people here are you related to?”
    She sat back, laughing at the sound of his voice. He was managing to joke. “Well, there’s Aunt Martha. I think I’ve told you about her.”
    â€œThe old lady?”
    â€œYou’ll love her. She’s totally straightlaced. Thinks Morwenna is an idiot—or a commercial opportunist. She couldn’t come to the wedding because she was ill, remember I told you at the time? But I sent her a copy of the pictures, so she’ll feel as if she knows you already.”
    â€œBut she’s not really your aunt?”
    â€œShe was my grandmother’s half cousin, or something like that. There’s a blood tie, but not a strong one.”
    â€œBut she means a lot to you,