Free Rite of Passage by Kevin V. Symmons

waved as she walked to my car.
    “All right, McGregor,” she said between clenched teeth, pushing me. I tried to clear my head as I slid over the gearshift onto the passenger seat. Courtney put the Jaguar into gear and drove it up the driveway and into the garage.
    “I waited for you.” She frowned. “Do you know how long I’ve been sitting on the dock?”
    I stared at her. “Really…sorry,” I mumbled. “Thanks for help. Whad you do to the cop? He look…hypnotized.” I chuckled.
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I tried to save you from being arrested.” She shook her head. “He was right. You should never have been driving. That Michael. Some big brother letting you drive like this.”
    I turned and watched that lovely profile, those exquisite ears. “D’you know you have the most beautiful nose?” I mumbled, running my finger over it, grinning. My grin spread. I groped clumsily across the bucket seats and slipped my arms around her.
    “Oh, Courtney, Courtney,” I whispered. My nose rested on her shoulder. She smelled so delicious.
    “Come on.” She gently pushed me away. “We’re getting you some black coffee.”
    Courtney helped me out of the car. I felt the weight of the keys as she dropped them in my pocket. We left the garage. She walked gracefully. I stumbled next to her.
    “Look at that.” She stopped and inhaled deeply, pointing as she turned toward the moon. It was almost full, reflecting off her lustrous skin. “Now that’s a sight.”
    I stared at her face. “Sure is,” I agreed.
    She sighed, resting her hand lightly on my shoulder. “Special things happen on the night of the solstice, the night of the full moon, Robbie. Magical things—things beyond belief.” For a moment her eyes seemed to glow again as she stared at the bright orb. I was ready to swear off alcohol. My imagination was definitely running wild.She guided me to the dining room and poured a cup of steaming black coffee.
    “Ow,” I complained as the hot liquid dribbled down my shirtfront.
    “Good God.” She picked up a napkin and wiped the hot liquid. “Did you call her? Your…your girlfriend?” Her question had a stern tone.
    I shook my head.
    “Just as well. You would have sounded ridiculous. She would have been put off. Come on.” She pushed me toward the endless back lawn and sat down, patting the damp ground next to her. “Look at those stars, Robbie. Aren’t they exquisite?”
    “Yeah…in…in…creble…”
    The rest was a blur. I had a foggy recollection of her helping me up, guiding me to my room, and putting me to bed. I had a dream in which Courtney lay next to me. I could smell her perfume, her sweet breath on my face, and somewhere in the dream, she kissed me and told me she loved me. Now that was a dream!
    ****
    Courtney lay next to him, reveling in the pleasure of being close, hearing his soft snoring, and inhaling his fragrance. He whispered her name in his sleep. She felt a grin broaden and work across her face. He loved her. She knew it. Robbie was trying desperately to be faithful to the girl in Boston, but Courtney knew she’d won him. She and Robbie were perfect for each other. There would be no need for spells or telepathy. And both sides of her being—the nascent goddess-in-waiting and the lovesick young woman—were overjoyed. She kissed him softly on the lips and whispered, “I love you.”
    Slipping out of Robbie’s room, Courtney tiptoed across the courtyard heading for the main house. She smiled as she thought about the highway patrolman. But if the policeman had arrested Robbie, it could have been a disaster. Courtney hated using her ability to control others. Visions of a cheap carnival trickster came to mind.
    Had Robbie seen the glow in her eyes? If he had, he’d never remember. He’d been so sweet, so adorable, so loving. She assured herself again that he felt the same attraction she did. He had to!
    Once inside she walked to Jonathan’s office and opened the door, peering