Haven considers that, sipping her drink slowly, thoughtfully, like she’s making me sweat on purpose. I try not to look out the window again.

Cassie, however, is still suspicious as hell. She narrows her eyes, and I can almost see the gears turning in her head, trying to figure out why I suddenly want to move them out of this public place. Before she can say anything else, Haven saves me. She sighs, stretching her arms over her head. “Alright, we can go.”

Relief floods my chest. I nod, too quickly, already turning toward the counter. “Cool, let’s get lids.”

Cassie mutters something about me being weird, but I ignore it, moving fast, my body coiled tight with the urgency to get out before Tate decides to step inside. Because if he does and Haven sees him? Everything I’ve been trying to control just goes up in flames.

Once we’re back in my car, the tension I’ve been carrying starts to ease—but only slightly. Tate didn’t follow us. At least, not that I can see.

But that doesn’t mean he’s done playing whatever bullshit game he’s set up for himself. I exhale slowly, flexing my fingers around the steering wheel as Haven clicks her seatbelt into place. Cassie’s in the back, already adjusting the air vent toward her like she’s reclaiming her space.

Haven tilts her head toward me, watching as I start the engine. “So, what’s the grand tour?” she asks, her voice light, teasing, like she’s testing me.

I smirk, forcing myself to shake off the residual tension. “Well, you’ve already seen our finest coffee establishment,” I say, pulling onto the main road. “We’ve also got a grocery store, a gas station, and an aggressively themed antique shop that hasn’t changed since the ‘70s.”

Cassie snorts. “Aggressively themed how?”

“Think Victorian-era mannequins, weird porcelain dolls, and an entire section dedicated to haunted-looking furniture from what I’ve heard.”

Haven laughs, tucking her legs up onto the seat. “From what you’ve heard? Have you ever actually been inside?”

I pause. “…No.” She gasps. “Carter.”

“What?” I glance at her out of the corner of my eye.

“You’ve lived here your whole life and never explored the local cursed artifacts? What kind of tour guide are you?”

Cassie grins from the back. “He’s got a point to prove, Havie. Can’t risk getting hexed.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Alright, fine, we’ll make a stop before I take you back. But if we get haunted, that’s on you.”

Haven grins, sinking deeper into her seat. Then, before I can stop her, she reaches for my stereo. “Can I play something?”

I blink. “You’re not gonna ask what kind of music I like first?”

She smirks. “Nope, I’ve seen your playlists Carter.”

Cassie snorts. “Oh, this is gonna be good.”