Page 65 of Shake Your Boo Thang

I don’t have any sure-fire methods for improving your outcome. But if you have suggestions, please don’t hesitate to write in and I’ll share the best ones on an upcoming episode.

—Beau’s Boos and Beyond, Episode 66

Beau

“What do you say to you and me trying to squeeze into that shower of yours together? I’m game to try if you are.”

Callum looks at me with hooded eyes, the facial lines of tension from earlier now gone. He looks more relaxed than I think I’ve ever seen him and I’m pleased as punch that I made that happen with my magic hands.

Now I want to be his personal massage therapist from here on out.

“I can barely fit in there by myself,” he says. “I don’t think we’re both gonna be able to make it happen. The last thing we need is to get stuck and have to call the 999.”

“Well, shoot.” I’m the one grumbling for a change.

Callum snorts out a laugh, and I’m working on preparing my next verbal onslaught of persuasion when a familiar ringtone plays from my pocket. I pull out my phone and cast an apologetic look in Callum’s direction.

“Sorry, I need to take this.”

“Go right ahead. I’m still basking in the post-massage afterglow,” he murmurs with a smile.

I grin at him and swipe the answer button.

“Hi, Mama. How are you this fine day?”

“Beauregard Jeremiah Montgomery,” she chastises in a slightly shrill voice. “You had me worried sick. I haven’t been able to get a hold of you in far too long.”

I rub my forehead. “Mama, I texted you that I was gonna be busy and that I’d get back to you soon.”

She harrumphs. “Well, it’s been long enough to have me imagining the worst. I wasn’t gonna wait around for the London police to be calling me and telling me you were in jail.” Her voice cracks. “Or worse.”

I sigh. I love my mama, but she does have a flair for the dramatic.

“I’ve been busy,” I tell her. And no, I do not sound petulant.

Well, maybe a little.

“Busy? You’re supposed to be on vacation. Why are you busy? Vacation is supposed to be about relaxing.”

I swallow. “Um… well…” I dart a glance at Callum, who’s studying me with keen interest, his eyes more focused than they were a moment ago.

“I’ve been helping out with a little supernatural investigation,” I reply.

There’s a loaded moment of silence until Mama says, “And who, pray tell, are you helping with this investigation?”

I realize now that I’ve walked right into her perfectly laid trap.

“A friend,” I say vaguely.

“Beau, honey, you have not been in London long enough to have made a friend, let alone one who’s receptive to your Gift. I know my child and I call bull crap!”

I groan. “Fine. His name is Callum, and he has a little bit of The Gift as well.”

She gasps dramatically. “Oh my good lord! Bless my stars. This must be destiny.”

She says that loud enough that Callum can hear it and he starts laughing his fool head off.

“That’s what I told him,” I grumble.