Page 29 of Witchful Thinking
“Don’t claim it. Get paint samples from the hardware store downtown. Start getting a real feel for the place. Get a cat. Buy a plant.” Lucy placed a hand on his shoulder. It was a simple gesture. He felt her warmth through the shirt. It felt nice to be this close to someone even for a moment. A small, enchanting smile touched her lips. He was spellbound.
“Do something that scares you,” she said.
Alex froze. A splash of apprehension hit him like a wave of icy water. He’d done that by moving in with Nahla and asking her to marry him, and it didn’t work out. From now on, he was sticking with what he knew, and that was to keep moving on. A moving merman never got caught.
“I hope you’re taking your own advice.”
She scanned his face, and her hand dropped away. Something like frustration flashed in her eyes. “I’m trying. Enjoy the blondies. Keep the plate. Save some for the gnomes.”
Lucy gave a salute, looked both ways, then walked back across the street.
“Hey, Lu.”
Lucy stopped on the sidewalk in front of her mailbox. She waited.
“I still owe you a pizza with iced tea and lemonade.”
He hadn’t forgotten their bet. A momentary look of delight crossed her face.
“Don’t tempt me with a good time, Dwyer,” she said over her shoulder, walking back up to her house.
Her words kicked his heart rate up a notch. Fun had been in short supply for Alex after his engagement ended and the loss of his apartment. He’d like nothing more than to have a good time with Lucy.
He waited until his quickened pulse subsided before he went back into the cottage.
Many neighbors had watched him from the safety of their porches and windows, but none of them had come over to say hello. Except Lucy. She’d chatted with him, made him laugh, and given him some comfort food. She never seemed to be scared to walk up and introduce herself to a new person when they were young. Having her as a temporary neighbor seemed like it was going to be a quite an adventure. His chest eased, and he felt a little less alone.
May 31
Dear Freya Grove Gladiators,
It is incredible that we are now only a few months away from celebrating our 10th reunion. If you have not marked your calendar yet, please do so now.
Reunion Weekend is August 27–30, and we are counting on you to be a part of this celebration.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Best,
Quentin Jacobson
Class Secretary
June
rose and honeysuckle
Chapter Ten
Lucy wore emerald earrings on Fridays—the best day to wear the gemstone. There was only one week of school left, but so much work remained. The emeralds helped her hold on to what eloquence she had on hand. Graduation speeches, classroom cleaning, and ending the school year pushed her to the limit. She delivered Asha’s recommendation letter before the deadline and signed dozens of yearbooks with heartfelt memories and best wishes to the departing seniors. She needed a nap, but she settled for caffeine. There was only one place she wanted to go. It was fitting that she celebrated another day closer to vacation at the Little Red Hen Bakery Café.
Barn-red walls were decorated with silhouettes of hens and framed photos of barnyard animals scratching the dirt. The counter was lined with polished chrome espresso and frothing machines. Behind the cashier was the illustrated outlined story of the Little Red Hen, who managed to grow wheat, cut wheat, and bake bread without the help of her barnyard friends. Indeed, the Little Red Hen was Lucy’s role model.
Lucy also didn’t ask for help, and she loved her carbs.
She shifted her tote bag from one shoulder to the other, trying not to strain her neck. She’d earned her tea today. Ursula had texted her every morning this week, updating her on the wedding changes, but didn’t hint about her bridal flowers and herbs. The Valentine’s Glamour Amor wedding was now a Boho Beach–theme wedding at the Jersey Shore. Lucy rented as many pastry and baking books as possible. Their Wishcraft Made Simple book still hadn’t come, but she managed to find a used copy on a used-book website. It hurt her wallet, but she needed the book like yesterday. She smothered a huge yawn behind her hand, trying not to show off her back teeth to the hardworking barista. The wish wouldn’t leave her alone. She’d started training for the charity 10K race in Grove Park. She got pop-up notifications to “Get That Booty in Gear,” courtesy of her running app, which she couldn’t turn off or uninstall. She got scared and didn’t ask Alex to the wedding. She’d get her life in order tomorrow; today she had sugar. The glass case held a selection of muffins, sandwiches, and cookies. Lucy eyed the chocolate-chip muffin in the front row. She wandered over to the case.
“Hello there, my pretties. If I get a blueberry muffin, that’ll be my fruit for the day,” Lucy muttered to herself.