Page 72 of Witchful Thinking
Lucy nodded. Then it happened. His expression changed from one of confusion to absolute confidence. He looked at her with wonder, as if he’d seen an undiscovered ocean meant only for him to explore. Right then, she made another wish. I wish this was real. She wanted him to stay in the Grove just a little longer, but that was just too much pressure on him. He’d already spent so much money and time getting the cottage ready for the open house at the end of the month.
If she told him what she really wanted, it might push him away.
She didn’t want to share the true wish of her heart just yet.
So, they were each other’s starfish. A voice whispered in her ear, A soul mate by any other name is still a soul mate.
Chapter Twenty
Lucy watched the paper star decorations that littered the Caraway backyard cookout spin in the balmy afternoon air. Her cousins, aunts and uncles, and various friends had gathered to enjoy the weather and eat until they were stuffed. Several young ones of various ages lumbered past Lucy, carrying two filled buckets of water balloons.
Aunt Niesha, tending to the snack table, said, “No way! If you’re going to have your water balloon nonsense, go out front,” she ordered. “Don’t hit any cars! Stay out of the street! If you hit any guests, I’ll ground you until Thanksgiving! No Halloween!”
“Yes, Auntie!” they called out faithfully.
They did as they were told and went to the front of the house. Lucy gave Aunt Niesha a dubious stare, which she returned. “Those kids are going to give me more gray hairs.”
“I’m glad we weren’t like that,” Lucy said.
“Ha. You think you weren’t, but I put parsley sachets in all your book bags to keep you safe,” Aunt Niesha said. “I doused myself in lavender oil every morning. I needed to stay as calm as possible when you four got together during a full moon.”
“We’ve grown up. We won’t get into trouble.”
Aunt Niesha narrowed her eyes at Lucy. “Are you sure about that?”
Lucy held the stare. Ursula didn’t say anything about the wish spell, did she?
Uncle Leo called Aunt Niesha over. “Hey, sis! Sit in with me. I need a spades partner.”
“You don’t need a partner. You need a miracle worker,” Aunt Niesha responded with a wink. She went over to the table and joined the game. Lucy shook her head. The last time she’d played spades with Aunt Niesha, she’d been temporarily kicked out of the family for cutting books and costing them the game.
Lucy stood by the snack table, holding her red drink cup, scanning the crowd. Alex had said he’d stop by, and so far, he hadn’t shown up. Their adventures over the last month had brought them closer, but she was holding back. As soon as Alex sold the cottage, he’d be on his way and out of her life. Lucy tamped down her disappointment. She peered into her cup, hoping that somehow her iced tea had magically gained a shot of bourbon or vodka. Liquor always made disappointment a little less bitter.
“I hope there’s no rum in that cup,” Sirena said.
“I wish.” Lucy bit her lip at the slip of her tongue. “You know what? I’m done with wishes for the next decade.”
“I hear you.” Sirena sighed. Then she lowered her voice and said, “How is everything going with that?”
“Honestly, I’m doing my best with this wish. The race is next week. I’m still helping Alex with the cottage.”
If helping meant having her way with him in every single room, then she was helping him to the best of her ability. Sometimes, she helped Alex twice a day.
“Yes, you’re helping Alex.” Sirena gave her long, knowing look. “It sounds like you have it all handled. What about the whole soul mate issue?”
“I’m putting that on pause.”
“A little love charm of raw honey and red candles might move things along and help you out,” Sirena said softly.
“No, magic isn’t needed in this situation,” Lucy said quickly.
“Okay.” Sirena glanced down at her phone, flinching at the time. “I should head out soon.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m working the lunch and dinner shifts tonight.”
Lucy made a dismayed sound. “Seriously, Si? You’ve worked every night for the last two weeks. Take one night off.”