Page 82 of Witchful Thinking
Lucy paused, emotions stealing her voice for a moment. She hadn’t run a race since Nana died, unable to bring herself to lace up her racing sneakers. Today, covered in rain, she felt it, the feeling that she could do beautiful things, that she was capable of lasting magic.
“There’s always next year,” Alex said with a grin.
“Let’s handle one wish at a time,” Lucy said. She noticed the bag in his hand. “What’s this?”
Alex reached into the bag and took out the gift. A soft gasp escaped her lips.
It was an arrangement of tea bags in the shape of a flower bouquet. Each tea package was attached to a stick like a stem. Rather than a vase, the bouquet was presented in a huge tea mug. It was purple and covered in white spots. A glow of appreciation flowed through her as she looked closer at it. Suddenly, Lucy didn’t feel so cold anymore.
Alex shrugged. “I don’t know your favorite flowers yet, but I know you like tea.”
“That’s true.”
He held out the gift to her. “If you don’t like the mug, you can return it.”
Lucy shook her head. “I couldn’t think of a better gift.”
She didn’t like it. She loved it. She flung herself against him. The thoughtfulness of his action had rendered her speechless. He rocked her back and forth in his arms. He took her breath; she was dragged under the water, but she did not drown.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Everyone in Freya Grove was trying to get in their last bit of summer by attending the Freya Flea Market. The Funky Flea, as everyone called it around the Grove, consisted of vendors from all over the state who came to sell their goods to customers fearless enough to search through piles of junk to find possible treasure. Red and white pop-up tents created a makeshift maze that filled the parking lot of Ocean Avenue and Grand. Local artists laid out their wares of jewelry, arts, and crafts on blue and black blankets. Rows of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items were neatly scattered underneath wide umbrellas. Every merman in his family couldn’t get enough junk, found treasure, and supposed trash. Horatio loved refurbishing old technology, Pop kept coins from all over the world. Alex was all about cameras. He scanned over the collection in front of him, his eyes darting among compact, bridge, and mirrorless cameras.
“I don’t know if it works, but I want it,” Alex said, staring down at a vintage instant film camera. It, with a black and silver striped design, looked right out of the box brand-new. His palms itched to hold it.
“Get it,” Lucy said. She looked at the camera and checked out the sticker tag. “That’s not a bad price. I’ll buy it for you.” Lucy reached for her purse.
Alex placed his hand on hers, stopping her from moving. “I don’t need it.”
“You obviously want it.” She peered at him confused. Of course, he wanted it, but where was he going to keep it? With a sudden pang of awareness, he realized he wanted to take this camera home. A thread of yearning pulled through him. He wanted to put it on the mantel and take instant pictures. No. Keep only what you can carry. Alex gave an easy laugh, trying to hide the fact he had an epiphany next to an artisanal hot-dog stand.
“Don’t spend any money on me,” Alex said. “Besides, I don’t have any room in my bag, or it might get broken in the move.”
Lucy said nothing but stared at him for a long instant. He felt himself becoming uneasy under her attention.
“Okay,” Lucy said, but her unconvinced tone told him another story. She’d probably bring it up later tonight. They walked away from the camera tables. Alex looked her over, trying to get his thoughts off even thinking about home.
She wore jean overalls with a tank top that proudly declared TOWN WITCH.
He relished seeing a flash of smooth skin whenever she moved around the flea market. “I didn’t know you could look so cute in overalls.”
“Please. Don’t lie to me.” Lucy grinned. “I feel like I’m going apple picking.”
“That can be arranged,” Alex said. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand in his as they walked through the market. Their hands interlocked with each other, and she just fit right here next to him. They went over to another seller right across from the camera stand.
“So, you said you had some big news.”
“Quentin contacted me about the alumni awards. Apparently, there was an error, and I won an award.”
“Which award did you win? Most Photogenic?”
Lucy didn’t meet his eye. “I won the Class Cup.”
Alex reeled back. Okay now. According to his social media posts, the Freya Grove Class Cup was awarded to alumni who’d been on international magazine covers, won Oscars, and made an impression on the world. He absolutely adored Lucy, but her current accomplishments didn’t qualify her for the award. She’d earn the award in her own time, not because of the spell.
“I can feel you thinking. Trust me, I’m freaking out.”
“So, you’re going to turn it down.”