by Bella Falls
Skeeter scrunched his eyes closed. “Think so.” The trucker’s hat came perilously close to falling off his nodding head.
I closed my eyes, commencing the first steps of connection. “Concentrate on them,” I demanded, following his lead and shutting out the rest of the world.
“Hold on,” interrupted Skeeter.
I blinked my eyes open. “What?” I asked in annoyance.
He tilted his head. “Aren't you going to say a rhyme or something? I thought that you needed words to help?”
“No, not always.” I rolled my shoulders back and pulled the hovering cupid closer. “But if you need me to say them, then I will,” I granted through gritted teeth.
Composing quickly in my mind, I cast my rhyme. “So Skeeter’s chances don't wane or wither, help me find where he placed his quiver. Let's not make the search too narrow, we also need the bow and arrow.”
Making sure the cupid was satisfied, I shut both eyes and concentrated. Images flashed in my head, and I felt the connection to the items draw me to them. His house. The Harvest Moon Cafe. The post office. Images of places where Skeeter might have visited appeared and vanished as I mentally followed the trail. One final place popped up, and I had it.
I let go of him. “How much money did you lose?” I accused.
“Lose?” His puffy cheeks reddened. “Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”
Rolling my eyes, I got straight to the point. “At Lucky's. Guessing you had some money ridin’ on a game of darts with the leprechaun. Not exactly a smart plan, considering that the Rainbow's End is his bar, and luck tends to be on his side.” I raised my left eyebrow at the cupid.
Skeeter hung his head. “I took off my equipment so that I could have more arm movement to throw. And you're right, he took most of everything I had with me.”
“Well, he's got your stuff, too. But Lucky’s good people, and he has it stashed behind his bar, waiting for you to come get it. So you better hurry,” I advised. When he wobbled away in the air, he left someone else waiting for me.
A couple of teenage boys smirked and stepped up, elbowing each other and trying to push the other one into talking to me.
“Can I help you?” I asked with suspicion.
The taller of the two got pushed by his friend and stumbled into the table. “Hey. I, uh, need to find something,” he stammered. His face reddened while his friend snickered behind his back.
“And what's that?” asked Blythe, joining me at my side, challenging him.
Clearing his throat for courage, the towering teenager pointed at me. “Don't I get to hold her hand first before I say?”
“Depends.” I crossed my arms over my chest, looking up at him. “Do you really have something you need to find?”
Despite his friend’s chuckles, the boy in front of me lost his nerve and shook his head. “No, ma'am. Not really. He bolted away from the table, and his friend followed close behind, laughing with too much glee.
Blythe glared in their direction. “I may have to tell their mom about their behavior.”
“Who’s their mom?” I asked, miffed at being called ma’am.
“Lina Mosely.”
My mouth dropped. “Those are the two Mosely boys? The last time I remember talking to them, they were knee-high to a gnome.”
Blythe elbowed me. “Look out. Here comes trouble.”
My brother Matt approached with his wife following behind. “We come in peace,” he declared, placing a plate full of food and another cup of sweet tea in front of me.
“I’ve never been so happy to see you,” I said in relief. “Whoever assigned me to this table should be fried in hot oil like chicken.”
My brother snickered. “Someone definitely has a sick sense of humor.”
I left my post and maneuvered around the table to hug my sister-in-law. Her growing belly pushed against me so that my hug became a little awkward. “Hey, Traci Jo, what do you know? Although I should say Traci Jo and Junior now.
Despite my troubles at the Founders’ ceremony, my brother had found the time to celebrate the event and take advantage of the massive amounts of magic released that evening, resulting in our newest family member still cooking inside TJ's belly, which had finally popped out. “I can't wait to meet the new Goodwin.”
TJ blushed. “We still have a while to go. In the meantime, tell your brother that he doesn't have to act as my bodyguard for the next few months.” Their large dog, Ross, leaned his massive body against my brother, proving he had what it took to take care of his Mistress and the precious cargo she carried.
“See, even Ross the Hoss agrees with your wife.” The dog rightfully earned his nickname. If I were a few years younger and a lot of pounds lighter, I might have attempted to ride him like a horse. Instead, I accepted loads of his slobber while trying to pet him. “Are you neglecting your warden duties, Deputy Goodwin?” I nagged.
“No, I do my job just fine.” My brother snatched a slice of cornbread from my plate and ate it out of spite. “But tell my stubborn wife that she can hire people to help her take care of the animals. She doesn't have to do it all on her own.”
“I keep telling you, pregnancy does not make me an invalid,” countered my sister-in-law.
“Still, you shouldn't be moving heavy bags of feed or putting yourself in a dangerous position when you're checking on the larger animals.” My brother turned his attention to me. “The Tanners’ old mule almost kicked her when she checked on it the other day.”
“And yet, I'm still standing.” TJ stole the last of the cornbread out of my brother’s hand and gulped it down.
I held up my hands. “If you think I'm getting in the middle of this, then the two of you have unicorn manure between your ears. You're both right, and you both love each other. If you start from there, then I'll bet you can figure it out. If you don't, Nana is bound to find out, and then you'll both be sorry.”
Reminding my brother about what happened when our grandmother got involved to solve arguments straightened him up real quick. He sighed and kissed his wife on the forehead, the nose, and then her lips. “Let's leave my brat of a sister alone to work the table. Maybe she can spend the rest of her time here pondering whose idea it was to put her there.” He flinched away from my swinging hand and ushered TJ from my table with a protective arm hovering behind her.
“Coward,” I screamed after him. “Using your pregnant wife as a shield against a hex.” Shaking my head, I returned to my seat.
Blythe patted my back and stood up. “I’m gonna go find Lily and Lavender and see if they sold out of all their flowers. I might buy Granny a bunch to brighten her day.”
“You mean you really do have a heart beating somewhere in that chest of yours?” I teased, grinning at my friend’s sweet soul she did her best to hide from the rest of the world.
“Shh. Don’t go spreading that around. I have my reputation to preserve. Hey, you’re going to the candidate speeches tonight, right?” she asked as she backed away.
“I intend to. Save me a seat?” I requested.
Shooting me two thumbs up, she waved and headed in the opposite direction. She stopped for a moment to speak to Horatio who handed her a piece of paper.
Maggie West, Sheriff Big Willie’s wife, approached me and asked for my help in locating their half-sasquatch baby’s favorite blanket. I held up my forefinger and let the little hairy fingers of the baby curl around it. With little effort, the connection formed, and I told her to retrace her steps to the vegetable stand and check on the ground beside a large basket of zucchini. She thanked me and went to retrieve the dropped item.
“Excuse me,” croaked a familiar elderly witch who had waited patiently. She squinted at me. “I seem to have misplaced my glasses somewhere.”
“Okay, Ms. Flossy. Let me see if I can help.” I held out my hand.
When I focused my talents, a clear image formed in my head. My eyes popped open, and I shivered in disgust. “On a bedside table,” I uttere
d. “Do I need to say where?”
Ms. Flossy tittered. “Oh, that’s right. I’ll have to get Beau to bring them to me.” She thanked me and shuffled off.
I would have to scrub my brain at the thought of her being with my roommate. And I might have to threaten the old vampire within an inch of his undead life about bringing his dates back to my house. No need to know about any hankyin’ or pankyin’ happening under my roof when nothing more than a brief friendly hug was going on in my life.
The Mosely boys returned and looked like they were about to try again when they caught sight of Horatio barreling in the direction of the table. The two teenagers scattered, and I greeted the troll with the warmest of hugs. “I’m so happy to see you, Horatio.”
“Greetings and salutations, my friend. Are you now offering your services for a fee? I think that would be a most capital idea.” He clapped me on the back, and all the air in my lungs whooshed out.
It took me a second to regain my composure. “No, no money. Just helping.”
“If ever you are in need of assistance, I humbly offer my services in helping you research the best way to go about setting up a business.” He bowed his head, his scraggly hair falling over his protruding brow. When he straightened, he handed me a piece of paper he’d been holding. “Here.”
At the top, it read, “Vote for Juniper, and let every voice—even the smallest one—be heard!” Underneath the slogan that had been carefully handwritten in neat calligraphy letters, somebody had listed out reasons to elect the fairy.
I read the entire list, impressed with each clear and concise point. “Horatio, I would think that since you’re one of the candidates that you would be supporting…well…you. Not Juniper.”
“Alas, my beloved does not possess quite the flair for addressing others. I volunteered to assist her because I would like her to have every possible chance in the world,” the troll gushed.
“Thanks, Horatio,” a high-pitched voice squeaked. Juniper flew to his side and planted a kiss on his giant cheek. “I’m a bit nervous, but Horatio is right. If I want my issues to be taken seriously, then I need to speak up.”
I nodded in full agreement, ignoring the doubt that anyone would be able to hear her. “I wish you both a whole lot of luck. I’ll be rootin’ for you tonight at the speeches.”
At that word, Juniper shivered, and blue-green fairy dust scattered to the ground. “If I can calm my nerves and get past tonight, then I might just make it.”
“Stop your worrying. You will do magnificently. Remember, there is no failure when you succeed at trying.” He lifted a large finger and tipped her bitty nose with it with such gentleness that it melted my heart.
“Is that another quote from Shakespeare?” I asked.
“No,” the troll winked. “That is all pure Horatio.”
The mismatched but perfect couple left me to go practice. The shy fairy had flourished under the attention of her troll, and with support like that, she’d found her bravery. If I had someone like that who could make me blossom, what might I be able to accomplish?
When the Mosely boys returned one last time, I ripped the sign off the table. I didn’t need anyone’s support to know that today’s volunteering of my talents had come to an abrupt end since I’d found the resolve to tell those two troublemakers that they better get lost or risk getting hexed on their adolescent behinds. Bless their hearts.
Chapter Two
The cool breeze cut through the lingering humidity of the day, creating a bearable atmosphere for tonight's event. Musical notes from the efforts of our school band danced in the air and grew louder and more in tune as my feet brought me closer to the park. Never one to be early, I found the area in front of the gazebo packed. All of the chairs were already filled, and unless my friends had reserved me a seat, I would be listening to the speeches from the standing area in the back.
I scanned the crowd for my gang, and my heart warmed when I spotted my girls. None of them had arrived in time to grab a place to sit down, and they beckoned for me to join them standing a few feet behind the last row. After hugging, we girls got down to the important issues at hand.
“Have you seen that hot looking specimen who’s new to town?” asked Lavender.
“He’s visited the cafe a few times. I don't normally say things like this, but frosted fairy wings, he could make a tick on the back of a dog’s neck burst into flames from his looks,” Blythe admitted.
“Eww, that's so gross,” Alison Kate said, scrunching her nose. “But I have to admit, he is pretty cute.”
“Hey, what am I? A big steamin’ pile of unicorn dung?” Lee looked less than happy at his new girlfriend’s gushing.
Alison Kate cuddled him close and peppered kisses on his cheek. “It's just girl talk, honey bunny. You know you're my shnooky wookums.” She rubbed her head into his neck, repeating more syrupy sweet names.
My stomach turned over. “I think I'm going into sugar shock. Holy unicorn horn, you two need to rein in the public display of affection.”
Lavender pouted. “Aww, but they are so super cute, and we've been waiting so long for them to get together. Their auras look so bubbly and pink, I can't contain myself.” She vibrated in pure joy, earning a stern look from her cousin.
“We may have been wanting them to get together, Lav, but Charli's right. Keep your sugary sweets at the bakery, Ali Kat.” Lily crossed her arms over her chest.
Lavender clicked her tongue. “Don't try to play as if you and Ben don't share a similar color surrounding you, Lilypad.” Lavender wiggled her finger to indicate the airspace around Ben and her cousin. “You two may not show it to others, but your relationship is as plain as day to me.”
The two cousins squabbled with each other while the rest of us looked on in amazement. Blythe bumped me with her shoulder and pointed. “Remind me never to get that entangled with a man. They’re nice to look at, but it will be a hot day in Honeysuckle before I turn into a fool.”
“I thought you said there was a new guy to drool at in town?” I accused.
“A girl can look all she wants. And he is seriously drool-worthy.” She puckered her lips and whistled.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and a warm tingle rushed down my skin. A strong presence joined me at my right side, and a warm hand brushed my arm. “You ladies are gonna make me blush, talking like that about me,” rumbled a deep voice that had become a familiar fixture in my life.
“Good evening, Mr. Channing. I thought you weren’t coming to the speeches tonight. Changed your mind?” I teased.
Dash grunted. “I just think that elections don't make any sense. It gives the illusion of freedom, but I guarantee that there’s always something lurking behind the scenes. Someone influencing things to get the outcome they want.”
“I guess that's not how pack politics work, is it?” I asked. The wolf shifter hardly ever talked about his past, and I ventured to swim into shark-infested waters asking him anything about it.
His eyes flashed amber for a second. “No. That's not how a pack works.” Without saying another word, he ended my line of inquiry.
A brief awkward silence followed, and I needed to extract myself to regain my composure and give my cheeks time to stop flaming. “I’m going to go find Flint to wish him good luck.” I wove my way through the crowd with quick feet. Walking around the edges, I made it to the back of the gazebo where the candidates gathered.
Following a string of sneezes, I found Flint fumbling with some index cards that looked huge in the gnome’s trembling hands. His wife, Gossamer, flitted above him, her fairy wings dusting him in pink.
Flint sneezed again. “Trembling toadstools, Goss, you have to stop hovering over me. I've got this.” He squinted at his cards.
“I know, Flinty, dear. I'm just so nervous.” More pink dust floated down and covered her husband’s beard until the gnome sneezed it off.
“Anything I can do to help?” I called out, hoping to distract my fairy friend.
Goss turned her attention to me and left her husband's side. “Oh, Charli. Do you think things will go okay? My Flinty’s been practicing for over a week now, and there’s still so much to say.” She bit her lip, and her wings flapped in distress.
Flint caught my eye and nodded in thanks for helping his wife. I reassured my friend. “Everything will work out as it should, Goss. You need to stop working yourself into a tizzy. And tonight's about introductions, not to stuff every little thing into one speech. You know your husband is well-liked in the community. I don't think it's possible for him to fail no matter what the outcome is.” In my opinion, the gnome was the one to beat in the election.
Horatio and Juniper waved at me, and I responded in kind. Gossamer turned and also wished them good luck from afar. “You supporting everybody, Charli?” she asked through her grin.
Oh, frosted fairy wings. The awkwardness. “Frankly, I'm for anyone to take the new position as long as they have the town's best interests at heart,” I dodged. Perhaps I should run for office with my artful deflection skills.
“You mean everybody but Raif, right?” she clarified.
The crowd standing around the lanky vampire was impressive. Unlike the others, Raif looked every bit like a real candidate with advisors at his side. The fact that two of them, Aunt Nora and Hollis Hawthorne, had existing seats on the town council didn't sit well with me. Nana had worked hard at trying to keep herself as neutral as possible since she sat in the high seat of power. But those two shamelessly whispered advice in the vampire’s ear. No telling what might happen if Raif earned the new council seat in the election.
“No, I definitely don't support all of the candidates.” The music from the school’s band stopped, and someone announced for everyone to take their seats. “I’d better go join the gang.” Waving at all my friends, I excused myself.
A cold hand grabbed my arm and hindered my attempt to leave. “Charlotte. I'm surprised to see you back here. Are you intending to throw your hat in the ring?” My aunt’s puckered face mirrored my internal annoyance.