by CC Dragon
“Why don’t you two dance? Grab some food. The cake is a masterpiece, but it won’t be out for a while yet.” Aunt Trezel grabbed Dutch’s arm as he passed by.
Dutch bowed slightly to me. He was another family member, more from Aunt Trezel’s generation.
Bran and I ate and then danced a couple of dances. I excused myself and found Esme.
“Did you talk to the new witches? What were they like?” I asked.
“Nice enough. I told them we’d be by to visit, and the solo witches said they weren’t interested in a coven. Brenda seemed open to it. People are talking about her,” Esme said.
“What are they saying?” I asked.
“She’s a bit full of herself for the powers she has. Big city attitude. She’s in a smaller city, now, and who knows what kind of coven she was part of? Maybe she was strong by comparison.” Esme shrugged.
“The solo ones aren’t ruffling feathers,” I said.
“No, but they won’t stay long. They may have some powers they’re concealing, but they don’t seek out covens or other magical people, so there’s nothing lost if we like or don’t like them,” she replied.
A redhead walked up in a pale green gown. “Sorry to interrupt. You’re Claudia Crestwood?”
“I am. Nice to meet you,” I said.
“Liz Bellows. I’ve known Esme for years, but it’s wonderful to finally meet you,” she said.
“You’ve heard of me?” I asked.
“My mother knew your mother. My mother always said she’d hoped we’d grow up as friends and practice magic. But then, everything, well...it’s nice to meet you now.” She turned a bit pink.
“Thanks. I don’t recognize the name.” I looked to Esme.
“Mrs. Eva Bellows was a friend of your mother’s and mine. Life pulled us all in different directions. I’ll let you girls chat.” Esme nodded as she walked away.
“Sorry. I feel like I interrupted and ran her off,” Liz said.
“No, she and I talk all the time. She helped with me after my mom was gone. I’m sure everyone knows that story,” I said.
“Of course, the terrible attack. Well, I’m so glad you came. Bran is very nice,” she said.
“Does everyone know we’re dating?” I asked.
“Small world. He’s a big catch.” She smiled.
“So, your mom wanted you to snag him?” I asked.
Liz laughed. “No, he’s not my type. I always feel frumpy and never know what to say to him. His younger brother is more easygoing.”
“I’ve heard that, but I’ve never met him. I hoped he’d be here,” I said.
“No, still out of town.” She smiled. “I wish I could’ve met your mother. If I did, I don’t remember.”
“I don’t remember her much myself. Not the way I’d like to. I was going through some of her old spells and notes. She was a bit darker, but it might have been from her teen years. Who doesn’t rebel a bit?” I asked.
Liz nodded. “Every witch looks up that stuff. Trying them gets you in trouble,” she said.
A blare of trumpets sounded.
“I didn’t see any brass out there,” I said.
“Magic. We should go. That means the cake,” she said.
I followed Liz out. The cake came from the kitchen area and was carried into the grand ballroom by three people in catering jackets.
Brenda moved in to get a closer look and nearly tripped them. She waved a hand as if to right things by magic, but the cake began to slide.
“Oh, dear.” Liz laughed.
I snapped my wrist and lifted the cake magically. I levitated it high out of the hands of humans and out of the way of nosy subpar witches. Bringing it closer, I lowered it onto the table in the center.
Aunt Trezel looked at me and nodded. Bran walked over to me.
“Well done.” He turned and recognized Liz. “Liz, how are you today?”
“Fine, thank you,” Liz said calmly.
“Well done what?” I asked.
“The cake. Trezel always does that. It’s sort of a test for the new people. Who can save the cake? It’s eight tiers, loaded will filling.”
“It’s basic levitation. I could do that when I was seven,” I said.
Then, I saw Brenda walking just behind Bran. Damn! That didn’t sound nice at all. I didn’t look down on the witches in my coven without powers, but I was never overly impressed by my own.
“You didn’t wobble or hesitate. It was nothing for you.” Bran put his arm around me.
“This really was a test? That’s sad. And basic. I’m offended,” I said.
“If you stay late enough, there is the test of the drunk guys hitting on anything female aggressively. They’re harder to ward off. They have magic.” Liz shrugged.
“I’ll handle those men,” Bran growled.
“For all the ladies here,” I added.
“As you wish.” He bowed slightly.
“Good. Does that mean Brenda failed?” I asked softly.
“She didn’t save the cake. You did. But the solo witches didn’t even try. I should go check on my mother.” Liz gave me a wave.
“Bring her by my café some time. I’d love to talk again and meet her,” I said.
“Sure.” Liz nodded.
“Hang on.” I pulled a business card from my tiny purse and handed it to her.
“Thanks. I will,” she said.
I looked around for Brenda or the solo witches. “Did they leave?”
“Who?”
“The new witches,” I said.
“Brenda probably left. This crowd isn’t great to new people. You have to be up to the measure,” he said.
“Then, why invite them? It’s mean,” I said.
“You passed.”
“You knew I would. I would’ve for the past decade and more. My mom died or I’d have been here every year. But then again, if I knew you since we were kids, I might not like you as much,” I said.
“Not possible,” he said.
“Don’t push your luck. Let’s get some cake. Wait. It isn’t poisoned, is it?” I asked.
He laughed. “No. You like toad filling, right?”
“Gross. It better be strawberry or I’ll change it,” I said.
“Showoff,” he said.
We joined the group, and Esme smiled at me. I tried to enjoy the night and let go of the stress and anger over the secret. Esme couldn’t tell me. My family was sworn to secrecy. Maybe Aunt Trezel could uncover some information. Then again, maybe Mrs. Bellows could tell me the truth.
I was very glad I’d come tonight.
Chapter Four
Sitting at my usual table in the back area of the café, I sipped my caramel latte with two extra shots of espresso. The night had flown by, and I didn’t get home until three a.m. It was nearly eleven in the morning, and Esme hadn’t shown up, yet.
My aunt was working the cash register while Brad, a reliable vampire barista, and Ellen were working the coffee machines. No one had asked me too many questions because of my late start.
My twin cousins burst through the front door after their early class.
“How was it?” Iris asked.
“Did you take pictures?” Violet asked, almost on top of her sister.
“Lovely. No. I’m sure I can get you a little tour if you want to see the mansion. It was a big party. Dancing. Food. Cake. Decorations.” I shrugged.
“Did you dazzle them with your magic?” Iris asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing major. Bran’s aunt had some questions. I met some of the new witches and the daughter of a friend of my mom’s. Esme went with a vampire cousin of Bran’s. No one has seen her yet this morning,” I teased.
The twins exchanged a look.
Why not throw some of the gossips off me and onto Esme? It would be fun to discuss that instead of my harassing everyone about the family secret.
“Can I borrow the dress for the next gypsy wedding?” Iris asked.
“Not fair,” Violet
said.
“We can make a reverse version that’s black with silver lace,” I suggested.
“Even better.” Violet smiled.
“Is there another wedding coming up?” I asked.
“No, but I wanted dibs,” Iris said.
I rolled my eyes.
The bell over the door jingled, and we all glanced over. Esme was in black jeans, a gray shirt that advertised the café plus a black and white checkered shawl. The sunglasses were the clue that she was struggling. She kept them on in the café even while she ordered.
“Did she come home with you?” Iris asked.
“She doesn’t live here. I don’t know how long she’s been dating Vern. Maybe they’re serious,” I said.
“Don’t let Dad’s gypsy ways slow you down. I’d lock in Bran as soon as possible,” Violet said.
“He’s not a deal on a car. There is a lot I don’t know about him. His aunt is a new player. I’ve never met his parents or brother. I won’t be rushed,” I said.
“Hard to get is a good tactic,” Esme said as she walked up with her huge cup of black coffee.
“How did you hear that?” Violet asked.
“Witch hearing. Basic spell. I’m nosy. This is not the walk of shame. I just stayed up all night. The moonrise and the sunrise were lovely.” She took a long drink of coffee.
“Vern is a vampire. You might have to learn to keep night hours,” I teased.
The twins grinned.
“You told them. Thank you,” Esme grumbled.
“What? Secrets only hurt people. I’m dating Bran; people know that. If you’re ashamed of Vern...” I trailed off.
“I’m not ashamed. I’m not sure how serious it is. He travels for his business, and it’s more on again and off again. It’s not as simple as young love,” she said.
“I’m not that young. I’m not rushing into things with Bran,” I said.
“I heard you. I’m glad. His aunt is a trip, but his parents are more old school. You’re powerful enough, but being so fond of humans might turn them off. Then again, Bran has rejected all the women they’ve thrown at him,” Esme shared.
“I’m not going to change to please them,” I replied.
“No, but you did go to the ball. That’s a good effort to make your way in the magical community.” Iris nodded.
“I suppose. There’s no harm in being friends with everyone. Just like the new witches. We’ll visit them and invite them to a meeting. I might not be best friends with any of them, but it’s good manners. When should we go?” I asked Esme.
“Today. Brenda is still unpacking, so we’ll drop in for lunch. She invited us. And Trela said anytime this afternoon is fine. Amelia was less interested in a visit,” Esme said.
“Sounds good. You might need another coffee, because you can’t chat with the new witches with sunglasses on.” I sipped my coffee.
“Oh, I forgot.” She took them off and squinted. “It’s so bright in here.”
“Lots of wine?” Iris asked.
“Champagne?” Violet asked.
Esme groaned.
“They had a full bar and champagne. Maybe Esme skipped the food,” I teased.
“That dress was tight,” she complained.
“I’ll get her a croissant,” Iris offered, heading off to the bakery display.
“We should be getting back there to help. No classes until three,” Violet said.
“Sure you don’t want to postpone the visits?” I asked.
Esme shook her head and pulled a small vial form her purse. “Hangover cure.”
“I hope you had fun,” I said.
Esme smiled like the cat that got into the cream. “Vern has his good points.”
Iris dropped off a warm croissant with butter.
Esme turned a bit green but downed the contents of the vial. In seconds, she perked up and began to eat.
“I do love magic. I could’ve used that in high school,” I said.
She threw me a scolding look.
“What? A few parties and dances. It’s what kids do,” I said.
“Last night you were a grownup. Good work.” She finished off her breakfast. “Let’s get going. Be nice.”
“I’m always nice,” I retorted.
“Good, Miss Nice. You drive,” she said.
We arrived at Brenda’s apartment building about five minutes early and both put a little protective spell over ourselves. You never knew when a bad witch would try to make friends or move into town. I still couldn’t believe Bran’s foolish cousin Serena who had killed one of my customers with a bad spell. I hoped, with her, it was just poor magical education. Being locked up in Bran’s dungeon with intensive magical tutoring would hopefully turn her around. Her situation made me grateful for Esme. She’d been very hard on me concerning the ethical side of magic. It was drilled into me how careful you had to be writing spells and how easily magic could be used for evil.
We walked up a couple flights of stairs to Brenda’s apartment, and Esme knocked on the door.
Brenda opened the door with a big smile.
“Come in. So nice to see you, again,” she greeted.
There were a lot of boxes, but it was very organized for just moving in.
“Sorry, the kitchen table is the best place to sit, for now. I’ll get it all unpacked this week. Coffee? Tea?” she offered.
“Just water for me, thanks,” I said.
“Water, too, please,” Esme said.
We sat at the small table and took in the space. Nothing evil popped out at me, but Brenda had more power than she’d let on.
Brenda set two glasses of ice water on the table.
“So, you fell for the test?” Brenda asked me.
“Fell for it? I figured that’s what they wanted to see. To know magic came naturally.” I shrugged. “You failed on purpose?”
She nodded. “I prefer to be underestimated, but you seemed to sense I was stronger. I’m not very strong, but I avoid most covens because they allow people without powers in. Then, it’s all chants and Blessed Be. I love nature but I’d rather grow my magic.”
“We accept all good witches, powers or not. But there are other covens,” Esme said.
“Not very close by, and they’re small. I have a lot of settling in to do. I’m glad to meet you, and the ball was wonderful. I’m not rushing into any group affiliations,” she shared.
Esme and I exchanged looks.
“We’re not here to pressure you,” Esme said.
“Just to evaluate me,” she returned.
“We don’t want any evil or bad witches in the coven. We have a safe space to ask questions. Grow powers and learn without judgement. But ethics and responsibility are important,” I said.
“Of course. That’s why a lot of witches go solo. The infighting or competition can be suffocating.” Brenda set a plate of sandwiches on the table. “I got these at that cute little shop next to yours. I’m not much of a cook.”
“Thank you,” Esme said.
Brenda put out plates and napkins along with some celery and baby carrots.
“That shop is wonderful. The owner is a good friend. But, as far as infighting, we don’t allow that. It might be uncomfortable, at times, but we out all disagreements and cleanse the bad feelings. Work out the issues.” I dug in to my sandwich. How could she have known my favorite?
“All that takes time and meetings. I moved to a smaller city to slow down my pace a bit. I liked New York, but I lost myself. So, please don’t be offended if I don’t join. If I come to one meeting to check you out, that’s all I can do now. If I’m invited,” she said.
We ate lunch, and as the conversation tapered off, I let the feel of Brenda and her place sink in. She wasn’t squeaky clean. Like many witches, she dabbled with self-serving spells. Minor things weren’t so bad, but they could add up, and if you weren’t balanced karmically, things could go very wrong.
“I think a tryout meeting is a very good way to start. See if you like
us and if the group likes you,” I said.
“Perfect.” She cleared the table.
“I’ll send you the meeting information for the next few months, so you can pick what works best in your schedule,” Esme said.
“Lovely. Sorry, I don’t have any dessert,” she said.
“We should be going, anyway. Thanks,” I said.
Esme and I walked silently down, and only when we were in the car did I open my mouth.
“That was the most proper and weirdly normal lunch,” I said.
“She’s trying too hard. Letting people believe her powers are less than they are is a bit underhanded. She wants the advantage.” Esme shook her head.
“Not sure I want her around,” I admitted.
“One meeting won’t kill us. Get the read from others. Let’s head over to Trela’s, now. It’s good to compare and contrast,” Esme replied.
I started the SUV and headed for Trela’s apartment several blocks away.
Trela invited us into her living room. She looked very moved in, but there were still a lot of boxes in the kitchen area. It was odd because she had pictures hung and throw pillows out.
“Lovely place. Are you setting up a study?” Esme asked, referring to the boxes.
“Oh, that’s more inventory. I used to have a shop. I haven’t decided if I want to open one here or not. I have to find the right location. That’s just the basic inventory I’d need to start off with. Jewelry, crystals, and some books. I can always order more and be up and running in a few days once I secure a location,” she said.
“I’m sure we could use a good shop like that around. But I can’t promise you’ll do a cracking business. There were witch trials here, but a lot of people like to pretend it was all in Salem. Lots of skeptics,” I said.
“That’s why location matters. I’ll find something close to the local college—even a community college. That helps. I also sell candles, incense, and sage. Ghost-hunting kits and all of that. Always a good ghost-hunting group around. Get the local authors who’ve written about the haunted history of the area to come in and sign their books. It takes some legwork and sweet talking, but slowly, I’ll build a customer base.” She smiled.
“But you don’t want to network with a coven full of potential customers?” I asked.