by Jinty James
“What happened?” Suzanne asked, her eyes wide.
Maddie noticed that even Trixie was leaning forward, intent on Amy’s next words.
“I got caught.” Amy closed her eyes in remembered regret. “And I was expelled. There went my scholarship, and there went college. It was on my permanent record. Even if I could manage to get student loans or a work-study program, what sort of college would accept a cheater?”
“But ... how did you get caught?” Suzanne crinkled her brow. That question had been on the tip of Maddie’s tongue as well.
“Veronica.” Amy’s expression darkened. “She was the only one who knew what I was planning to do. It had even been her idea! And guess what? She got the scholarship I’d applied for.”
“Goodness!” Maddie stared at Amy. “That’s – that’s—”
“Diabolical? Fiendish? Take your pick,” Amy said bitterly. “And her scheming ruined my life – or I allowed it to. I got my GED, but I couldn’t face applying to colleges, throwing myself on their mercy, and getting turned down. My family couldn’t afford to pay for college, which might have been one way to get in, if there was a university that wasn’t so fussy about their applicants.
“So here I am, fifty, and being bossed around by a kid half my age, because he has a college degree and I don’t.”
“I’m so sorry,” Maddie replied.
“Mrrow,” Trixie added softly.
“So stay away from Veronica. If she wants something you have, I think she’ll do whatever it takes to snatch it from you.”
With that piece of advice, Amy headed across the square to the supermarket.
“Wow.” Suzanne sank down on a stool. “I can’t believe that.”
“I know.” Maddie flopped on her own stool. “Poor Amy.”
“Make sure I remember this if we have another run in with Claudine – and Veronica.”
“We better not,” Maddie said with feeling.
“Mrrow!”
The two girls turned to look at the Persian, who looked definite in her agreement.
“I think we should take Trixie’s advice,” Maddie said.
“Deal.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed.
A couple more customers stopped by, then Suzanne checked her watch, shrieking.
“It’s twelve-twenty, Mads. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t know,” Maddie replied truthfully. The lunch crowd had been slower than usual today, which was why she hadn’t realized it was nearing the time of Suzanne’s lunch date with Ramon. “Sorry.”
“I’ve got to fix my hair!” Suzanne pulled out a compact from her purse and unfastened her ponytail. She grabbed a comb and yanked. “Ow!”
“Slow down,” Maddie told her, manning the register as a customer approached, asking for an iced coffee.
“Thank goodness it’s not hot today,” Suzanne continued. “Trix, how does my hair look?” She bent down slightly.
“Mrrow,” Trixie sounded approving.
“Thanks!”
“Apron.” Maddie pulled an espresso shot.
“Oh, yeah!” Suzanne yanked off the brown smock and smoothed down her dress. She placed a hand on her chest. “I think I need to sit for a second.”
“Mrrow?” Trixie patted her mouth area as she stared at Suzanne.
“What is it, Trix?” Suzanne knitted her brow as she peered at the cat. “What are you trying to tell me?”
“Mrrow!” Trixie patted her mouth again, this time more urgently.
Maddie stifled a giggle, glad the iced coffee customer had just wondered off, slurping his drink.
“I think she’s asking if you want to put on some lip-gloss,” Maddie told her friend.
“Eeek!” Suzanne jumped off the stool, as if stung by a wasp. “How could I have forgotten?” She rummaged through her purse, her hand shaking as she colored her mouth. “Thanks, Trix,” she mumbled through her half open lips.
Putting away the gloss, Suzanne sank on the stool again. “Maybe I should cancel, Mads. I feel really weird. Like I’m going to be sick. Maybe I’ve caught a virus or something. I should just go home and rest.”
“You’ll be fine,” Maddie said bracingly. “It’s just nerves, that’s all. Isn’t that what you said to me when I started dating Luke?”
“But that was different.” Suzanne frowned. “I never feel like this.”
“I think it just means you really like Ramon.”
“Yeah.” A dreamy smile passed over Suzanne’s face. “I do.”
“You do what?” A faint Spanish male accent.
“Ramon!” Suzanne jumped up. “Hi!”
“I am sorry I am a couple of minutes late,” he said, looking gorgeous in tailored slacks and a long-sleeved cream shirt.
“I didn’t even notice.” Suzanne beamed at him.
Maddie noticed Ramon’s eyes flared a little as he took in Suzanne. She looked cool and collected in her floaty dress, her straight, shiny hair out of its customary ponytail. Nobody would have guessed she’d been a nervous wreck two minutes ago.
“Shall we?” He held out his arm.
Suzanne exited the truck and took his arm, casting a smiling glance over her shoulder at Maddie and Trixie as she embarked on her date.
“That leaves the two of us to handle the rest of the lunch crowd,” Maddie informed Trixie.
“Mrrow!” Trixie looked confident as she settled back on her stool.
Since business was down a little, Maddie was able to handle the customers solo, only wishing for Suzanne’s presence a couple of times. All the while she was making lattes and iced coffees, she wondered how Suzanne’s date was faring. She just hoped her best friend was having an incredible time.
“HI.”
Maddie looked up from her sandwich to find Luke standing at the counter.
“Hi.” She put down her lunch and rushed to the counter, wishing she could bounce like Suzanne.
There had been a lull around one-thirty, and she’d taken the opportunity to eat her sandwich.
“Mrrow,” Trixie greeted Luke.
“Hi Trixie.” He grinned at the Persian. “Still on for our picnic on the weekend?”
“Mrrow!” Trixie purred.
“It’s so cute that you talk to her like that,” Maddie said, unable to stop a smile blossoming over her face.
“I think I picked it up from you.” He chuckled.
Maddie realized with a start she did speak to Trixie like a person – or a creature who could understand everything she said. But she had the advantage of knowing that Trixie wasn’t an ordinary cat – she was a familiar – her familiar.
“Where’s Suzanne?” Luke peered into the truck.
“She’s at lunch,” Maddie said, suddenly having an uh-oh moment. Now she wished she’d told Luke last night about Suzanne’s date with Ramon – but would Suzanne have wanted her to? Not that there was anything to worry about. Ramon was a nice guy – as well as being super hot and having a sexy Spanish accent. But Maddie knew if Luke and Ramon stood side by side, she would pick Luke every time.
“Don’t you usually have lunch together?” he asked curiously.
“Yes.” She hesitated.
“What is it?” Luke looked concerned. “Is Suzanne okay?”
“She’s having lunch with Ramon.” It came out in a rush. She could not lie to him.
“What?” He frowned.
“They’re having lunch.” She turned to Trixie, a help me out here look on her face.
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed to nod her head.
“I don’t think Trixie has a problem with it.” Maddie attempted to lighten the moment.
Luke cracked a reluctant smile as he looked at the Persian, who suddenly wore a very cute and appealing expression.
“Well, if Trixie thinks it’s okay ...” He shook his head. “What am I doing?”
“Hoping your sister enjoys her lunch,” Maddie told him. “That’s all.” She moved over to the machine. “Maybe you need a latte – with hazelnut syr
up.”
He nodded.
“And this one’s on the house.” She waved away his offer to pay.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Suzanne and ... Ramon?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d react,” she told him, pulling a shot. “Besides, Suzanne’s my best friend. I don’t want to hide anything from you—” like being a witch “—but I don’t want to get in the middle of you and Suzanne either.”
“I can understand that.” He nodded thoughtfully. “I just don’t want my sister to get hurt.”
“Neither do I.” They gazed at each other in understanding.
Luke stayed for a little while, praising the hazelnut latte. When he departed, Maddie let out a sigh of relief. She was glad he understood the position she was in with regard to his sister’s love life. Now all she needed was Suzanne’s new romance to run smoothly.
CHAPTER 6
Suzanne came back from lunch just after two-thirty.
“I had the best time, Mads,” she gushed, her blue eyes sparkling. “We went to that little bistro you and Luke visited. Oh, it was divine! We had red wine and beef olives, and dessert was raspberry panna cotta. And we talked.”
“That’s wonderful.” Maddie smiled at her friend.
“Mrrow!” Trixie seemed to agree.
“Oh, Trixie, Ramon is just the best.” Suzanne blushed, a big grin on her face. Then she sobered. “You don’t think – Trix, you wouldn’t be able to tell me, would you – oh, I’m being silly.” She looked embarrassed.
“What is it?” Maddie peeked through the serving hatch. No customers. In fact, nobody in sight.
“Ramon seems – I don’t know.” She sighed. “Too perfect. He’s never been married. I mean, are the women mad in Spain? He’s been in the US for a while, but why wasn’t he snapped up in Spain? He’s gorgeous, and interesting, and well mannered, and—"
“Stop.” Maddie held up her hand. “I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with Ramon.” She hadn’t received the slightest whisper of intuition that there had been anything “off” with the Spaniard. These days, a thirteen-year difference or so between a couple seemed to be common. The most important thing was that Ramon was a good guy who treated Suzanne well.
“Trixie?” Suzanne turned to the Persian.
“You don’t believe me?” Maddie asked.
“It’s not that, Mads.” Suzanne looked discomfited. “You know I totally believe in your witchy powers and always have, ever since we met in middle school.”
“When I could only do the Coffee Vision spell,” Maddie said ruefully.
“I always wished I could do something cool like that,” Suzanne replied with a smile. “I just thought maybe Trixie could give me a second opinion – on Ramon.”
“Okay,” Maddie said. “But what if Trixie disagrees with me? Whose opinion will you prefer?”
“I’m hoping she’s going to say the same thing you are,” Suzanne said.
“Mrrow!” Trixie seemed to agree.
“Was that a yes, Trix?” Suzanne scrutinized the cat. “Do you agree with Maddie? That I’m just being silly and there’s nothing wrong with Ramon?” She held her breath.
“Mrrow!” Trixie said definitively, appearing to nod her head.
“Phew!” Suzanne let out a whoosh of relief.
“See?” Maddie said, secretly glad that her familiar had in fact agreed with her.
“I’m sorry I doubted you, Mads.” Suzanne gave her a hug. “But oh, I’ve never felt like this before. My feelings have been building ever since we met him, and now that he stops by a few times per week at the truck, plus the massages, I don’t know ... I’m really smitten!”
“I’m happy for you,” Maddie said, smiling.
“Mrrow!” Trixie added.
“Thanks, you two. I just hope he feels the same about me.”
“He asked you out, didn’t he?” Maddie said. It wasn’t like her bestie to show self-doubt.
“Yes, but what if he realizes it was a mistake?”
“Did he seem to have a good time?”
“Yes.” Suzanne blushed.
“I don’t think he would have asked you out if he thought it would only be a one time date,” Maddie said, feeling her way. She wasn’t the most experienced dater, that was for sure. “Because it would be a bit awkward for you two if he came by the truck again for a coffee, wouldn’t it?”
“Yeah.” Suzanne nodded. “That’s what I’ve been thinking, all last night and this morning. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I was so nervous getting ready today.”
“You were? I hadn’t noticed,” Maddie teased.
Suzanne punched her lightly on the arm.
Before they could continue their bantering, clanging sounded from near the truck. Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other.
“Oh no!” Suzanne peered out of the serving hatch. “It’s Veronica!”
“Let me see!” Maddie joined her at the counter.
Veronica was assembling the same collapsible table Claudine had used the other day.
“She’s not allowed to do that!” Suzanne glowered.
“Then we better tell her – I guess,” Maddie said, not wanting to have another confrontation with the woman.
“You bet we will.” Suzanne wrenched open the rear door of the truck and marched out.
“Mrrow?” Trixie furrowed her brow at Suzanne departing.
“Stay here, Trix,” Maddie said. “We’ll be back in a minute.”
Trixie sighed and stayed on the stool.
“You can’t do that!” Maddie heard Suzanne’s raised voice.
“Uh oh.” Maddie grimaced at Trixie and jumped out of the truck. She knew Claudine rubbed her friend the wrong way – she just hoped Veronica’s presence didn’t make matters even worse.
“Yes, I can.” Veronica stood, feet apart, hands on her hips. Her table was erected right next to Brewed from the Bean.
“Do you have permission?” Maddie asked politely, joining them.
Veronica scowled. “I don’t need permission. It’s a free country. I can do whatever I like.”
“Not in the town square you can’t,” Suzanne informed her. She reached into her pocket. “Why don’t I call the mayor and ask him if you’re allowed to set up here?”
Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
“But you don’t have a problem hurting our business?” Maddie asked.
“Like I said, I can do whatever I want, coffee girl.” Veronica’s scowl deepened. “You might have run off Claudine the other day but I don’t scare so easily. Since everyone’s buying iced coffee from you, setting up here is an ideal location. And I’m going to keep the profits.”
Suzanne snorted. “Good luck making any if your cousin made the coffee.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Veronica demanded.
“Just that there’s a reason everyone comes to us for their coffee,” Suzanne told her.
“Because you’ve badmouthed Claudine to everyone,” Veronica returned.
“We have not!” Maddie drew herself up to her full height of five foot five. She didn’t like Claudine, or her coffee, but she didn’t think she’d ever said a negative thing about the other woman’s coffee to anyone – apart from Suzanne – and Trixie. And maybe Luke. But no one else.
“Broomf!” Trixie peered out of the serving hatch. She looked very cross.
“I don’t know how you’re allowed to have a cat inside a food prep area,” Veronica continued. “Maybe I should complain to the mayor about that!”
“We have permission,” Suzanne said loftily. “In fact, the mayor is one of Trixie’s favorite customers.”
“Is everything okay, girls?” A woman in her early fifties hurried over to them. “Are you closing early today? I thought I’d try one of your iced coffees – oh!” The woman stood stock still as she caught a glimpse of Veronica.
“Look who it is! Grace.” A smirk snaked around Veronica’s lips.
The woman called Grace flushed slightly, but stood her ground.
“Veronica. I’d heard you were back.”
“Not for good, though. Because who would want to live here?” Veronica replied. “Just visiting Claudine and seeing what I can do to help her.”
“Let me make you a coffee.” Maddie gently touched Grace’s arm. She looked a little upset.
“I’m calling the mayor right now.” Suzanne pressed some buttons on her phone.
Grace followed Maddie back to the truck.
“Veronica! What are you doing?” Claudine’s nasal screech stopped them in their tracks. Claudine rushed over to Veronica. “I told you not to set up here!”
“You can’t tell me what to do, little cousin.”
“Yes, I can.” Now it was Claudine’s turn to put her hands on her hips as she glared at Veronica. “Take that table down right now! You can help me in the shop.”
She stalked off to her café, ignoring everyone else.
Maddie continued to her truck, not wanting to make eye contact with Veronica. She tapped Suzanne on the arm and gestured toward Trixie still peering out of the serving hatch.
“Come on,” she murmured to her friend.
Grace followed them to Brewed from the Bean, seemingly escaping Veronica as well.
“I can’t believe I’ve run into her,” Grace said, standing on the customer side of the counter.
“Do you know her?” Suzanne asked curiously.
“Suzanne!” Maddie hissed.
“I did – sort of.” Grace sighed. “I think you’d better put a double shot of espresso in my iced coffee, Maddie.”
“Of course.” Maddie set to work, grinding and hissing ensuing from the machine.
“Mrrow?” Trixie had left the serving hatch and had settled back on her stool. She looked enquiringly at Grace.
“You are such a sweet thing, Trixie,” she told the Persian.
“Mrrow.” Trixie sounded as if she said, “Yes, I know.”
“I don’t really want to talk about it, girls. It happened a long time ago.” Grace sounded sad.
“We understand,” Maddie said, sending Suzanne a warning glance.
“Yes,” Suzanne added, a tad reluctantly.