by Deandre Dean
Lupio asks, “Want one? It’s a tequila chaser for my draft.”
Ginger answers, “Not much of a drinker. I’ll stick to water for now.”
Lupio shrugs and says, “Suit yourself. Let me know, if you change your mind. That cute bartender give me drinks for free.”
She turns her head to the right to the bartender that Guadalupe just winked at. It is a muscular, tanned white beard guy in his late thirties. He is smoking hot, with tatts lining his arm and all over his neck.
That man was no stranger to the gym with his bulging biceps, almost at big as Guadalupe. Wait, Lupio was gay! Where was she at for that realization.
Ginger gasps accidentally.
Lupio replies, “Is something wrong?”
She shakes her head and says, “You’re gay?”
Lupio laughs a full hearty laugh and answers, “You don’t have to whisper. I’m not ashamed and yes I am. Duh. That bother you?”
Stacey chimes in, “Of course not, don’t be ridiculous.”
Lupio says, “Let Ginger answer.”
Ginger was stunned momentarily before saying, “No. It’s fine. Besides you for one saved my life. And are towering over me with a look of death if I say I don’t love gays.”
They all laugh.
Ginger responds, “No, seriously. All jokes aside. We’re cool and no reason to change our friendship..”
He smiled a huge grin, which melts her heart. Before she can cherish it, he lifts her into a big bear hug and Ginger is giggling when he places her down to the ground gently.
Stacey asked, “Ready to meet the owners? They’re up on the third floor.”
Ginger answers, “Sure. Lead the way.”
Chapter 19:
Walking up the steps with a small group of friends made Ginger wish she had invited Hannah and Frost. She didn’t want to lose her friends, and of course Caleb would be too busy running his kingdom. Maybe she could ask Lucy the next time they went out. She missed them profusely.
The band announced they were taking a break, so the vibe of the club changed from highly charged to sex crazed. The bumping excelrated tones of tech-house music made ginger want to dance.
She thought, “After we meet the owners, I am dancing.”
Ginger missed Diego deeply in moments like these, to be held closely. She had to push those feelings deep down and learn to move past her past.
She wondered, “Why did my parents let a demon put blood in me to mask my witch heritage?”
The answer was in the fact that Feltus wanted her dead.
Stacey made the introductions, “This is Kambria Gwendolyn Townsend, but we all call her Kara.”
Kara was 5’6, a little shorter than Ginger with red hair and stunning blue eyes that popped at you when you gazed at them. To say she was flawless, or breath-taking was a understatement.
Kara responds, “You’re a fellow indigo? So are we.”
The man stood up, he looked so much different than Ginger imagined Stacey’s cousin to be. He had no Asian features, but then again neither did Aaron. Shalice Kincaid was twins with Alkmene, but they were polar opposites. Shalice seemed warm, whereas Alkmene was cold and distant.
Far from the pictures in the Darkholme house of a loving man that would do anything for her and their children. Jordan was 6’0 with piercing brown eyes and a swimmer’s body. Stacey was conservative, or at least appeared to dress like one, regardless of her tastes or values.
Jordan spoke, “I’m Jordan Gregory Lensherr, welcome to our club. Kara and I bought it a couple years back. I see you had the displeasure of meeting my parents. You need to keep your guard up or anyone can read your mind.”
He pulled out of her thoughts, Ginger needed a drink of water which Peter thankfully handed to her.
After a few sips Ginger asked, “What was that?”
Chapter 20:
Ginger had never felt that much power. The man’s mind packed a punch, hopefully with age so would she.
Jordan says, “Hey. I’m not that old. How dare you call this lady old, how rude. I’m only 24 and my unique abilities plus you all make me hyped up times ten.”
Ginger looked confused.
Stacey explains, “Kara, Ginger, and I are radiating psychic energy that Jordan is able to copy and boost his own powers. He’s impossible to beat. Why Feltus must never find out about him. If Feltus got his hands on his powers, he’d be unstoppable.”
Lupio replies, “He’s pretty invincible already now.”
Kara states, “Not true. We just don’t know his weaknesses.”
Ginger answers, “That’s all good and well, but I want to know can we put this conversation on the back burner for a second. I wanted to…”
Jordan responds, “I know why you’re here. I will look into it ASAP, I promise.”
Ginger breathes a sigh of relief.
Jordan says, “How about we dance?”
Ginger asked, “With you?”
Jordan answers, “Sorry sweetheart no, but my man just arrived.”
She turned her head to the VIP entrance. There stood a tall Indian man, 26 with a wiry body and was emulating magic. Kyle Cromwell, a magician and warlock was Jordan’s boyfriend. He was 5’9 with a boyish grin and dimples.
Lupio says, “Let’s cut a rug.”
Stacey grabbed Peter and went to the dance-floor. Everybody else followed and Ginger felt lighter now that the worry about her past would be solved. Things were starting to look up.
Chapter 21:
After hours of dancing and having a good time, Ginger was tired. She leaned against a wall, when seconds later as she was catching her breathe a hand passed her a bottle of water. Ginger gazed up at a muscular arm. It belonged to Guadalupe, who had a grin on his face. That man was pure handsome wrapped in a kind exterior.
Ginger asked, “What’s with you?”
Lupio replies, “My friend Cole is giving me a ride.”
Ginger was dumfounded and responds, “Is that a big deal?”
Lupio answers with a mischievous grin, “He is giving me a ride!”
Ginger giggles and says, “Oh. That kind of ride. Well have fun and be safe.”
Lupio states, “All baby girl, you’re sweet. I’m a stud with the gentlemen who uses protection, but I appreciate your concern. Now give me a sweaty hug, and find yourself a fella.”
She laughs and pulled him into a warm, friendly embrace.
Ginger pulls back and says, “Thanks, but not tonight .See you later.”
Lupio shakes his dead and kisses her cheek. He replies, “Night my lovely.”
He was gone in a flash, leaving Ginger guzzling her water and she didn’t bother looking for Stacey who gave her the keys. She was probably off somewhere with Peter. Everyone was getting lucky tonight.
A man pulled her into her arms from behind when she stood. Ginger fought the urge to elbow this intruder in the ribs. She was in a club, not being attacked.
The voice responds, “Relax.”
She twirls around at the familiar voice belonging to Kyle, who had a wicked grin on his face. That bastard, she swats his arm as he laughs loudly.
Kyle states, “Why did you do that for?”
Ginger snaps back, “You scared me. I was five second away from drop kicking you in the nuts.”
Kyle replies, “Thanks for not. I am rather fond of my marbles.”
She laughs as Jordan comes over with two drinks. He hands one to Kyle, no doubt liquor. Ginger excuses herself to head back to the VIP session upstairs. She sees Kara and decides she wouldn’t mind chatting.
Ginger wonders, “What’s her unique gift?”
Chapter 22:
Plotting herself down beside Kara Townsend. The woman had poise and glamour much like Jurnee, making Ginger feel frumpy next to both woman. Tall, gorgeous women were all around her. Not a hair place, than again Ginger spent the past two and 3 quarter hours sweating.
She wondered, “No more dancing, check.”
Ginger’s straight
black hair was now frizzy curly from the sweat and totally out of control. Kara was 28 years old, but that was a lie. It seems witches age differently, the woman was really seventy three in normal human years. Ginger wanted to gasps here, but figured what the hell she’d be like her one day.
Kara asked, “So bored of dancing or lack of men?”
Ginger laughs and responds, “Naw, no men for me.”
Kara says, “Ah, a lady chaser. That’s cool with me.”
Ginger snaps her head at her and replies, “No, no that. I’m just healing after the devasting death of my boyfriend.”
Kara states, “Wow, intense. Girl, you been through some things. Hell ya, heal and take some time.”
Ginger nods and sips her water.
Kara answers, “You should see me run. I have super speed, but I am like a dare devil on legs.”
Ginger smiles and states, “That’ll be something to see. I love to run as well, but not sprint or 20Ks, or nothing like that. Just for me. You know to clear my head.”
Kara says, “Totally understandable. Hey, do you write by any chance?”
Ginger grins and says, “Yes, I love to write actually. It is my passion. How’d you know?”
Kara smirks and answers, “My gift. It’s called cataptromancy. Just a fancy way to say I can communicate or predict the future with glass or mirrors.”
Ginger nods and responds, “Pretty awesome ability. I can control time some.”
Kara gasps and asks, “Really?”
Ginger says, “I need to work on it, but yes I will control time someday.”
Kara wonders before replying, “Can I read your future?”
Ginger just nods. She sets her bottle of water down, as Kara takes her hands in hers. For Kara’s touch was warm like a snuggly, electronic blanket. Whereas Ginger’s hands were damp from holding the water.
Kara states, “I don’t know how accurate. My real talent is controlling my spirit in dreams. I am going to try a spell to enhance my abilities and try to get a glimpse of something.”
Before ginger could reply, she fell the build up of magic. It was energy all around her that felt like a zap of electricity shot through her entire body, and Ginger felt as if she was falling. Suddenly she was drowsy and sleep took over.
Chapter 23:
The moment I tried to open my eyes, I couldn’t because it was just darkness.
Ginger thought, “I guess I must be sleep.”
Kara’s voice rang in her mind, “Yes, only way my powers are going to work.”
Ginger thought back, “Okay. So what do I do now?”
Kara’s voice responded, “Wait.”
It seemed like hours of silence, but maybe that was her mind playing tricks on her. It was really probably just two minutes that went by, and felt longer because she wasn’t in control here.
Kara’s voice answered her, ‘I am done. You’re ready to leave this obliviousness to the dream world.”
The darkness changed to a entirely white room with no windows or doors. It wasn’t better or worst then the place she previously just left. Looking around she spotted a red diamond laying on the floor.
Ginger thought, ‘Was that there before?”
She walked over and picked it up. Ginger looked at it closely and saw a man that looked familiar inside like a mirror or a magic crystal ball. Before she could glance closer, the familiar face vanished to reveal Stacey. She was leading Ginger into a room with a long table that was filled with people.
Ginger wondered, “Who are they?”
The diamond shattered and she gasps, as she felt her world tumble out of control. Ginger’s eyes snapped open, and she was back in the club.
Ginger thought, “Where is the white room?”
Looking around she sees an angry Kara still holding her hands. She looked from an angry Kara to Leo.
She wondered, “What is he doing here? Is he the one who shook me awake?”
It was all becoming clear.
Ginger asked, “What happened?”
Leo responds, “That’s what I want to know?”
Chapter 24:
Leonard Desmond Lions, a man following her. That sounded so creepy, no protecting her. He was the reason her dream vision was shattered, but now she had some direction. Sure Jordan was on one lead and promises to find her blood step-parent. Ginger also had reason to believe he was the answer to stopping Feltus. That was great news in her mind. She was storing that bite of information away for later.
Ginger thought, “Leo, I wonder if he is single?”
Kara demands, “Why did you interrupt me?”
Ginger could see she was pissed.
Leo says, “ I was worried about Ginger. I was hired to look after her.”
Kara fumes and snarls, “Fool. I better start closing up the registers.”
Kara snapped up off the loveseat and headed for the ground level. A anxious Leo smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.
Leo states, “That could have gone better.”
Ginger laughs and replies, “You think?!”
He laughs with her, as he takes a seat next to her. He’s woodsy, almond scent hit her nostrils. This close proximity was sending her body into overload. A desire was risen, taken her into the zone of need and wanting to be protected by him.
She sighs.
Leo asked, “Is something wrong?”
Ginger forces a smile and answers, “A headache. Nothing to frat about. So why are you here? Spying?”
Leo replies, “Actually for once, no. I am a witch, and love this club.”
Ginger felt foolish at her snarky attitude.
She shakes her head and states, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to snap at you.”
Leo answers, “No worries. I probably deserved it. For basically stalking you without permission.”
Ginger laughs and says, “Hence the term stalking.”
Leo grins and responds, “You’re pretty funny and quick on your feet. Witty one.”
Ginger smiles and replies, “Thanks. I better get going, got an early day tomorrow.”
Leo stands as she does.
He asks, “Can I walk you to your car?
Ginger smiles and says, “I think I can make it. No drinking here.”
He nods. Ginger felt his disappointment and stares into his big brown eyes.
Ginger answers, “Sure, why not. It is late.”
Chapter 25:
Standing outside in the parking lot with Leo.
Ginger wonders, “Is he going to kiss me?”
He smiles at her.
She thinks, “Doubtful.”
Leo asks, “Had fun tonight?”
Ginger answers, “A lot actually.”
Leo responds, “You sound shocked. Don’t you come here often?”
Ginger states, “Not really. Tonight was my first time.”
Leo nods his head and replies, “It’s not because of it being mainly a witch club. Because everyone is welcomed.”
Ginger laughs and says, “No, just not 18 is all. Stacey go me in.”
Leo states, “Ah, got you.”
She thinks, “Idiot. Why’d you mention you’re underage?”
Ginger asks, “So you’re a witch, too? Do you guys have a club?”
She laughs at her foolish question. Glancing at Sidalor and thinks, obviously.
Leo says, “Actually a council, believe it or not.”
Ginger is stunned and replies, “Really?”
Leo nods and responds, “Yeah, Stacey never told you any of this?”
Ginger answers, “Maybe it slipped her mind.”
Leo nods and opens her door for her.
Ginger responds, “Thanks Leo.”
He nods, as Ginger slides in. She stares up at him and he gently closes the door. He waves when she starts up the car. Ginger drives off, gazing at him in her rear view window.
Ginger wonders, “Am I ready to date again?”
She sighs as she drove home.
Chapter 26:
/> The next morning, Ginger got up early and made breakfast. Nothing fancy, just blueberry pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, strawberries from the garden, scrambled eggs, and bacon to go with the bagel from the market. The smell jolted Aaron, Yvette, and Stacey downstairs.
When Stacey looked at her, Ginger sent a message telepathically they needed to talk in private.
Stacey nodded.
They all ate breakfast and had a lively chat. Yvette did the dishes, since she was in a rush to go to the office and work for a few hours.
Stacey says, “More power to you sis.”
Aaron states, “Try and have some fun kiddo. Live a little like your sisters. Both my princesses managed to have a good time last night.”