by Sonia Parin
“Her sister beat her to the position.”
“And I bet Luna is still grumbling about it.” Lexie slumped back only to spring forward. “Hey, that makes me second choice.”
Live with it.
“Huh? Who said that?”
Mirabelle tapped her gavel.
“Question.”
“Yes?”
“What’s so important about this cat shindig?”
“It is the most prestigious event in the circuit. Entry is by exclusive invitation only,” Mirabelle explained.
“An event? Are there prizes given out?”
“It’s not competition based. It’s more of a gathering for top breeds.”
“A social mixer for cats?” Lexie chortled.
“Yes, I suppose you could say that. Now, can we proceed?”
“Question. If Luna is the jewel in the crown, where does that put your cat?”
“Her sister, Venus, has an impeccable pedigree and shares podium position with Luna. But enough of that. It’s settled.”
“Says you. What exactly do I get out of this?”
“A fur ball, if you’re not careful,” Mirabelle disguised her remark with a well-timed cough.
“Hey, I heard that.”
“My apologies.” Mirabelle sighed. “I... I have been dealing with a backlog of concerns—”
“Ever tried delegating?”
“That’s the reason for my backlog. Now if we could move on—”
“Back up. I might only be the incoming High Chair, but that’s no reason to treat me like a kid on training wheels. Share the workload.” Lexie hoped she hadn’t just put her foot into a cesspit of trouble.
“That’s precisely what I’m trying to do.”
“But you’re still sounding flustered. Who’s the current High Chair here?” Lexie frowned. She’d never bothered to find out before. It hadn’t even crossed her mind. “I get that you can only give me what I can handle, but in the meantime, surely the current High Chair can lend a hand.”
Her remark was met with silence.
“Hey, if I’m the incoming High Chair, then there must be an outgoing High Chair. Who is it? Come on, out with it.”
“You really don’t know?” Catherine asked.
Luna gave her such an intense look, she appeared to be frowning.
Heat rose to her cheeks. “Are you going to hold it against me? When I switched off and got my ten-year reprieve from this gig, I really switched off.”
“But before that... You must have known,” Catherine said.
“Duh! I was a teenager. All I cared about was... finding a way out.” Lexie’s gaze bounced between the two hovering lights. “Well, is someone going to tell me?”
Mirabelle released a long sigh. “Morgana Primrose Mackenzie.”
The name danced around her mind. Lexie didn’t blink and after a couple of seconds, she actually had to tell herself to breathe. “Morg? Morg? How did I not know this?”
“That’s what we’re asking ourselves.”
“Morg. My Morg.”
“Yes.”
“My mom is the outgoing High Chair.”
“You can’t have been that self-absorbed,” Mirabelle remarked. “What did you think she did with her time?”
Lexie sprung to her feet and paced around the room. Stopping, she flung her arms out. “I... She... she’s a drama teacher.”
“That’s her moonlighting job and perfect cover,” Catherine explained.
“She never mentioned it.”
“Did you ever ask?”
“I need a moment to process this.” Lexie closed her eyes. She didn’t remember her mom ever mentioning it. What if she had and Lexie hadn’t paid any attention?
“Any time you’re ready... let us know,” Mirabelle said.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Okay. I’ll wrap my head around this some other time.”
“Right, now that we’ve sorted that out. Could we please get back to the business at hand?”
Lexie raised a finger. “I have another question.”
“Yes?”
“Does this Lord Bradbury of Chelsea Manor have any associations with the Coven? As in, will I come up against unusual circumstances? That encounter with the deadly inky black fog took several years off me, I’m sure.”
“No. Apart from his title, he is quite ordinary.”
“Can I have that in writing, please?”
Mirabelle’s orb flashed red.
“I guess not,” she said under her breath.
This time, Mirabelle banged her gavel. “I hope you’ve spent your time wisely and practiced ‘shifting’. You won’t be traveling alone. You’ll have Luna and I’m sure she’d appreciate a smooth journey.”
“Can’t she get there under her own steam?”
Luna sprung to her feet and strode to the center of the room. Lexie wasn’t sure, but she suspected Luna was in deep conference with Mirabelle. In fact, if she was privy to the conversation, Lexie was sure she’d hear them talking about her and discussing an out clause.
Luna looked over her shoulder and gave her a head to toe sweep of her eyes that spoke of indifference and possibly...
Disillusionment?
Definitely disappointment.
After a few more minutes, Luna hung her head and resumed her place between Lexie and Jonathan.
“Mind telling me what that was all about?” Lexie asked.
“Nothing you should concern yourself with at the moment.”
“Are you sure about that? I got the impression someone is not happy with her lot.”
“Yes, well. We must all make sacrifices...”
Chapter Two
Lexie kicked the closet door open and crawled out. “Before you say anything, it took Thomas Edison one thousand failed attempts before he finally got it right and invented the light bulb.”
Jonathan shrugged. “You forgot the cat.”
“Ooops.”
Luna sprung to her feet and dashed toward the front door.
“Where’s your trust. It was only a stuffed cat.” Lexie rose to her feet. “Okay, one more time and I promise I’ll get it right.” She mentally ran through the sequence. One: hold onto the cat. Two: think of her destination. Three: she had no idea what or how things happened, but they did. Hers was not to reason why...
“Nope. No more practice runs for you. That’s it,” Jonathan said, “I only had ten stuffed toys.”
Lexie smiled. “Only ten? Thank you.”
“For?”
“For thinking I’d only need ten practice runs before Luna and I head over to Lord Bradbury’s place.”
“It was actually about supply and demand. The toy store only had ten stuffed cats. I’m going to have to place an order online. Then again, you’ve only got a couple of hours to get it right.” He looked over at Luna. “Hey, you. Come over here.”
Luna shrunk back in horror.
“You want me to try it with Luna?”
“It’s now or never.”
“We’ll be fine.”
Luna scratched the door.
Lexie rolled her eyes. “Luna, stop that. You’ll ruin the woodwork.”
Jonathan picked up one of the stuffed cats she’d managed to bring back from the bar. Looking at it, he shook his head. “I don’t get why the tail didn’t make it.”
“Neither do I. I promise, I held on tight.” It was a simple enough task. Hold on to the stuffed toy. Think of the bar. Transport herself there and return... with an intact toy cat.
“Maybe it’ll be different with a live cat.”
Luna screeched and made a dash for the bathroom.
“I locked the window,” Lexie called out. “I think this is going to reflect badly on me. I wonder if she has any other siblings who might be willing to give me a try.”
“She has a brother.”
“Oh, cool. What’s his name?”
“Goofy.”
Lexie stared at Jonathan.
“He was the runt of the litter. You
might have to settle for a scrawny alley cat, after all.”
“Tradition is overrated. Maybe I could set a new trend. Get a dog instead.”
“You heard Mirabelle. It has to be a cat.” He looked at his watch. “I have to get back to the bar. I left Rory in charge and she doesn’t believe the customer is always right.”
Lexie nibbled the edge of her lip. “You’re leaving me?”
“I’ll be back later on... in time to help you corner Luna. If she’s in the bathroom now, I’d shut the door.”
“Jonathan.”
“Yeah?”
“Is there something else you want to tell me?” She had no idea why she asked. Lexie only knew something had changed between them and, so far, neither one had been prepared to step up and talk about it.
“Nope. I’m comfortable living with my denial.” He turned the doorknob, and then stopped. “You really didn’t know your mom is the High Chair?”
“No, I didn’t,” she said, her tone defensive. “In hindsight, I wish I’d cherished those long ago days of sublime ignorant bliss. Everything was so much easier.”
The moment Jonathan closed the door behind him Lexie collapsed face down on the couch.
It would take her three hours to drive up to Saratoga Springs. A six hour round trip. Leaving her next to no time to break the ice with her mom. They hadn’t spoken in over a year. Not since she’d made a point of reminding Lexie her time was coming up and she’d have to face her responsibilities. Leaving messages on each other’s phones didn’t count as keeping in touch.
Also, even if they managed to get over the silent treatment they’d given each other, Lexie didn’t know if she’d be able to get over the fact her mom had never told her she was the High Chair of the American Continent and all Circumferential Domains Pertaining to the Mackenzie Coven.
Lexie was sure she hadn’t. Either way, it would take her over an hour to argue her way through that one, making it impossible to drive there and be back in time.
Of course, there were other ways of getting home faster. But if she did that, her mom would know she had fully embraced her ‘gifts’ and she’d cry for joy. And then, Lexie would be in real trouble. When her mom cried, she threw herself into the emotion. Some people looked pretty when they cried. Not her mom. She’d have puffy eyes for days on end and Lexie would get the blame for it.
Lexie stretched her arm out over her head and reached for the photo Mirabelle had sent her of Chelsea Manor. Another reason why she couldn’t hit the road now. She was supposed to spend a few hours focusing on her destination to make sure she landed in the right place. The manor house had an imposing façade. In fact, it looked like a mini Versailles.
Once again, she’d play it safe and arrive at the doorstep. But that was actually the least of her concerns. Luna wouldn’t be the only extra baggage she’d be carrying. Mirabelle had explained she’d have to provide her own clothes because she couldn’t expect every house to have someone like Taffy. The butler she’d recently encountered had had a gift for procuring all manner of comforts for guests including haute couture clothes. Mirabelle had also stressed the fact she needed to dress for the occasion...
She had to get this right. Despite dragging her feet, she knew she had to accept and embrace her heritage and do her duty. It wouldn’t kill her to ditch her jeans for a pair of tailored pants...
As for the rest. She had to get Luna to co-operate.
“Luna,” she called out. “Get your furry butt over here. We have to talk.” She reached for the leather-bound book Mirabelle had given her. “The Mackenzie Coven Rule book. Rule number one. Do not lose your cat.”
Luna peered at her from around a corner.
“That means you. I might still be on probation, but as far as I’m concerned, you...” she sighed. “You are my temporary cat. I have no intention of losing you. You have to show a little trust and believe you’ll be safe in my hands. Also, I’m actually doing this for your benefit.”
Luna took a tentative step toward her.
“You want to go to this cat thingy. I know you do.”
Luna took a turn around the room and sat down with her back to Lexie.
“I bet there are cats you want to catch up with.”
Luna gave her an over the shoulder glance.
“Maybe even someone you’ve been looking forward to seeing again?” Mirabelle hadn’t gone into details, but Lexie knew there had to be more to this feline get-together. That would make her a chaperone of sorts...
“Here’s the deal. We get through this, meaning, you co-operate, and then we can go our separate ways.” That got her attention. Which didn’t actually bode well for Lexie.
“I guess that’s a yes.”
Luna sprang into action and began preening herself.
“Relax. You look great. Trust me. Your coat’s all shiny.” Lexie sat up. “Oh, do you want me to find you a pink ribbon?”
Luna leaped into a sprint and disappeared into the bathroom.
“Okay, while you’re sprucing yourself up, I should start packing some clothes.” She went to stand in front of her miniscule wardrobe and stared at her stack of jeans and t-shirts. She supposed she could dash out and grab something, although what that something could be she had no idea. She’d never been big on fashion. That was probably one of the reasons why she’d opted for the simplicity of jeans and t-shirts. If pushed to make an admission, she’d have to own up to not having any real idea of what went with what...
No. No. No. Absolutely not. That won’t do at all.
Lexie stilled.
Morg?
“You’re not seriously thinking of wearing denim to Lord Bradbury’s Feline Extravaganza.”
Turning slightly, she saw her mom step out of... well, nowhere, looking resplendent in Prada. Lexie could tell because she’d recently had the... pleasure of wearing it. Not something she’d spread around. The fact her mom was dressed up meant she’d been out on a business luncheon. Apart from teaching drama at the local high school, Morgana ran The Carousel, the town theatre she had single-handedly saved from closing down. Several years back, Morg had campaigned hard and after winning support, she’d been pushed to accept the role of manager. As she didn’t care to do anything by half measures, she worked diligently to attract generous sponsors and that meant always staying connected with the right people.
“Mom.”
“Lexie.”
They stood for long seconds looking at each other. Then her mother made a helpless gesture and threw her arms around Lexie hugging her tightly against her.
“My baby girl. I was so cross with you for not wanting to celebrate your birthday and now here you are, the incoming High Chair. I’m so proud of you.”
“Mom, please don’t cry.”
“I’m brimming with joy, dear. Thank you for calling me. I’ve been champing at the bit wanting to come and see you.”
“I didn’t call you.”
“Oh, I’m sure I heard you.” She looked over her shoulder. “I can see why. No need to worry, we’ll have you fitted out in no time. Lord Bradbury’s Feline Extravaganza runs for three days so you’ll need three cocktail dresses. Then there are the luncheons and afternoon teas.”
Luna strode into the bedroom and leaped onto the bed.
“Oh. You’ve done well. If I’m not mistaken, that’s Luna.”
“It’s not what you think. I’m still... under probation.”
“Don’t let her intimidate you. I’ve heard about all that nonsense about them having a bigger say in who gets to keep them. If she doesn’t work out, I have the perfect companion for you.”
Luna looked up. Lexie thought she caught a look of concern.
“That’s a load off. Not. I don’t understand why I can’t have a dog.”
Both Luna and Morg looked at her.
“Sometimes I wonder if there was a mix-up at the hospital but then I take one look at your gorgeous cheeks and I know you’re all mine.” Morg clapped her hands. “Now, let’s get
these clothes sorted out for you.”
“I’m not going shopping.”
“No need.” Morg gestured for her to turn. “That’s everything you’ll need.”
Her gaze widened. Her closet was now filled with designer labels.
Lexie wondered if now would be a good time to tell her mom she had no intention of relying on her ‘gifts’ for day to day needs. It was the only way she could think of avoiding trouble. She’d never had any luck keeping secrets or getting away with... anything. Skipping class. Skipping school. Breaking curfew. She’d always been caught.
If the wrong person caught her doing something magical...
“Where are my jeans... and my t-shirts?”
“Tucked away in the back. Don’t worry. They’ll be there when you return.”
“They’d better be.”
“Although it wouldn’t hurt to revamp your look.”
“I’m fine as I am.”
“But your position... your new status—”
“Won’t change me.”
“You say that now.”
Lexie crossed her arms and gave her mom a narrowed eye look. “Just because you changed, doesn’t mean I will.”
Morg pressed her hand to her chest. “Me? I’ve always remained true to myself. What you think of as change is merely going with the flow and embracing new fashion trends.” Morg reached around her and drew out a suitcase. “Here we go. All set.”
“You packed all my clothes?” Without even moving.
Morg looked around her bedroom. “While I’m here I could also redecorate for you.”
“No, thanks.”
“Do I detect a note of disapproval?”
Lexie gave a small shrug. “I’m trying to ease into this new life. As Mirabelle says, I’ve missed out on ten years training. There’s so much for me to learn and somehow, I have to maintain a healthy balance. Not let anything go to my head.”
“You begged me to let you take time off.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Your resentment was implied... I heard it in your tone. Admit it. You resent me.”
“Of course, not. You’re my mom.”
“But?”
“But nothing.”
Morg sunk down on the edge of the bed. “I should never have indulged you. Everyone warned me to be firm. But you had your heart set on trying to be a normal teenager.”