by Deanna Chase
Betty let out a huff of laughter. “Faith doesn’t have anything on me. I’m a brown belt, you know.”
“You are?” Luna asked, surprised.
“Well, I have a brown belt. My first husband earned it. All I did was cheer him on. But I figure I must’ve learned something after all those years of pretending to be interested in karate. Right?”
“Sure, Betty.” Luna chuckled. “I bet you have moves Faith’s never seen before.”
“You got that right.” She wiggled her hips, making Luna laugh again.
“Looks more like dance moves.”
“I’ve got those, too, Luna. You should come to our next dance social at the home. I’ll show you my trick-hip move. Of course, I might need some physical therapy afterward, but it’d be worth it.”
Betty continued to charm Luna with her stories through the rest of the massage, and when it was over and Luna walked her back to the front counter, they were both still laughing.
“Well now, what’s got the two of you in stitches today?” Lena, the receptionist, asked. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head in a sleek bun, and she had a pencil tucked along her ear. Black-rimmed glasses topped off her aesthetic, making her look more like a Hispanic librarian than a spa receptionist.
“Nothing much,” Ms. Betty said with a small shrug. “I was just hoping to run into Hunter.” She lifted her hands and mimed squeezing his biceps. “I swear, that man does things to me. Last week I almost pinched his butt, but Yvette over at Hollow Books told me that’s harassment, so I just tapped it instead. Do you have any idea how firm that thing is? I could just take a bite—”
“Ms. Betty!” Faith scolded as she swept into the lobby. Her long blond hair was pulled back into a low braid, and her green eyes were narrowed as she stared at the older woman. “You did not just brag about sexually harassing my fiancé, did you?”
“I didn’t pinch him! Yvette said—”
Faith put her hand up, stopping the older woman. “I know what Yvette said. Copping a feel isn’t any better.” She shook her head. “How would you like it if I reached out and grabbed your butt?”
Ms. Betty’s eyes flickered with amusement. “I’d say thank you. It would be the most action I’ve seen since that Y2K party where we pulled watches from a bucket and I ended up spending the evening with that gorgeous restaurateur from the city. He had a really big—”
“Never mind.” Faith clamped her hands over her ears and shook with silent laughter.
Luna adored Ms. Betty. The woman had to be in her seventies and possessed no filter. While Luna didn’t wish to offend anyone with inappropriate touching, she did hope that when she was Ms. Betty’s age, she was embracing life as fully as the older woman did. Ms. Betty always had a smile on her face and never missed a chance to laugh. It was a sign of life well lived as far as Luna was concerned.
Ms. Betty settled her bill with Lena, and when she was on her way out, she squeezed Luna’s hand as she said, “Enjoy that sexy man. Take notes. I’m gonna wanna hear all about it during my next session.”
Luna let out a snort of amusement. “Have a good afternoon, Betty.”
“You know it. The pool boy is coming by today. I need to get back before all the good seats are taken.” With a giant smile, she hurried out the door, climbed onto the Enchanted Dreams Retirement Community golf cart, and waved as the young man in the driver’s seat backed out.
“She’s dangerous,” Faith said under her breath.
“I think she’s fun,” Luna said with a shrug and started to head back to her massage space to get it ready for the next client.
“Wait, Luna there’s a letter for you,” Faith said.
Luna glanced back at her boss, her brows pinched in confusion. “What?”
Faith, who’d begun sifting through the mail, held up a cream-colored envelope, her confused expression mirroring Luna’s. “It doesn’t have a return address, but it’s postmark is from Redding. Do you have family there?”
Luna almost laughed. Family. That was something other people had. She just shook her head and moved back to the counter, taking the thick envelope from her boss. “It’s definitely not family. It’s probably someone I went to school with or an old roommate.”
Faith’s eyebrows rose. “No family?”
Damn. Why had she said anything? Luna never talked about the fact that she didn’t have any of her own people out there somewhere. Her past was just too depressing. Instead, she was always vague. It worked for her. Usually. “Not anymore. My mom passed away and it was just the two of us.”
“Oh, Luna. I’m so sorry,” Faith said, pressing her hand to her chest. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“I know. It’s all right.” Luna gave her a reassuring smile before disappearing to her massage room. She held the envelope between two fingers and stared at it for a long moment. Nope. She wasn’t ready to confront whatever past was coming back to haunt her. Tucking the envelope into her back pocket, she put the entire thing out of her mind. She had a client coming in twenty minutes. Time to get back to work.
When Luna was finally done with her last appointment of the day, she made her way down the hallway to Faith’s office. After one knock on the closed door, she heard a faint, “Come in.”
Luna had meant to just poke her head in, but just as she opened the door, Faith’s private line rang. Faith reached over to pick it up, waved Luna in, and pointed to one of the overstuffed chairs in the sitting area.
“Faith Townsend,” she said into the phone. Her normally sunny expression turned dark as she frowned. “No, Gabby. I already told you I’m not interested.”
Luna perched on the edge of the seat, not sure if she should be there considering Faith’s entire demeanor had just changed. Her shoulders were hunched, and her jaw clenched. Whoever was on the other end of the line had wound Faith tighter than she’d ever seen her.
“Well, that’s for you to figure out,” Faith continued. “It might be part of your program to try to make amends, but I’m under no obligation to make that easy for you.” There was a pause, and Faith’s eyes flashed with anger. “No, I’m not intentionally punishing you. Stop guilting me. I’m just not ready, all right?”
Luna stood, understanding she was eavesdropping on a personal conversation. “I’ll wait outside,” she whispered.
But Faith covered the receiver of the phone and shook her head. “No need. Give me a sec.”
Since her boss had just insisted she stay, Luna sat back down and tried not to listen. She failed.
“I have to go,” Faith said, her voice harsher than Luna had ever heard it. “No, I won’t be coming… I don’t know if Abby or Yvette would be interested.” Faith pressed a hand to the back of her neck. “No, I doubt Noel will go either. I’m hanging up now.” She started to lower the receiver, but Gabby must’ve yelled something into the phone, because Faith quickly pressed the phone back to her ear. “What did you just say?”
Luna stared at the wall, a chill crawling over her skin. After her unpleasant years in the foster system, Luna had developed a major aversion to the drama of family. And sitting in the office, listening to Faith deal with someone who was obviously family, started to make Luna’s skin itch. She needed to get off the chair and just walk right out of the room. She’d make an excuse. It wasn’t that hard. People did it all the time.
“You what?” Faith stood up, her eyes huge. “That’s not possible. Hunter would know… I’m not listening to your lies. Goodbye, Gabby.” She slammed the phone down, sank back into the chair, and rested her hands against her forehead.
Luna sat frozen, unsure of what to do. She wanted to give Faith a moment to process whatever she’d just heard, but at the same time, she wanted to give her privacy.
“Goddess. I’m so sorry, Luna.” She looked up from her hands, her eyes glassy as if she were holding back tears. “That was…” Faith sucked in a shaky breath. “Well, it was unexpected.” Straightening, she leveled her gaze at Luna. “What can I do for you?”<
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Luna let out a quiet chuckle. “I was just getting ready to call it a day and only stopped by to see if you need anything before I leave.”
Faith’s frustration and tension eased, causing her shoulders and jaw to relax slightly. “Dang, I lucked out when you applied, didn’t I?” Her smile lit up her entire face as she pulled out a sheet of paper and pushed it to the edge of her desk. “All I need for you to do is sign this.”
Luna leaned forward and grabbed what looked to be a contract. “What is this?”
“It’s an employment agreement.” Her smile widened. “You’ve been here long enough for us to know it’s a good fit, right?”
“Sure.” Luna nodded because she liked her job. Faith was easy to work for, and the customers were amazing.
“And you’ve just moved to town, so you’re settled. Not leaving any time soon?” she asked.
“Yep, moved to town, not leaving,” Luna confirmed.
“Excellent. Because I’ve decided the best way to keep great employees is by offering profit sharing incentives. Your base pay isn’t changing. Well it is,” she said with a nod of her head, “but that’s because you’re getting a raise. It’s what we talked about when you were hired. But now you’ll get bonuses based on the performance of the shop. How’s that sound?”
Luna was certain she’d heard wrong. Bonuses? Profit sharing? Luna had only been there a short time. She knew she was a valued employee, and she was damned good at her job. She just hadn’t expected… this. She cleared her throat. “That’s very generous of you, Faith. Are you sure that’s what you want to do? Not that I’m complaining, I just… I haven’t been here long.”
Faith moved from behind her desk and sat in the chair next to Luna’s. She turned kind eyes on her employee. “Listen, I’ve already worked out that you don’t like to talk about the past. That’s fine. I have baggage I’m not exactly interested in revisiting either.” She waved a hand at the phone. “You just got a peek at it with that call I wasn’t expecting.” Faith shook her head as if to dislodge the memory from her brain. “Anyway, I know you said you don’t have family out there somewhere, and I have no intention of prying about that.”
Luna opened her mouth but then realized she had no idea what to say. Thank you? Good? Drop it?
“I just want you to know that I think of everyone who works here as family. And when you’re my family, the entire Townsend clan claims you,” Faith said. “If you know anything about the Townsends, it’s that we take care of family. Even when they don’t want us to, so try to sidestep that one, okay?”
A surprise bubble of laughter rose from the back of Luna’s throat. “I’ll try my best.”
“That’s all anyone can do.”
Faith stood and held her arms open. “Is it inappropriate to ask for a hug?”
“Yes,” Luna said, still laughing. But she rose from her chair and gave Faith the hug she asked for. Luna sank into the other woman’s embrace. It was warm and comfortable, and for the first time in forever, Luna didn’t feel that edge of panic rising up and threatening to choke her. But her eyes did sting with tears from the unexpected gesture. “Thank you, Faith. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“You’re welcome.” Faith pulled back, grinning at her. “Now go. I know you have a big date tonight. Don’t want to keep that pretty musician waiting.”
Luna’s mouth dropped open. “You, too? Who told you?”
“Hanna. Why, was it a secret?”
“No. Everyone will see us together at dinner anyway. It just got around fast, that’s all.”
“Oh. Right.” Faith patted her arm. “Don’t blame Hanna. She only mentioned it after Shannon started talking about how she’d asked him out and he’d turned her down. Apparently, she was bugging Chad while he worked on his store and pried it out of him.”
“He turned her down?” That knowledge made Luna’s stomach flip over. “Shannon’s gorgeous.”
“So are you,” Faith said. “Now go. I have a few things to finish up before I go find Hunter and make sure Ms. Betty hasn’t hunted him down for another feel.”
Luna was still laughing as she slipped out of the front door. It had been a great day. She just prayed she got through this date without making an idiot of herself.
Chapter Eight
What did one wear for a date at the brewpub? Luna was guessing casual, but nice? Did that mean jeans and a clean top or a skirt and cute shoes? She rummaged through her meager wardrobe and let out a curse when she couldn’t find the skirt she was looking for—the one that made her legs look amazing. Instead, she came up with a black number that was a little more witchy than she intended for a first date, but since it was less than twenty-four hours since she’d moved and most of her stuff was still waiting to be unpacked, she made do with what she had on hand.
After a quick shower, Luna pulled on black fishnet tights, the mostly tulle skirt, and a waist-cinching corset top that made her look two sizes smaller. She scanned the overall effect of the outfit and knew because she lived in Keating Hollow, she’d fit right in. But still, it seemed a little over the top for pub food. She glanced at herself again and decided she was going with it because, damn, she looked hot.
Chad wouldn’t know what hit him. Chuckling to herself, she retreated to the bathroom to fix her hair and makeup.
Luna was just descending the stairs when she heard the knock on the door, feeling self-conscious for the first time since she’d put her ensemble together. She was nervous, and her hands had started to sweat.
“Relax, Hope,” she whispered to herself. “It’s just Chad.” The truth was he’d seen her at her worst, and she wanted to rectify that. Just for pure self-satisfaction, no matter how trivial that sounded.
His knock sounded again. With her head held high, she went to open the door. And what she found was the most adorable man in pressed slacks and a short-sleeved button-down shirt, holding a bouquet of violet tulips.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he said, his eyes twinkling with interest. “Nice dress.”
She chuckled. “It’s a skirt, but close enough. Come on in.” Luna led him to her small kitchen where she rooted around for something to put the tulips in. “I don’t think I have a vase.”
“Got a milk container?” he asked.
“No.” She opened her cabinet and pulled out a smoothie thermos. “I think this is the best I can find.”
“It’ll work.” Chad filled the container with water and the tulips and put them on her counter. “Next time I’ll be sure to get a vase, too.”
Next time. If she’d been unsure before about the status of this outing, the flowers had provided clear clarification that this was indeed a date. And he was already anticipating a second one. Her heart did a little flip, causing her face to heat with a flush.
Chad glanced around at the mostly empty house. “What is your plan for furnishings?”
She took a breath and tried to act like her pulse hadn’t started racing. After moving to Eureka and starting her new job, Luna’s funds had gotten dangerously low. She needed to work on replenishing her savings before she went on any shopping sprees. “I was thinking I’d hit some yard sales or a couple of secondhand places when I get a chance. New furniture isn’t really in the budget just yet.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he said with a nod. “You know, my stepmom has some things you might be interested in. She recently redecorated, and her garage is filled with furniture just waiting for the next yard sale. You should stop by and check if there’s anything to your taste.”
She smiled up at him. The man really didn’t know how to stop taking care of people, did he? “I’ll do that. Thanks.”
“Ready for some food?” He held his arm out to her.
“Starving.” She slipped her arm through his and glanced up at his handsome face as she let him lead her out of her newly rented place.
Keating Hollow Brewery was packed when Chad and Luna walked in ten minutes later. The bar was full, and there were groups o
f people waiting to be seated.
“Whoa,” Luna said. “I wonder what’s going on.”
“Maybe Yvette is having another event at her bookstore,” Chad offered.
Luna glanced around and spotted Abby Townsend hurrying toward them. She didn’t normally work at the brewery, but since her father owned the place and her husband was the manager, she occasionally helped out when needed. She had an apron tied around her waist and was holding a stack of menus.
“Chad, Luna, hi!” she said with a bright smile. Her honey-blond hair was tied up in a long ponytail, and she had a cardamom scent as if she’d been baking… or more likely whipping up batches of her healing potions. She was a very successful earth witch who sold healing potions, lotions, and soaps. “Welcome to the circus. Need a table?”
“Looks like you’re filled up,” Chad said. “How long is the wait?”
“Is it just the two of you?”
“Yep.” Chad reached out and put a hand on the small of Luna’s back.
Tingles radiated up Luna’s spine, and she suppressed the urge to shudder from his touch.
“I’ve got an open two-top in the back. The rest of these parties are three or more. Follow me.”
They walked through the busy restaurant until they got to a small table in a quieter section of the pub. “How’s this?” Abby asked.
“Perfect.” Chad pulled a chair out for Luna and then took his seat across from her.
Abby’s gaze had followed Chad’s movements, and when he glanced back up to take one of the menus, she smiled knowingly at him. “Looks like it didn’t take you long to ask out the prettiest girl in town.”
Chad chuckled. “I wish that were true, but it turns out she asked me.”
Abby’s eyebrows rose. “Well, lucky you then.”
“You’ve got that right.” Chad smiled at Luna.
Luna felt her face flush again, and she mumbled, “It’s just a thank-you dinner. Chad helped me move yesterday.”