by Jinty James
“Maybe that’s the great room,” Suzanne murmured, carrying her overnight bag.
Just as they entered the large space, empty apart from a big leather lounge suite, armchairs, and coffee tables, they heard Autumn’s agitated voice.
“I told you, now is not a good time to call me.” Autumn paced the pastel blue carpet.
Maddie, Trixie and Suzanne stopped in their tracks at the same time Autumn saw them. She waved them forward.
“Don’t contact me again this weekend.” She ended the call and took a deep breath. “What can I do for you ladies?”
“We didn’t mean to intrude,” Maddie began hesitantly.
“But we were wondering where our bedroom was,” Suzanne added. She hefted her overnight. “So we could put our bags in there and start making the coffee.” Her eyes lit up. “And give you first dibs on my health balls.”
“Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.” Autumn smiled but Maddie noticed it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “All the bedrooms are upstairs.”
They followed her up a large wooden staircase. Maddie marveled at the intricate detailing, wondering what it would be like to live in a house like this. She’d lived all her life in Estherville, but hadn’t really noticed this residence before. Was that because most of the time she travelled in the opposite direction to Seattle? Or was there something a little magical about this house?
Her mind flashed back to the first time she saw Wytchcraft for the Chosen in the local secondhand bookstore. Had there been other witches in Estherville before her? Had one lived here?
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly.
Maddie looked down at her familiar. It sounded as if Trixie had confirmed her thought. But did the cat really know? And if so, how? Perhaps she just knew, deep down, because she was a familiar?
“Here we are.” Autumn’s voice cut into Maddie’s thoughts. The group leader flung open a door at the end of the hall. Twin beds with white bedspreads, a nightstand between the beds, and an armoire were the only furniture in the large room.
“All the attendees will get their own room.” Autumn looked at them apologetically. “I hope you three will be comfortable here.”
“I’m sure we will.” Suzanne smiled.
“Mrrow.” Trixie tugged on the lead and hopped up onto one of the beds, kneading the cover experimentally.
“Trixie! You should do that with your special blanket.” Maddie bent down to her bag and grabbed a fluffy pink throw. She put it on top of the bedspread.
“I’m sure Trixie won’t do any damage.” Autumn looked fondly at the cat.
Trixie hopped onto her blanket and started kneading again.
“She’s so good.” Autumn smiled. “You’re very lucky to have her.”
“I know,” Maddie replied, wondering once again if Autumn possessed some kind of special ability. So far, Maddie hadn’t come across anyone she suspected as having intuition or magical powers, apart from a contestant in the big barista competition she’d entered in Seattle a couple of months ago. Did Autumn possess psychic abilities? Or was she attuned to the Universe more than other people, through her workshops and yoga?
“The other attendees should be arriving shortly.” Autumn looked at her sunflower colored watch.
“Then we better start making that special French Roast,” Suzanne said. “And plate the health balls.”
“I had a good feeling about you girls when I saw your business card.” Autumn smiled.
“Really?” Suzanne grinned. She’d been gung-ho about getting business cards printed.
“Where did you get our card?” Maddie asked curiously.
Autumn crinkled her brow. “I think it was from a little coffee shop in Redbud Glen when I was scouting locations for this workshop. I hadn’t found anything suitable, so I stopped for an espresso and the man said if I was going to Estherville I should visit your truck to try your coffee, and he gave me your card.”
“That must be Bob,” Maddie and Suzanne chorused.
“Yes, I think that was his name.” Autumn nodded. “I’d already booked another caterer but when they cancelled on me, I went through my purse because that’s where I put people’s cards, and that’s how I rediscovered your card.” She flushed. “I know it’s not very efficient, but it seems to work for me.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Suzanne assured her. “If I put something in a safe place I can never find it. But if I don’t put it in a safe place, then I have no problem finding it.”
“Me too,” Maddie agreed.
“Did you know Bob is getting married to Jill? And Jill wants Trixie to be one of her attendants?” Suzanne asked Autumn as they turned toward the door. “She owns the café at Aunt Winifred and they’ve turned their two cafes into a chain. They’re friends of ours.”
“How did you two meet them?” Autumn asked curiously.
“At the Estherville coffee festival a few months ago.” Suzanne waved a hand in the air. “Maddie won the barista competition, by the way.”
“Suzanne!” Maddie hissed, her cheeks burning.
“That’s wonderful, Maddie.” Autumn turned to her. “I know I haven’t tried your coffee yet, but I’m sure it’s delicious. That’s what Bob told me.”
“It definitely is.” Suzanne grinned.
“I hope you like the French Roast,” Maddie said. She’d done a trial run last night at home, but she didn’t serve that kind of coffee at Brewed from the Bean. She focused on making specialty coffees, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas.
“I’m sure I will.” Autumn smiled at her.
All three of them turned to look at Trixie. She’d curled up on her special blanket and seemed to be asleep.
“I think we should leave her here,” Maddie suggested softly.
“We can shut the door and you can check on her in a bit,” Suzanne whispered.
Maddie nodded as she closed the door quietly behind them.
Once they descended the stairs, they spoke normally.
“Maddie and I will get that coffee started, Autumn,” Suzanne said.
“Wonderful. I’ll be in the great room, setting up.”
In the kitchen, Maddie unpacked the French press. When Autumn had hired them, she’d specifically requested French pressed coffee. Making it this way would be easier than making individual espresso based drinks in her coffee machine in the truck.
Suzanne got out a large white plate and arranged the health balls.
“I can’t wait until Autumn tries these.” She grinned and held out the dish to Maddie. Yellow balls flecked with coconut, and maple colored balls beckoned temptingly. “Want one?”
“No, thanks,” Maddie said regretfully. “Should we even have any? Aren’t they all for the attendees?”
“I made some extra and didn’t charge Autumn for them,” Suzanne replied. “So it’s perfectly okay for us to have some.”
“Sorry.” Maddie knew she shouldn’t have doubted her friend.
“I know you’ve got a lot on your mind.” Suzanne touched Maddie’s arm. “You’re probably worried what the coffee will taste like.”
Maddie shook her head ruefully. “You know me too well.”
“I bet Luke would like to know you that well too,” Suzanne teased.
Maddie blushed. Luke was her boyfriend, and Suzanne’s brother. Her best friend was in favor of them dating and had told Maddie more than once she hoped they’d be sisters-in-law in the future. But it was early days. She and Luke had only been dating for a couple of months.
“I told him I’d call him tonight,” Maddie murmured, busy spooning the ground coffee into the pot.
“I’m sure he’s sitting by the phone, waiting for your call.” Suzanne giggled. “He’s crazy about you, Mads.”
Her heartbeat fluttered at her friend’s words. She’d had a crush on Luke for years, but only recently had he seemed to have the same feelings toward her. There was only one problem – she hadn’t told him she was a witch. Only Suzanne and Trixie knew, and
right now, Maddie wasn’t comfortable with anyone else knowing.
When the coffee was ready, Maddie set the French press on a tray along with a cup, vegan creamer, and sugar.
“We better take this in to Autumn,” Maddie said.
“She’s nice, isn’t she? I’m looking forward to trying yoga, but I’m not sure about the rest of the workshop.” Suzanne looked doubtful. “Do you really think it’s that easy to get rid of the negativity in your life?”
“I don’t know.” Maddie wrinkled her nose. “But it might be interesting to find out what it’s all about.” She told herself she should keep an open mind about the retreat. Maybe there would be some useful information she could use in her own life, such as dealing with Claudine, a cantankerous woman who owned a rival coffee shop, and who was her former boss.
“I’m dying to find out what Autumn says about the coffee.” Suzanne led the way to the great room.
When they entered the large space, Autumn was straightening some cushions on one of the sofas.
“Wonderful!” The group leader seemed happy to see them. “I can’t wait to try this, Maddie.”
“I hope you like it.” Maddie set the tray down on a coffee table. “I wasn’t sure if you liked vegan cream or sugar so I brought in both.”
“Very thoughtful.” Autumn sat down and poured the coffee into the cup. “But I prefer mine black.” She inhaled the aroma, and took a sip. And then another. “This is perfect.”
“Really?”
“Why don’t you girls grab a cup and see for yourself?”
Suzanne set down the plate of health balls, then loped to the kitchen and back in the space of thirty seconds.
“Here we are.” Suzanne set down two white cups. “Please let me know what you think of the health balls.”
They watched as Autumn took a Pineapple Coconut ball and bit into it. Pleasure creased her face.
“Divine,” she assured them. “And it tastes even better knowing it’s made from organic, vegan ingredients.” She paused. “Is it organic and vegan, isn’t it?”
“Of course.” Suzanne nodded. “And I’ve kept the receipts, in case you wanted to double check.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Autumn assured her. “Like I said, I have a good feeling about you girls. Now, please have some coffee with me.”
Maddie poured the coffee for her and Suzanne, adding a touch of vegan cream to both their cups. She took her first sip, the notes of almost burnt plus a hint of sugar mingling together. Now she could understand why Autumn had requested this particular roast.
“Hello?” a voice called from down the hall.
“This must be our first attendee.” Autumn set her cup down and strode out of the room. “Excuse me, girls.”
“Maybe we should take all this back to the kitchen,” Maddie suggested, glancing at the tray.
“Or bring more cups for the participants.” Suzanne jumped up. “And I’m sure they’ll want to try my health balls.” Her voice was good-humored.
Maddie and Suzanne brought five more cups in.
“There are five attendees, right?” Suzanne asked.
“I think that’s what Autumn said,” Maddie replied, gently setting down two cups onto the coffee table.
“Maddie and Suzanne, I’d like you to meet Brenda.” Autumn led a middle-aged woman with short, layered chestnut hair into the room.
“Hi,” Maddie said, smiling.
“Hi.” Suzanne held out a plate. “Would you like a health ball? They’re delicious.”
“Maddie and Suzanne are doing the catering for this retreat,” Autumn told Brenda. “And Maddie’s cat Trixie has accompanied them. Wait until you see her,” Autumn said with a smile. “She’s positively gorgeous.”
“I like cats,” Brenda replied. A shadow passed over her face. “My ex-husband didn’t like them – or any other kind of animal – but now I’m on my own, I’ve been thinking of getting a cat.”
“Wonderful!” Autumn praised. “A cat will bring a lot of positivity to your life.”
“I hope so,” Brenda replied. “Positivity is exactly what I need. That’s why I signed up for this weekend.”
“These are organic – and vegan.” Autumn gestured to the plate of health balls. “And I have a special coffee treat for everyone – French Roast. The meaning will become clear when everyone arrives and we have a coffee toast to start off the retreat.”
Brenda tentatively bit into a Maple Macadamia. “They are delicious,” she declared, reaching for another healthy treat.
“Yoo hoo,” a female voice called out.
“Excuse me.” Autumn hurried out of the room.
“Would you like something to drink?” Maddie couldn’t think of anything else to say. “We have French Roast here—” she gestured to the tray on the table, “—or I could make you a cup of tea or get you a glass of water.”
“We also have juice,” Suzanne added. “Orange, cranberry, or apple.”
“I’d love a cup of coffee,” Brenda replied. “With cream and sugar.”
“Of course.” Maddie poured her a cup, doctored it, and handed it to her.
“Everyone, this is Linda.” Autumn and a woman in her sixties entered the room.
“Hi,” Maddie and Suzanne chorused.
“We have some refreshments.” Autumn gestured to the coffee table. “And tonight we’ll have a healthy, organic dinner.”
Linda looked a bit doubtful at that piece of news.
“Help!” A shout suddenly came from the front of the house. “Help!”
CHAPTER 2
MADDIE AND SUZANNE looked at each other and raced after Autumn.
Two blonde women each tugged a large suitcase from the small car park. Storm clouds rolled over the house.
“I cannot lug this bag anymore,” one of the women declared. She wore tight denim jeans and a form-fitting red t-shirt.
“Let me help you.” Autumn grabbed the handle and pulled, instantly wincing. “It’s certainly heavy.”
“I didn’t know what to bring to wear. So I think I brought too much,” the blonde woman said. She seemed to notice Maddie and Suzanne hovering and said, “I’m Hailey, and this is my best friend Jenna.”
Jenna smiled and nodded. She wore similar clothes to Hailey but in a more relaxed styling. Her t-shirt was a soft pink and skimmed her trim figure, rather than flaunting it.
Hailey took in a deep breath and then exhaled.
“I can’t tell you how good it feels to get away from it all.” She flung her arms in the air. “Jenna and I are soccer moms, and we haven’t had a break in forever.”
“That’s not quite true,” Jenna said mildly. “We all went to Hawaii together a few months ago.”
“But that was all of us,” Hailey told her. “Husbands and kids. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything, you know?” She turned to Autumn. “I’m sure you understand what I mean.”
“That’s exactly what this retreat is for.” Autumn smiled, then continued to drag the suitcase toward the front door. “Quiet surroundings, good food, and the chance to release all the negativity in your life and fill it with positive energy.”
“Can I help?” Maddie asked Autumn quietly.
“I’ve got it, Maddie. But thanks.” The leader puffed a little as she spoke. “As soon as everyone is here I’d like to do the coffee toast. One more person is due to arrive.”
Just as Autumn spoke, an old beaten up beige car shuddered into the parking lot. Maddie half expected smoke to rise from the muffler as it juddered to a halt. A girl around Maddie’s age, maybe a little younger, got out of the car.
She carried a small overnight bag as old-fashioned as her clothes. A long shapeless skirt, a baggy pale blue blouse, and long, mouse colored hair made her look drab.
“You must be Edith.” Autumn dropped the suitcase and strode toward the girl.
“Hi,” the girl said shyly.
“Welcome to my retreat.” Autumn plucked the bag from Edith’s hands.
“Come in, my dear. Now that everyone is here we can get started. We’re going to have a get to know you session, and then afterwards we’re going to have massages, and then a wonderful organic and vegan dinner.”
“Massages?” Maddie heard the girl say faintly.
“I’m sure you’ll love it,” Autumn beamed at Edith. She ushered the girl into the house. “I’ll come back for your suitcase, Hailey,” Autumn called out.
“We can help,” Suzanne offered, attempting to pick up Hailey’s large case.
“That would be great. I didn’t realize I would have to carry it so far from the car,” Hailey said.
Maddie thought the distance from the parking area to the front door was only about ninety feet. She helped Suzanne drag the case to the front door, her eyes widening at the heaviness of it.
“There’s no way we’re going to get it up those stairs,” she whispered to Suzanne.
“I know!” Suzanne set the bag down in the hall. “And Autumn might want a fresh pot of coffee now.”
“You’re right.”
While they spoke, Jenna passed them, lugging her own suitcase.
“Jenna didn’t pack as much as I did,” Hailey said self-deprecatingly. “But I haven’t been to a workshop like this before, and I didn’t want to be underdressed. Let me see if I can drag it a little further.” Hailey picked up the handle and pulled the case a little way down the hall.
“If everyone can gather in the great room.” Autumn suddenly appeared. “Maddie, if you could make a fresh pot of French Roast? And then we can officially start the workshop.”
“Of course.” Maddie hurried to the kitchen, Suzanne by her side.
“Maybe I should put out some more health balls.” Suzanne set to work, filling a large plate with the treats, while Maddie boiled the water.
“How many did you bring?” Maddie asked curiously as she spooned the ground coffee into the pot.
“Dozens and dozens,” Suzanne assured her.
Maddie remembered how busy Suzanne had been yesterday in between coffee customers, the food processor seeming to whir constantly as she made her specialty.
“Coffee’s ready,” Maddie announced, luckily finding another tray for the French press.