Interrupted Magic

by Karla Brandenburg

  As the day wore on, I decided to call Cassandra’s Realtor friend to see about listing my house.

  When I walked home, I stopped outside my house to take it in one more time, from the cinder stone walls to the triquetra on the chimney. For the past five years, this had been my safe haven. Where would I go?

  Be the queen of my castle.

  The unbidden thought produced a sharp pang in my chest, along with the wretchedness I’d been too busy to think about all day. I checked my phone, knowing the one text or missed call I hoped to see wouldn’t be there.

  I walked inside, preparing to call Nora, when Kyle knocked on my door dressed in a black uniform that identified him as a county officer.

  “I got the job,” he said when I answered the door.

  “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.”

  He straightened his shoulders, then dropped to a knee. “Can we forget everything that’s happened in the last four months? Marry me, Brynn.”

  Chapter 35

  Stunned, I stood in the doorway with my mouth hanging open, before I managed to ask, “Why?”

  Kyle glanced around. “May I come in?”

  I stepped aside and we crossed to the dining table where we’d shared so many dinners.

  “I know I screwed up,” he began.

  I held up a hand to stop him. “This isn’t what you want any more than I do. Is it about appearances? That isn’t a good enough reason to get married, Kyle.”

  He didn’t meet my eye, a sure sign he’d been hoping I’d say no. “I love you, Brynn.”

  “I love you, too, but that isn’t enough to build a life together. Haven’t we proven that? You couldn’t marry me when the going got tough.”

  He frowned. “It’s that other guy, isn’t it?”

  Would I have succumbed if I hadn’t met Ian? Given in to Kyle one more time because of our friendship? I shook my head. “No. We couldn’t withstand this crisis together. What happens if the county lays you off? Will you leave me again?”

  “I didn’t leave you. I took a job in Door County. I was home every weekend.”

  “You were home, but you weren’t with me. You moved all your things out of my house.”

  His frown deepened. “It didn’t make sense to keep them here.”

  “I can’t argue with that, but there was a reason you stopped sleeping here.”

  “We couldn’t take the chance on an unexpected pregnancy, could we?” he asked. “What are you going to do? You won’t have a job after Monday and you still have a mortgage to pay.”

  “None of which is your concern. This isn’t the first time I’ve faced adversity. Life has a way of working things out.”

  “Be practical, Brynn. If you marry me, you won’t have to worry about any of that.”

  I huffed. “I’ve always depended on myself, Kyle. That isn’t going to change, no matter how much you want it to. I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather deal with what comes next on my own.”

  He shook his head. “But you don’t have to.”

  “I want to.”

  Again, he frowned. “Stubborn woman. Be reasonable.”

  I walked to the door and opened it. “You can respect we have boundaries and we can still be friends, or you can walk out now.”

  Tears welled in his eyes. “Can I at least hug you?”

  I complied and offered a smile. “I know you’re secretly relieved.”

  A telltale grin shadowed his face. “Marrying you wouldn’t be all bad.”

  “We both deserve more, and I think you know that.”

  He gave a reluctant nod. “Guess I’ll be seeing you around, neighbor. You know where to find me if you need anything.” He paused to meet my gaze. “Anything.”

  I nodded, and when he left, I walked to the workroom, which had been far too quiet as of late.

  A grimoire lay open on the table. Did this mean my magic was restored? I crossed to read it, a recipe for ginger tea, something I could make without assistance from a magical book. I’d made some for myself just this morning. I shrugged and mixed a jar, labeled it, and packed it into my work tote bag.

  I mixed more jars of bath salts, knowing they’d sell on the internet store even if they didn’t sell at Windfall, and cut a tray of soap that had finished curing. I hummed as I worked, recalling how many times I’d heard Nora doing the same.

  I attempted to summon my phone using telekinesis—oh yeah, not working. Instead, I picked it up and called Nora.

  “Sweet Brynn,” she answered, filling me with the warmth I’d been missing since my mother’s passing.

  I asked if she had any objection to my selling the house.

  “Oh, heavens, no,” she said. “There is a time and a purpose for all things. Where will you go?”

  My inner child cried for the comfort and security she provided, but life had taught me to find my own way. Nora would be there, no matter where I landed. “I haven’t decided yet. I’ve been applying for jobs.”

  “You could always teach at the Tech, like I did,” she said. “Or use your degree to help others. You could go to Hawaii, like I’d always hoped to do.”

  I laughed. “Wanderlust has never beckoned me. At this stage, though, I’m wide open to whatever possibilities the universe presents.”

  We were both silent a moment before Nora asked me, “Is everything okay? With you, I mean. Are you okay?”

  “I will be.”

  I ended the call and returned to the kitchen to make brownies to take to Jason’s. While they baked, I browsed real estate ads. Where would I go? Did I want a house? I’d need a place with a garden, at least.

  Decisions for another day. I had enough other things to settle first, things which followed me into my dreams when I went to bed.

  I dreamed of touring Egypt with Nora, but we were driving separately and I got lost following her. When I pulled over to get my bearings, an American police officer approached me—in Egypt—who insisted he had to give me a ticket rather than provide directions.

  Ash nuzzled against my neck, purring me out of my agitated sleep.

  I walked downstairs to start coffee, and again, my stomach was too nervous. The thought of all that acid nauseated me and I brewed a cup of ginger tea, instead. I fixed another piece of toast and jam.

  I arrived at Windfall early and took stock of the increasingly-empty shop. The crowded consignment displays were long gone. I flashed to the days of Windfall karaoke and the joy of working with Nora. I enjoyed working with one of my best friends, but we’d never recaptured the same energy. I bowed my head and walked behind the counter. I unpacked the botanicals and the tea I’d brought for whatever customer might need a special order.

  When Cassandra arrived, she stopped to survey the space, hands on her hips. “Starting to look empty in here. I can put what’s left of my line on two racks. Might as well consolidate. How are you doing on your product?”

  “Whatever’s left I can take home and sell online,” I replied. “I’ve had a couple nibbles on the proposals I sent out to the local B&Bs.” I crossed the shop and hugged her. “When a door closes...”

  She chuckled. “Don’t let it hit you on the way out. Let’s get this show on the road.” She unlocked the door and a cluster of customers walked in to browse what stock we had left.

  Over the course of the day, we managed to sell most of the botanicals I had on display, and Cassandra sold a handful of outfits as well. We stuffed shopping bags with information on where to buy more of what they’d found after Windfall shut its doors. My special order remained on the shelf behind the counter.

  Odd.

  I took one last look around before we locked up. The shop had changed in the last year, from the gift shop Nora had started years ago, to the now nearly-empty boutique. I was ready to close this chapter of my life.

  Chapter 36

  After I’d dropped Ash at home, I continued on to Jason’s for dinner with my cousins. His wife Sharon greeted me at the door with a hug and his daughter Georgi
a ran toward me. I handed Sharon the pan of brownies, scooped Georgia up and hugged her tight.

  “How’s my girl?” I checked Georgia’s eyes for the tell-tale glow of hidden talents, the one that had disappeared after her mother had attempted to steal my magic and this precious little four-year-old had stepped in to stop her. I imagined I saw a glimmer, but couldn’t be sure. Would her talents return?

  I set Georgia down and crossed to where her little brother Remy was playing with blocks on the floor. When I held out my arms to him, he bounced, raising his arms for me to pick him up, too. I snuggled him close, breathing in the scents of baby powder and soap. His blond hair was baby fine and his blue eyes had darkened a shade. He was definitely Jason’s child.

  “You got a hug for me, too?” Jason asked.

  I settled Remy on a hip, but he reached for Sharon, allowing me to fully embrace Jason.

  “You’re late,” Jeannine said, waiting for her hug.

  All this love. I teared up again. Seriously, what was wrong with me?

  “Last-minute customers.” I choked out the words and cleared my throat. I smiled at Travis. “Nice to see you again.”

  He smiled and nodded. “Likewise.”

  I turned to Sharon. “What can I help with?”

  She waved me into the kitchen, where I was assaulted by the aromas of garlic and onions. I put a hand to my mouth, trying not to gag.

  Sharon put a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded. “My nerves are making my stomach jump. Lots of stress these days.”

  “I’d heard you’re closing the shop, and after breaking up with Kyle... You know I’m here if you need to talk about anything.” She offered a concerned smile and opened the oven to take out a pan of baked mostaccioli. The wave of heat sent the aromas at me and I ran for the bathroom.

  Jeannine knocked on the door moments later. “Brynn? Are you okay?”

  I stared at myself in the mirror, washed out my mouth and opened the door. “Yeah.”

  “You don’t look so good,” Jeannine said.

  Of course, I didn’t. Jeannine, on the other hand, looked perfect. Her shoulder-length blonde hair curled gracefully in a way my plain brown hair never would. Her make-up accented the Hanson dark-blue eyes she’d inherited.

  She backed away. “Do you have the flu?”

  “Pretty sure it’s just nerves. You know, those top three stressors hitting my life all at the same time.”

  Jason met us in the hallway. “You okay?”

  Jason, who had been bewitched by his first wife. He’d married another woman instead of Sharon even when he’d been prepared to propose to Sharon. This was my chance to confirm my unfounded doubts about Ian weren’t true. I squeezed Jeannine’s hand. “Can you give me a minute with Jason?”

  Her brow creased and she answered with a wary tone. “Okay.” She returned the squeeze and continued to the dining room.

  “What’s up?” he asked.

  I lowered my voice. “This might not be the right time to ask, but I’m curious about what happened when you first met LeAnne, how she managed to steal you away from Sharon.”

  His jaw clenched. “I don’t see how that matters now.”

  I clutched his wrist. “Everything’s kind of crazy with me right now, and while my break-up with Kyle isn’t unexpected, I need to make sure my perception isn’t skewed. I met someone else and I’m a little spooked.”

  Jason shot a glance over his shoulder. “What do you want to know?”

  I knew from experience how Kyle had completely forgotten he and I had been dating when that woman had bewitched him. His memory didn’t return until she’d decided she was done with him. “You were practically engaged to Sharon, but then you married LeAnne. Why?”

  Again, he shot a glance over his shoulder. “I suppose she flattered me and I fell for it. She also had—” he waved his hands in front of me, “—that thing going on. You know what I mean. She managed to make me forget about Sharon and I slept with her in a moment of weakness. When she turned up pregnant, I felt obligated to do right by her, even after I realized my mistake.”

  I nodded and formulated my next question carefully. “To be clear, she managed to make you forget you were in a relationship? You had no recollection of your commitment to Sharon?”

  Jason massaged his forehead. “In the beginning, when I was with LeAnne, she managed to make me forget everything else. Like I had blinders on. I didn’t realize what I’d done to Sharon until I was already in trouble, so I suppose the answer to that is yes.” He tilted his head to study me. “Are you thinking this person you met has screwed with you that way?”

  I hesitated, and then decided he deserved an answer for being so frank with me. “We became very close very quickly, unnaturally so, but I haven’t lost sight of anything else. Maybe it’s just one of those things.” Was one of those things. “Doesn’t matter. Pretty sure he’s out of the picture again now.”

  Jason stared at me. He’d accepted that his daughter shared a family tie with me, but judging by the way he shifted his shoulders, he was uncomfortable sharing “feelings.” I broke the tension by asking about Georgia. “Has she shown any more family traits?”

  He grimaced. “You said LeAnne and Georgia canceled each other out.”

  “They did, but they didn’t fulfill the requirements of the spell. I know LeAnne lost her extra abilities because the harm she sent out reflected to her. As for Georgia, the spell was incomplete. While she might well be what you’d call normal again, she might be more along the lines of normal like me.” Or at least like I used to be. My extra abilities had disappeared, too. “She might still grow into her gifts, or they might be dormant.”

  Jason winced. “Can we not talk about this right now? Everything has been fine. Good. Normal. I’m hoping it stays that way.”

  I nodded. “Thanks for sharing with me.”

  He made a move to start for the dining room and stopped. “This guy. The one you got close to. My two cents as a man says he got what he wanted and moved on. Sorry to be so blunt, but if he really cared, you wouldn’t be wondering if he was out of the picture.”

  We’d already shared more of our personal lives than we ever had. He didn’t need to know the details. “It is what it is.” I swallowed the pain of Ian’s rejection one more time and followed Jason to the dining room.

  Conversation centered on the usual getting-to-know you stuff with Travis, what he did at the bank where he and Jeannine worked, how they met, if his family was in the area. Everything seemed benign. No confrontations, no passive-aggressive jabs.

  I stared at my plate, pushing the pasta around, afraid to take a bite. Even the garlic bread threatened to send me to the bathroom again. Instead, I drank my water.

  Travis asked Jason about the kids, and Jason told him about his first wife, LeAnne, leaving out the details about her hidden talents and how she’d enchanted Jason to increase her chances of having a “gifted” child. Instead, he talked about how he’d always regretting breaking up with Sharon when LeAnne had turned his head. He took Sharon’s hand and smiled at her. “We managed to work through that and now we’re right where we were meant to be.”

  Sharon beamed under his attention. She was so different from LeAnne, who’d courted my hidden abilities when her talents had been suppressed by pregnancy hormones.

  My heart skipped a beat and the world around me went fuzzy. I took a measured breath and a sip of water.

  Pregnant?

  Jeannine clasped my hand under the table and leaned toward me. “I’m worried about you,” she whispered.

  That made two of us. I cleared my throat once more. “You know,” I said, addressing the table, “I don’t think I’m feeling well after all. Would you mind if I left early?”

  “Do you want me to drive you?” Jason asked.

  I shook my head. “No. I can make it.” Along with a stop at a drug store for a pregnancy test that no one else needed to know about.

  I couldn’t
be.

  I closed my eyes to remember the last time I’d had a period. I’d had one Fourth of July weekend. Had I had a period in August? Yes. Tomorrow was September first. Nothing to panic about. Calculating thirty-one days in August, I was a couple of days late according to my 28-day cycle. Stress would do that. Right?

  White spots exploded inside my head with the ensuing panic, and I spilled my glass of water when I tried to set it down.

  Jason pushed away from the table. “I’m taking you home.”

  I held up my palms. “No. I’ll be okay. I promise. I’m so sorry. I guess everything is catching up with me.”

  Georgia ran to me and threw her arms around my legs. “Don’t go.”

  I bent to hug her, grateful for the love of this child, for the family I’d never expected to have around me. “I’ll come visit you again soon, okay sweetie? Or your mommy can bring you to visit me. I promise.”

  Georgia pouted but nodded.

  Jason stood beside me, studying me intently. “You sure you’re okay to drive?”

  I nodded and forced a smile. “I can call you when I get home.”

  “Do that.”

  I squeezed his hand, grabbed my purse and left.

  Inside my car, I rested my head on the steering wheel. The ginger tea I’d mixed as a special order was still on the seat beside me. I hadn’t sold it. Was it meant for me?

  I turned the key and started toward home, watching for a drug store along the way. The first one was within the first two miles. I stopped, went inside and stared at the pregnancy tests on the shelf, my pulse racing.

  I couldn’t be.

  No harm buying one, either way. Knowing was better than worrying.

  What would Ian say? Should I tell him?

  Cart, meet horse. I held my breath and grabbed a box from the shelf. The checkout clerk gave me a secretive smile and slipped the box into a bag as I paid for it.

  Pratt was on the way home—sort of. I took the detour and found myself in the turnaround across from Ian’s folly. Should I knock on the door? I glanced at my phone, at the lack of response to my last text. If I told him I was pregnant, he’d probably think the baby was Kyle’s.