Almost Charmed

by Rose Pressey

  Paul moved over to the window and looked outside. “The view is amazing. How long have you had the bed and breakfast?”

  “About a year. It was my great-great-aunt’s place. She left it to me. I figured that with so much space I should actually use it for something other than just roaming around the empty rooms.”

  “Yes, that’s a good idea,” he said, turning to face me.

  “There are linens and extra towels in the bureau.” I pointed.

  “Thank you,” he said.

  “Well, I’ll leave you alone now. If you need anything just let me know. Breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes.”

  Was that long enough? I wasn’t sure. It would only take me two minutes to finish the spell.

  “That will be great, thank you,” he said.

  I left Paul in the room and headed back down the stairs to the kitchen. Pluto followed me across this parlor. Surprisingly he had no negative reaction to Paul. Pluto didn’t care for strangers. I didn’t blame him for that.

  “I know you’re hungry. Food is coming up, don’t worry.”

  He meowed loudly.

  “I don’t know if Thomas is showing up,” I said. “Probably he’ll be here.”

  It was as if he understood me because he hissed. I knew I was talking to a cat, but it was almost as if I had a way to communicate and he understood what I said. I was sure he didn’t want Thomas around. Thomas would be surprised that I had a guest this morning. He knew I had no reservations.

  After putting food and water in Plato’s dishes, I prepared myself to cast the spell, gathering up all the ingredients I needed. Yes, the food would appear, but I had to add a little bit of a magic touch in my cauldron.

  I lit a fire underneath the cauldron and then dumped in all the spices. Soon the water started to bubble. I stood next to the cauldron. I called out the words for the spell. Before I knew it things were working as the magic should. Wind whipped around me and water popped with bubbling noises. Everything then settled down.

  When I looked over my shoulder, I saw the food neatly on the plate. It was picture perfect. Fluffy toast covered with maple syrup, golden eggs, and juicy fruit. Wow, I was really good.

  “Hello?” Paul called out.

  Perfect timing. I was just glad he hadn’t stepped in here when I was in the middle of the magic spell. I would have to be more careful. Had it already been fifteen minutes? I got rid of the fire quickly and dashed over to the door just as he was coming in.

  “Perfect timing,” I said. “Breakfast is ready. We’ll eat in the dining room if that’s all right.”

  Normally I wouldn’t eat with him because I would’ve already been busy with Underworld work and everything, but it was so early I hadn’t had a chance to eat. Plus, I wanted to test out the food and make sure it was good. What if something went wrong and it tasted awful? Then I would know that my magic was seriously lacking this morning. Which wouldn’t surprise me after the stress from yesterday. Stress had a tendency to make the magic not so great. My witchcraft skills would be like they were back in the old days. Well, not like the old days exactly, because it wasn’t nearly as bad as back then even if I was stressed.

  “Here, let me help you with the dishes,” he said. “Everything looks fantastic. I’m really hungry. I’ve been driving all night.”

  “Oh, you must be tired too,” I said.

  “The caffeine I had a few hours ago is wearing off,” he said.

  Chapter 10

  Paul followed me into the dining room with the plates.

  “Wow, this is a gorgeous room. Just like the rest of the house. It must be a lot to take care of yourself.” He set the plates on the massive mahogany wood table.

  “Oh, it’s a full-time job just taking care of it,” I said.

  “It’s just you all alone here?”

  That stabbing feeling in my stomach returned. I tried to choke back the tears in order to answer.

  “Yes, just me,” I said. “Though my mother is here often and my friends, Thomas, Liam, and Annabelle.”

  “Well, sounds like you have a lot of friends. That’s good,” he said.

  I gestured toward the table and chairs. “Please sit anywhere you’d like.”

  He chose the chair at the end on the side with his back facing the wall. I sat on the other side at the other end with my back to the door. I didn’t want to sit too close to him. Just in case I needed to make a quick getaway.

  “I hope you enjoy the food,” I said as I picked up my fork.

  “It looks delicious and I know I’m going to love it. French toast is my favorite. How did you know?” He smiled.

  “Lucky guess, I suppose,” I said.

  I watched as he took a bite of the French toast.

  “Oh, my, this is the best French toast I’ve ever had.” He pointed at his plate with the fork

  Now I felt really embarrassed. He would think I really made this. And I couldn’t tell him differently. I knew my face was blushing because I felt the heat in my cheeks.

  “Thank you,” I said, looking down at my plate.

  Now I needed to take a bite. When I put the food in my mouth, I immediately knew what he was talking about. This was the best I’d ever had. My food spells were too good now. Was there such a thing?

  “I don’t know how you do this. It’s fantastic.” He stabbed the bread with his fork.

  He continued eating and I hoped he didn’t ask for more.

  I hadn’t thought about that. If he wanted more I’d have to make up an excuse. Either that or I’d have try to do a spell without him noticing. No, I would just have to tell him that I was all out.

  “So you said that you’re working on a business here in town. Which one is it? I probably know which one. It’s a small town and I think I know everything here.”

  “Actually,” he said, placing his fork on the table.

  I wondered if now was when he was asked for more breakfast. He only had one bite left. Maybe he wouldn’t finish it. Though the way he acted about it I figured he wanted to eat every bite. I knew I did.

  “It’s the Bubbling Cauldron. Have you heard of it?” he asked.

  I almost choked on my French toast. He watched me as I took a drink of my coffee.

  When I finally regained my composure, I said, “Yes, I’ve heard of it.”

  Was he a witch? Did he know who I was? Now I was really becoming suspicious.

  He smiled. “Oh, you’ve heard of it. That’s great. Well, I bought the place and I’m the new owner.”

  “You are the new owner?” I asked in shock.

  He smiled again. I wasn’t sure by his reaction whether he knew who I was or not. I should just come right out and ask him.

  “I wasn’t aware that they were trying to sell the place,” I said.

  “Well, I don’t think they were initially, but I persuaded them.” He sipped on his coffee, peering at me over the top of the cup with his big, long-lashed rimmed eyes.

  “And why would you do that?” I asked. “Is there a specific reason why you wanted that place? Can’t you just open up your own club?”

  “I could have, but that one seems so put together and well-established. Plus, I like the name and the vibe. I especially like Enchantment Pointe and I would love to live here.”

  “So you’re moving to town? You said you were only going to be here for a few days. That’s not true?” I asked.

  Now I was becoming ever more suspicious and snappy. This guy had a lot of explaining to do.

  “I’m sorry. Have I done something to offend you?” he asked.

  I supposed I really needed to explain things to him. But I wanted to know more first before I revealed myself. Maybe this was absolutely nothing at all. There would be no need to let my secret out if I didn’t have to.

  “No, I just suppose I’m a bit hesitant about a newcomer in town.” I tried to laugh it off. “You know how this small-town stuff is.”

  “Yes, I suppose, but everyone is friendly here.”
<
br />   “It’s just that you do know about the Bubbling Cauldron, right?” I asked.

  He flashed that crooked smile again. “Do you mean that it’s a witch club?”

  “Yes, that’s what I mean. Did you know that before buying the place?” I asked.

  “Yes, I know all about it. That’s the whole reason I was in there in the first place.”

  “Well, I wasn’t sure if you knew. Was there a specific reason why? I mean, are you a witch?” I asked.

  He took another sip of his coffee as if he was stalling for a moment before actually answering my question. I took that as a yes, he was a witch, although maybe he wasn’t, and he was here for nefarious reasons. If he thought that he would get the book, then he was sadly mistaken. It had been tried before, and they’d failed. It wouldn’t happen now either.

  Why hadn’t I been told about his status as a witch if he was in fact a witch? Or why the Bubbling Cauldron was being sold? I was right here in Enchantment Pointe, for heaven’s sake. I’d thought they would let me know these things.

  “Yes, I am a witch,” he said. “I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

  I stared at him, unsure of what to say. He still acted as if he possibly didn’t know who I was. And here I was worried about casting a spell in front of him.

  “Do you know who I am?” I asked.

  After a few seconds of staring, he finally said, “You’re the bed-and-breakfast proprietor. I’m so sorry I didn’t ask your name. How rude am I? No wonder you have that strange look on your face right now.”

  “That’s not it,” I said. “I’m the leader. Do you know what that means?” I asked.

  “No, I suppose I’m not aware,” he said.

  “Wow, this is a little shocking,” I said, leaning forward in my chair. “I just figured that all the witches know who I am.”

  “I sense that I should know,” he said.

  “My name is Halloween LaVeau. Most everyone calls me Hallie,” I said.

  “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Hallie. Again, I apologize for not asking your name earlier.”

  “I suppose you don’t know who I am. I will tell you. I’m the leader of the Underworld.”

  A funny look came over his face. “The leader of the Underworld? Are you serious? Are you just playing games with me?”

  I shook my head. “This is no joke.”

  His mouth dropped open. “I knew there was a leader of the Underworld. Well, I heard there was one, but I wasn’t sure if that was true.”

  I frowned. “I’m confused. You didn’t come here on purpose?”

  “No, I had no idea.”

  Wow. I supposed I’d had no idea about the leader of the Underworld either when I first got the job. So I guessed it made sense.

  “I’m not sure what to say.”

  “Oh, it’s okay,” I said. “I’ll introduce myself again. I’m Halloween LaVeau and I’m the leader of the Underworld. Welcome again to LaVeau Manor.”

  “I’m honored. It’s just that, well, you know you hear so many stories about the Underworld and everything, I just didn’t believe any of it.”

  “What kind of stories?” I asked.

  “Just that the leader is someone who is very mean and strict. And that you never want to encounter her.”

  I scowled. “How recently did you hear these rumors?”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin and then said, “Oh, I don’t know, a couple weeks ago. Actually, it was someone at the Bubbling Cauldron. He was talking about it.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. “And who is that? Do you remember?”

  “I’m not sure. It was a tall guy with dark hair. I just don’t know his name.”

  “If you remember let me know,” I said. “I don’t like people spreading rumors about me.”

  “No, absolutely not. You seem very, very nice,” he said, staring at me.

  Okay, now the blush was coming back to my face.

  “Well, anyway, tell me more about why you bought the Bubbling Cauldron and what plans you have for it. You’re leaving it as is, I hope. My friends and I have spent quite a bit of time there.”

  “I’m glad to know I have the approval of the leader of the Underworld,” he said with a smile.

  “Yes, you do have the approval,” I said. “As long as you don’t change things.”

  “I have minor plans for the place but nothing major. I like it the way it is.”

  “Well, that’s good to know,” I said. “And I hope you’re not getting rid of the cauldron.”

  “The bubbling cauldron in the middle of the dance floor? No way. That’s the best part.”

  “I agree with that.”

  He peered down at his plate.

  “Would you like more?” I asked with a forced smile.

  Please let him say no.

  “No, I’m good, thank you. I can’t get over how great the food was,” he said.

  Should I tell him now that it was the magic? Maybe I would just keep that as my little secret.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “Do you mind if I ask how long you have been the leader of the Underworld?”

  “Not long. It was when I got this place.”

  “Wow, that’s a lot to take on at once. Inheriting this place and finding the book making you the leader of the Underworld.”

  I frowned. “Wait a minute. What do you mean finding the book? I never told you that.”

  A chill ran down my spine. Before he answered, a piercing noise captured our attention.

  Chapter 11

  The loud wailing noise echoed from the front of the manor.

  “What was that?” Paul asked as he jumped up from the table.

  I pushed my feet and held my hand up. “Don’t worry, I know what it is.”

  We headed out of the dining room toward the front of the manor.

  “Is it safe? What is it making that noise?” Paul asked.

  I didn’t offer an explanation because he would find out soon enough. When I opened the front door, Thomas was in cat form. He sat in front of the door.

  I put my hands on my hips. “Is that really necessary? It’s enough to scare the neighbors. There had better be something seriously wrong for you to act this way.”

  Thomas let out another loud wail.

  “When you’re finished you can come in,” I said.

  He strolled through the open door in his typical fancy feline manner.

  “I take it you know that cat?” Paul asked.

  Thomas sat in the middle of the foyer floor and stared at Paul for a few seconds before finally hissing as loudly as possible. Paul backed up against the wall.

  “Whoa, nice kitty,” Paul said.

  “Thomas, behave. This is a guest here at the LaVeau Manor. His name is Paul and he’s purchasing the Bubbling Cauldron, so if you ever want to set foot in there again you’d better be nice.”

  Surprisingly Thomas didn’t respond with another hiss, but he continued staring at Paul.

  “He can understand you?” Paul asked.

  “Well, he’s my familiar. He isn’t always in kitty cat form. Thomas, why don’t you shift over and introduce yourself to Paul?”

  “Do you mean a familiar is a real thing? I thought that was another made-up story,” Paul said.

  Wow, he really was kind of clueless about all this stuff.

  “Yes, it is real,” I said. “Unfortunately.”

  Thomas meowed loudly again before finally getting up from his sitting position and strolling into the parlor. Soon he disappeared around the corner.

  “Where is he going?” Paul asked.

  “He doesn’t like to shift in front of strangers,” I said.

  “Oh,” Paul said. “I guess that’s understandable. Is it painful for him?”

  “I don’t think so,” I said.

  “Right. Well, that’s certainly interesting. I learn something new every day.” He ran his hand through his thick hair.

  Paul would probably learn a whole lot of stuff if he stu
ck around here long enough. There was always something crazy going on at the manor. Two seconds later Thomas walked around the corner and across the parlor. His stare was focused like a laser on Paul. When Thomas stepped closer to Paul, Paul stuck out his hand. Thomas didn’t take his hand.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Thomas,” Paul said with a smile.

  “Thomas, this is Paul. Be nice,” I said.

  “So, you’re a guest here?” Thomas asked, looking Paul up and down.

  “Yes, sir, I’m here for a few nights.”

  “What’s this I hear about the Bubbling Cauldron?” Thomas asked.

  “I’m the new owner. Well, it’s not official yet, but as soon as I sign the paperwork this week it will be mine.”

  “Why are you doing that?” Thomas asked.

  “Because he wants to, Thomas,” I said. “I told you to be nice. He’s a finicky feline.”

  “Meow,” Thomas said, moving his hand as if pretending to use his claws.

  “Anyway, we were just finishing up breakfast,” I said.

  “Did you cook breakfast?” Thomas asked with a quirked eyebrow. “I didn’t think you had food in the kitchen.”

  I gave him that face to let him know that he should be quiet. “We had a lovely breakfast, yes, and now I think that we should let Paul get some rest. He had a long trip.”

  “Well, I can’t get much rest because I have a meeting at eleven o’clock,” Paul said, checking his gold watch.

  I peeked at the time on my phone. “Oh, it’s almost nine now.”

  “Luckily it’s not a far drive into town. There will be just enough time for me to rest for a few minutes and freshen up,” Paul said.

  “Let me know if you need anything,” I said.

  Thomas coughed and I knew it wasn’t because he had a hairball.

  “Well, it was nice having breakfast with you and I’ll talk to you later,” Paul said, tossing his hand up in a wave. “Nice meeting you again, Thomas.”

  I looped my arm through Thomas’ and pointed him in the direction of the kitchen. Of course, Thomas looked over his shoulder at Paul the entire time. Thomas was acting like Pluto when Thomas came around, as if Paul was invading his territory. Speaking of Pluto, he hissed at Thomas as we walked across the parlor. Pluto had his usual spot on the back of the sofa in the sunshine.