Halo Effect

by Annabel Chase

  “You’re skipping over someone obvious,” Daniel said pointedly.

  I shoved a forkful of food into my mouth and chewed. Despite the setting, this wasn’t the romantic meal I’d envisioned.

  I swallowed hard. “I don’t know that I’d want my father to raise her.”

  “Of course not. We want to raise her, but this is a worst-case scenario. We should identify someone in writing. We wouldn’t Diana to end up in an orphanage, would we?”

  “We also wouldn’t want her to be taught to raze civilizations,” I shot back.

  Daniel nodded slowly. “Okay, I can see this is an issue for you. I won’t push it. Maybe this is something you can discuss in your next therapy session.”

  “I’m not trying to be difficult.”

  “I know that.” He scooted his chair closer to mine. “This is a big decision and we’re going to make it together. I would never force you to agree to something you’re not comfortable with, especially as it pertains to our daughter.”

  I gazed up at him. “I know, but thank you for saying it.”

  He leaned down to brush his lips against mine. “For the record, I’m not sure it’s the way I’d go either, but he’s Diana’s only option if we want a blood relative, as well as someone who understands her unique challenges.”

  “I wasn’t raised by blood relatives and I turned out okay.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting otherwise,” he said tenderly.

  “I’ll mull it over,” I said.

  It was reassuring to know Daniel and I were on the same page. He was more than my husband and partner. We were a team and I loved that aspect of our relationship.

  After brunch, I walked Diana home so that I could get to my therapy appointment on time.

  “You were gone so long, I started to worry,” Gareth said.

  I feigned surprise. “You? Shocker.”

  He gazed at the sleeping child in the stroller. “Looks like someone enjoyed herself.”

  “Not really. She was crying so much that I got her drunk on whiskey until she passed out.”

  The expression on Gareth’s face was priceless.

  “Can you handle her from here?” I asked. “She ate a lot while we were out, so I think there are a few exciting diapers in your future.”

  Gareth grimaced. “At least I no longer possess the ability to smell.”

  “Too bad because the roses I brought home smell heavenly.”

  I ran inside to put the flowers in water and freshen up for my appointment. I didn’t want to give Dr. Hall a reason to criticize me.

  “You’re going out like that?” Gareth asked, as I opened the front door to leave. “You should at least brush your hair.”

  I bowed my head and counted to ten in my head. There was just no pleasing some paranormals.

  Chapter Six

  I sat in the waiting area, flipping through a house and garden magazine while I waited for my therapy appointment. I managed to get through three articles before the door opened—one about Flower Power’s Mediterranean theme, one about the endangered tangi which I didn’t even know was a real creature until this morning, and one about the interior design of Markos’s hotel. I had to admit, the photos didn’t do the place justice.

  “Emma, come in. Good to see you again.”

  I set down the magazine and entered the office. “I saw you last week.”

  “Oh, I know, but it’s still nice to catch up.” The vampire looked me up and down. “It must feel nice to have finally lost all the baby weight.”

  “I guess so.”

  “And how’s the baby? Is she doing well?” Dr. Hall laughed. “Why bother to ask? She’s your daughter. Of course she’s doing well.”

  “She’s amazing.” I could talk about Diana until the vampire’s ears bled. “Looks like you made the most of the festival.” I nodded toward the beautiful bouquet of roses on the counter of the bar.

  The vampire smiled, showing her fangs. “They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? One of the designers let me cut a dozen roses straight from his garden and then I found two more on my way out.”

  “Found? You mean you stole them?”

  Her hand splayed against her chest. “Me? No, I would never. Stealing is bad.”

  Right. I wouldn’t put it past the vampire to have stolen the entire bunch.

  As I made myself comfortable on the wingback chair, I heard soft music playing in the background. “What’s with the easy listening?”

  The vampire cocked her head, as though unaware of the music. “Isn’t it soothing? I find it puts clients at ease.”

  I squinted at her, wondering whether she was joking. Since when did Dr. Hall use music to put clients at ease? I glanced at the bar, expecting her to whip up two cocktails. Instead, she sat on the sofa across from me.

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” I asked.

  “Oh, would you like to do an affirmation before we begin? I highly recommend them to stay positive and focused.”

  I gaped at her. Positive and focused? This had to be a verbal trap. “I guess this is the part where you tell me my affirmation should involve a commitment to brushing my hair and learning to cook properly.”

  Dr. Hall blinked rapidly. “Affirmations are positive, Emma. That kind of negative self-talk isn’t healthy for you.”

  “Okay,” I said slowly. “I guess I can try one.” I racked my brain to come up with something. “How about I may not be able to do it all, but I can always do my best?”

  Dr. Hall nodded solemnly. “That’s an excellent start. Tell me, Emma. Do you find yourself struggling to manage all your responsibilities?”

  “Well, I’m a new mom. A wife. A lawyer. I’m furthering my magical education. It can feel overwhelming at times.”

  “Tell me more about feeling overwhelmed,” the vampire said.

  I frowned at her. “Are you mocking me?”

  Dr. Hall appeared affronted. “Mocking you? Why would I do that?”

  “Because you enjoy it? It brings you pleasure?”

  She waved a hand dismissively. “Emma, sweetheart, how long have we known each other?”

  “Long enough to know that you enjoy mocking me.”

  She clasped her hands around her knee and studied me intently. “Something seems to be troubling you. Why don’t we talk about that?”

  My mouth dropped open. I didn’t know how to react to this kind and compassionate version of Dr. Hall. She almost seemed like a real therapist for once.

  The vampire jumped to her feet. “I nearly forgot. Before we get started, how about a drink?”

  That was more like it. “Whatever you want to make is fine with me.”

  “Great. I have a new lemon and ginger tea that I’ve been undying to try.” She hurried to the kettle behind the bar and flicked a switch.

  “Oh.” I wasn’t sure why I felt mildly disappointed by the promise of tea. It wasn’t as though the cocktails had been my idea.

  “Do you not like lemon and ginger? I can make you something else. I picked up packets of lavender tea at the festival.”

  “No cocktails today?”

  The vampire laughed. “I know it’s five o’clock somewhere, Emma, but I’m not sure it’s the best use of our time together.”

  Heat rose to my cheeks. “Lemon and ginger is good, thanks.”

  Dr. Hall set two mugs on the bar and popped a teabag into each. “You seem worn out already and the day’s only half over.”

  “I walked miles this morning,” I said. “And I still plan to go back to see more.”

  “Same. I have a few clients to see and then it’s back to the Mediterranean.” Dr. Hall carried two steaming mugs to the coffee table and handed one to me. “So, how are you feeling about your father these days? Feel like talking about Calix or do you have other things on your mind?”

  “He’s not here, so he hasn’t been a concern.”

  My biological father had shown up in Spellbound after Diana was born, the birth rousing him from a supernatural
coma. Although he was a demigod with a history of wanton destruction, he’d behaved like the ideal father and grandfather during his visit. Despite his apparent transformation, I ultimately decided I needed distance from him so I could focus on my immediate family. Calix was, as Begonia put it, ‘a bit much.’

  “His absence isn’t triggering old wounds, is it? Any feelings of abandonment?”

  I considered the question. “I don’t think so. I asked him to leave Spellbound to give me space and he complied.”

  “But is that what you really wanted?”

  “Yes,” I said adamantly. A reunion with my father was too much to navigate when I was busy with so many other major life changes. Asking him to go was the right call.

  Dr. Hall leaned forward and scrutinized me. “You didn’t want him to fight for you? To insist that he stay and build a relationship with you and your daughter?”

  I shook my head. “He’s a demigod and he acts the part, even on a good day. It was too much personality for me to handle right now. Maybe one day but not now.”

  “And what if he never comes back? What if this was your one shot to have a relationship with your father and you blew it? I don’t think I need to remind you that you’re all out of parents, Emma. Calix is all you have left.”

  My stomach churned. “Is that what you think? That he won’t come back?”

  “I’m not speculating. I’m only trying to encourage you to get in touch with your feelings. Examine them thoroughly. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

  “But…” I wasn’t sure how to respond. She sounded like a regular therapist, which was…odd. “Normally you snap at me and tell me what to do.”

  “Do I?” She sipped her tea. “That doesn’t seem very professional of me.”

  No, it wasn’t, but I’d grown accustomed to her unorthodox methods. If they didn’t work for me, I would’ve stopped coming to appointments a long time ago.

  “What else is going on? How are you and Daniel navigating parenthood? Any tension there?”

  I cupped the tea in both hands, relishing the warmth. “You called him Daniel.”

  “Did I get that wrong? Great devil dog, he’s not David, is he?” A look of alarm crossed her features.

  “No, his name is Daniel. It’s just that you normally make a snide remark and call him the Halo Head or Feather Boy.”

  “Feather Boy?” Dr. Hall settled against the back of the sofa. “Your husband is an angel, Emma. You should show him more respect.”

  I opened my mouth to reply but no sound came out.

  “It’s natural for new mothers and fathers to have short fuses with each other. You’re low on everything—sleep, energy, patience.” She took another sip of tea. “But try to remember you’re a team. You’re in this parenting thing together.”

  “Yes, definitely,” I said, still uncertain who this vampire therapist was across from me. Was it possible that Dr. Hall had a good twin? “As a matter of fact, we’re trying to come to an agreement on our will.”

  Dr. Hall nodded. “Smart. I’m surprised you don’t have one already, being a lawyer and all.”

  “We need to update them because of Diana,” I said. If I kept up this conversation, we’d circle back to my father, which I didn’t want to do. “Other than our busy schedules, everything is great between us.”

  “Gareth isn’t causing trouble?” Dr. Hall knew Gareth before his untimely demise and she was aware of the friction in the household between Daniel and the uptight vampire ghost.

  “He’s too focused on protecting my child from allergies and heavy items to bother Daniel these days.”

  Dr. Hall snorted. “Even from beyond the grave, he’s still Gareth.”

  I peered at her. “This is the part where you say he should pull the tombstone out of his butt and calm down.”

  She laughed lightly. “Oh, Emma. That’s ridiculous. How can anyone fit an entire tombstone up their derriere?”

  “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my support squad. Gareth can be a pain, but he watches over Diana like she’s his own. I don’t always have enough hours in the day to do all the mom stuff. There are still days I feel like a complete failure. I hate the thought of letting my family down.”

  Dr. Hall set down her mug. “Stop right there, Emma Hart. You’re doing a great job. You should be proud of yourself.”

  I blinked back tears. Dr. Hall was providing emotional support? I glanced at the lavender tea and wondered whether she’d drugged us both.

  “Oh, I can see I’ve stirred up some heavy emotions.” She opened her arms wide. “I think someone needs a hug.”

  I instinctively recoiled. “You know what? That’s okay. I have a bit of a cold and I don’t want to pass it to you.”

  She lowered her arms. “Next week then.”

  “Yes,” I said warily. “Next week for sure.”

  I fled my therapy session and went straight to the secret lair, where I’d arranged to meet up with the other witches after their first lesson with Juniper Brimstone. Part of me thought I should cancel given my busy schedule, but I knew I’d regret missing out on time with my friends. Life was too short.

  “Something’s going on with Dr. Hall,” I said, breathless.

  The witches-formerly-known-as-remedial looked up from whatever project they were working on.

  “Is she okay?” Laurel asked.

  I nestled between Millie and Begonia on the sofa. “She’s being the best version of herself and it feels very wrong.”

  “That’s because you’re not used to it,” Sophie said. She sat cross-legged at the coffee table, holding a paintbrush.

  “No, it’s because she never acts like this and it’s not normal,” I insisted. “She was so good that I threw up in my mouth a little.” I took notice of the witches and realized that each one was painting a doll. “What are you doing?”

  “Curing cancer,” Millie said. “What does it look like?”

  I never thought I’d be desperate for attitude, but Millie’s response was like music to my ears—and not the calm, tasteful music playing in Dr. Hall’s office.

  “We’re making enchanted dolls so we can terrorize the town,” Millie continued.

  “Seriously, what are you doing with them?” I asked. The thought of an army of enchanted dolls marching on the town was almost as terrifying as my father.

  “They’re for our class with Juniper Brimstone,” Begonia said.

  “Oh, right. How is she?” I asked.

  “She seems okay,” Millie said. “Certainly better than Limpet.”

  “That’s not saying much,” I said. “What’s the purpose of the doll?”

  “They’re supposed to be our twin.” Sophie held up hers for inspection. “Do you see the likeness?”

  Inwardly, I was relieved not to be in this particular class. Making a doll that Diana couldn’t play with would be too challenging. Knowing Magpie, he’d make a point of dropping the doll into her crib when I wasn’t looking.

  “I don’t know why anyone would move here from California,” Begonia said. “Why would she leave the Pacific Ocean to come to the mountains in the middle of nowhere? Swan Lake is nice enough, but it isn’t the same.”

  “I heard she got divorced and wanted to move far away from her ex,” Millie said.

  “I hope that never happens to Demetrius and I,” Begonia said. She added bright pink paint to her doll’s mouth. “I don’t like to spend any time apart from him, let alone moving clear across the country.”

  “That’s because you’re in what they call the honeymoon phase,” Laurel said. She examined her doll’s legs. “I think I’ve made mine too short.”

  “How can we be in the honeymoon phase when we aren’t even married yet?” Begonia asked.

  “It starts at the beginning of a relationship whether you’re married or not and eventually fades,” Laurel said. “Whether the union lasts depends on how solid the foundation is.”

  “You sound very knowledgeable for someo
ne who’s never had a boyfriend,” Millie remarked.

  Laurel didn’t react. She simply dipped her brush into a pot of peach-colored paint and carried on.

  Begonia looked at me expectantly. “Are you still in the honeymoon phase, Emma?”

  “I don’t know,” I answered truthfully. “We’re very happy, but we disagree sometimes.”

  “Demetrius and I don’t argue about anything,” Begonia said, smiling proudly.

  “See?” Laurel said. “Honeymoon phase. Don’t worry. The bloom will be off the rose eventually. It happens to everyone.”

  Begonia pressed her lips together and focused on her doll.

  “What did you think of the festival?” I asked in an effort to change the subject.

  “I hope we do it every year,” Sophie said. “Daniel did a great job.”

  I smiled. “Thanks, I’ll let him know you approved.”

  “I think it should be more days next time,” Millie said. “I didn’t make it to half the exhibits that I wanted to see because of my class schedule. These stupid dolls are due tomorrow.”

  “There was more interest than he anticipated,” I said, “which is a plus. He just didn’t plan for it.”

  “I love the idea of a theme,” Begonia said. “Maybe next year can be Scandinavia.”

  “I didn’t realize roses were associated with the Mediterranean.” Laurel set down her paintbrush now that the doll’s skin was covered in peach-colored paint.

  “Lavender surprised me for the same reason,” I said. “I think of English cottage gardens.”

  “The whole town smelled heavenly,” Begonia said. “And it gave me wonderful ideas for the wedding.”

  “Don’t tell me you want to have a Mediterranean-themed wedding,” Millie said.

  Begonia glanced at her. “What’s wrong with that?”

  “You don’t have a connection to it,” Millie said. “If you’re going to have a theme, have one that makes sense for the bride and groom.”

  “So we should have it in a cemetery and arrive on broomsticks?” Begonia suggested, clearly agitated.

  Sophie perked up. “I love that idea.”

  “We’re not doing that,” Begonia said. “I want the wedding to be beautiful. Cemeteries are depressing.”