Page 51 of The Witch is Back

“I don’t think you’re weird.”

“That’s because you’re weird.”

“Hey, I resemble that remark.”

That got her to smile at least.

“You don’t have to go, but the movies might be a good way to start hanging out with new people. You don’t even have to talk for a lot of it and if you’re not enjoying yourself, you can call me and I’ll come get you with a fake emergency.”

Too late she remembered she had plans with Bastian, but she discarded that. If Sloane needed her, she’d ditch Bastian. Somehow.

“Just promise me you’ll think about it. Did she give you her number?”

Sloane nodded. “I said I had to check with Aunt Debbie.”

“Good. But remember our motto this year.”

Emma watched as Sloane performed another spectacular eye roll. “Be brave,” the girl parroted with a snarky expression that suited her better than the uncertain pinched look.

Be brave.

Emma would have to remember that herself.

“How’s Bastian?”

“None of your concern.”

“A warlock who looks like he could be a movie star is in town to marry you and it’s not my concern?” Sloane crinkled her nose. “Surely if he marries you, we can trust him.”

“I told you; that isn’t how magical marriages work. They’re arranged for all sorts of reasons—power, money, genetics. Trust, friendship, love don’t enter into it.” You had to be one of the upper set to choose your spouse. Emma had always wondered why Bastian’s had been arranged, but then, he’d never made a stink about it.

Until he’d left.

“Whatever.” Sloane poked her drink. “Can’t I at least be in the wedding?”

“I wish you could, Jellybean.”

The beginnings of a pout formed, but worse was the hurt in her sister’s eyes. Emma put out a hand to her. “You know, if I was really getting married to someone I loved, I would have you front and center with me. But it would be dangerous for you.”

“Isn’t that for me to decide? I want to be with you.”

Goddess. “You’re so young still.”

“So? I’m old enough to decide.”

“Sloane, you get that I’m not just talking about some insults, right? My mother is free with her hands and more so with her magic. I don’t want you hurt.”

Sloane slumped and she let out a breath that told Emma she’d won. For now. “Okay, but...after you’re married...you’re not going away with him, are you?”

Emma snorted, made sure her voice was light and scornful. “Please. We’ve got our own trip to focus on. We just have to get through this next month and then Bastian will leave. And everything will be just the same.”

If she kept saying it, it was bound to come true.

“Now, tell me what boys you like.”

“Emmaaaa.” Sloane made a face and just like that, they were normal sisters again.

Still, hours later, even with the words Bastian will leave firm in her mind, Emma stared with growing panic at the pile of clothes on her bed.

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