Page 2 of The Neighborhood Witch

She took the lead, and they continued down the sidewalk toward the center of the town.

The town center was a bustling place of commerce. The old brick facades with brightly colored awnings, built right before the turn of the twentieth century, appeared well-kept and clean for their age. Hugo passed by a local bank branch, a pub, a barbershop, a bakery, and places of business that sold other items, such as jewelry and gifts. He stopped beneath a red, green, and white awning.

He focused on the gold lettering forAntonio’s Italian Ristoranteon the door leading into the rectangular building. He glanced over at the small, round table in the window’s corner. That was their table—Hugo and Elizabeth’s table. This was their favorite restaurant, where they spent many date nights over the years.

Sweat rolleddown Hugo’s back.Why did I wear the sweater? Hugo thought.

He shifted back and forth in his seat, trying to pull up his pant leg.These pants are way too tight. I’m going to rip them. Why didn’t I get bigger pants?

“How’s the lasagna?” Elizabeth asked with her trademark radiant smile.

“Excellent, as always,” Hugo replied. He set his fork down and took a sip of wine. “How’s the ravioli?”

“There has never been a bad meal at Antonio’s,” she replied before taking a bite.

Hugo peered outside from their table in the corner. The full moon peeked from behind the clouds to illuminate the night sky.The rain held off. Good.He put his hand into the black leather jacket pocket.

His fingers traced the small felt box within. His thumb prodded the seam, opening it without Elizabeth noticing. He slipped his thumb and index finger inside, rubbing the metal ring to verify it was still there. He withdrew his fingers slowly, not wanting the lid to make a sound.

“Everything okay?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yeah. Things are great. Only going to get better,” he replied with a smile. Hugo paused. “I was thinking. Let’s take a stroll down to Wildgrove Park.”

“At night?”

“Yeah. Beautiful night. Beautiful moon. Beautiful girl. It’ll be a night to remember.”

She lowered her eyes to her nearly finished plate, blushing and smiling with delight. When her eyes met Hugo’s, she gave him a wink.

He raised his glass in a toast. “To a beautiful evening.”

She raised hers. “To a beautiful life.”

They clanked their glasses and took a sip.

Max’sloud and piercing bark snapped Hugo out of his daze. She had to make her presence known to people strolling across the street.

“Max! Stop that,” Hugo commanded. “Sit.”

Max did as instructed. Hugo pulled out a small dog biscuit from his jacket pocket and gave it to Max.

“No barking.”

They continued down the sidewalk. As they passed the townsfolk of Newbury Grove, some people recognized the pair.

“Hey Hugo,” a voice shouted.

“Hi,” he politely replied.

“How you doing, Hugo?” others asked.

“I’m fine,” he replied, not wanting to make small talk.

He hurried from the town center and turned down a side street. Folk Victorian homes lined both sides of the street. As Hugo journeyed past, the white, yellow, and beige houses all blended together. Leaves from the trees littered the sidewalk. They crunched as the pair continued home.

More voices shouted, “How you doing, Hugo?”

“I’m fine,” he replied. “Just fine.” His shoulders slumped, and he directed his eyes down on the leaves to avoid eye contact with anyone.

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