Page 20 of The Neighborhood Witch

“Thank you.”

Ez reached for an ashtray from across the bar counter.

“Here, use this. It might improve the wine.” Alice handed her the wineglass.

Esmerelda took the glass and knocked the cigarette ash into the purplish-red liquid. She glanced back at Alice with a sly smile. “Take it you’re not a fan?”

“I’ve had better. By better, I mean like every other wine out there,” Alice replied. “That is horrible.” She pointed at the glass before pulling her fingers away from the cursed wine.

“I’ve heard you’re good.”

“I’m getting better.”

“I’m not looking for getting better,” Ez quickly responded. Her words challenged Alice.

“Mine is the best you’ll ever have,” Alice stated.

Ez grabbed an empty rocks glass from behind the bar. She slammed it down on the counter and offered Alice the chance to prove her prowess. Alice produced a small silver flask from her purse. She unscrewed the top and poured the purplish-red contents into the glass.

Ez picked it up, swirling the contents inside. She took a sniff to smell the flavors of the wine. Alice crafted the wine to give off hints of vanilla and cedar. She took a sip. She swished the liquid around her mouth as if to savor every drop.

“You made this?” Ez wiped away the excess wine on her lips.

“I take it I passed,” Alice inferred.

“Can you mass produce, say, one hundred bottles?”

“Shouldn’t be a problem. I have an extensive list of varieties that I can make. That one was just plain, regular old wine.”

“That was one hell of a plain, regular old wine.” Esmerelda finished the glass without hesitation. “You’re hired, kiddo. Go around back and talk to Sam.”

That name joltedAlice back to reality. Sweat rolled down her back. Her body tensed, and her head throbbed.I’ve had enough of Sam for today, thank you. She scanned the aisle and found herself still alone. Alice continued, but a large display caught her attention.

Her fingers hovered over the label of an unfamiliar brand,Red-Hearted Queen. She picked up the bottle, examining it further. Her thumb traced the four suits. A minor detail, something that only a wine expert like herself would catch, drew her attention. Down in the lower right corner was a solitary, capitalizedA+opposite the 13% alcohol by volume disclosure. Alice pondered its meaning. She hadnever seen a marker or indicator like that. She examined another bottle. It had aBin its corner.

Alice picked up yet another bottle, but immediately placed it back down. A figure appeared in the corner of her eye and pulled her attention away from the greenish bottles. She knew instantly who it was. That unmistakable coifed hair. The beard. The same black leather jacket playing ball with his dog in the backyard the day before.

She held her breath, unable to think of anything to say should he look her way. Alice froze as Hugo Dodds placed a bottle of wine in his basket. He moved on without looking down the aisle. Alice followed, leering behind the shelves to stay hidden. She grabbed a bottle of wine, pretending to examine it, but kept a keen ear to the conversation.

Hugo approached Oliver Raskin, who was behind the meat counter.

“Hugo, I have something for you. Pork chops,” Oliver shouted as he produced a neatly wrapped package from inside the meat counter.

“Maybe she’ll actually share with me this time,” Hugo said as he placed the package of chops into his basket.

“Don’t be stealing too much from her,” Carol said as she approached the pair. Hugo wrapped his free arm around Carol Raskin as she hugged his side. “How are you doing? How did the date go?”

Hugo grimaced. “Well, let’s say she wasn’t my type.”

“So, you have a type?” Carol asked.

“You know my type.” Hugo avoided eye contact.

“And that’s exactly why I’m trying to help,” Carol pleaded.

“I met the new neighbor the other night,” Hugo said, changing the subject of the conversation.

Alice’s eyes widened as she focused on Hugo.

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