Page 25 of The Neighborhood Witch

“Well, you dress as a witch, so I guess riding comes with the territory.” Hugo chuckled.

“More than you know.” Alice winked back.

“I’m sorry about Johanna the other day. She’s not the nicest of people to get along with. She tends to keep to herself.”

“I’m used to it,” Alice replied.

“But you really do like dressing like it’s Halloween, don’t you?”

“It’s who I am.”

“Well, it’s definitely a style that most people in town are not used to seeing.”

“Trust me, I know. I’ve had quite a few looks the past couple of days.”

“I like it, but you know others might think you really are a witch.” Hugo laughed.

“What if I secretly am a witch?” Alice asked, causing Hugo to pause for a moment. “Or maybe I just like to dress the part?”

“Well, if you were a witch, I’d say you have to be who you are. You can’t change it for something you’re not.”

Hugo caught Alice trying to hide her blushing grin by burying her head into her shoulder. She hid only for a moment before looking back at him. Her emerald green eyes locked with his icy blues. Emotions stirred within Hugo, and his stomach twisted in knots.

“Thank you,” she replied. “That means a lot to me.”

“Although,” Hugo added, “I wouldn’t wear a black and purple dress to the high school football game next week.”

“Oh?” Alice asked. “Why not?”

“They might burn you at the stake for wearing the colors of their biggest rival.”

“Well, I’ll keep that fashion tip in mind.” Alice paused and smirked. “I don’t want to be burnt at the stake, now do I?”

Hugo smiled back. “Umm, we were heading in that direction, but do you mind if we join you?”

“Not at all. I could always use someone to talk to.”

The three of them continued on down the path.

Hugo asked, “So, what do you do for work?”

“I’m in beverage distribution.”

“Bartender?”

“No,” she chuckled. “I oversee bottling and distribution.”

“Ah, I see. That’s cool. I hope they give you free samples.”

“Of course. What about you? I never see you leave, except when you walk your dog. Do you work from home?”

“I’m a professional dog walker. I only have one client, and she doesn’t pay me.”

“Seriously?”

“No, I’m joking. I actually do nothing.”

“Nothing?”

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