Page 114 of The Neighborhood Witch

“He was a good buddy.”

“I know. The best buddy any witch could ask for.”

The basement door opened, and Max came charging through. She ran over to greet the new visitor. Her tail wagged back and forth. She laid her head on Esmerelda’s lap, begging for attention.

“I remember you.” Ez patted her on the head. “Have you been a good girl?”

Hugo appeared from behind the door. “I’ve been trying to tell her that she could make a fortune selling that stuff in your store,” he said down the stairs.

Esmerelda turned to the basement door. Her mouth agape, eyes wide, and eyebrows scrunched at the sudden disturbance. Hugo held the door as Carol and Oliver Raskin emerged from the basement as well.

“Even if it didn’t have all of that magical stuff in it, we can make a fortune on the branding alone,” Oliver said. “Only available at The Neighborhood Market, locally brewed wine byThe Neighborhood Witch. I see the potential.I see the potential.”

“Always some gimmick with you,” Carol replied.

“It’s a great gimmick,” Oliver stated.

“I’d have to agree with Oliver on this one,” Hugo chimed in.

“See!” Oliver added. “But I’m also serious.”

Esmerelda snapped back at Alice. “Who are these people?”

“They’re… umm…” Alice stammered, trying to justify why strangers were in her home.

“Carol Raskin,” she introduced herself with an outstretched hand.

Esmerelda turned and daintily shook her hand. “Charmed.”

“Carol, this is Esmerelda Honeydew. She’s my mentor and close friend,” Alice said as she stood up.

“My friends call me Ez,” she added.

“Well, Ez, it’s a pleasure to meet you. This walking gimmick machine is my husband Oliver.” Carol motioned back toward him.

“Pleased to meet you,” he said with a nod.

Esmerelda glared at Alice; her eyes blinked rapidly. “So, does everyone know you’re a witch? What happened to laying low?”

“After Hugo’s little joy ride—” Oliver started.

“It wasn’t ajoyride,” Hugo interrupted.

“I agree with Hugo on that one,” Alice added. “There was no joy in that ride.”

Oliver continued, “We could claim that what people saw was a marketing stunt. Like one of those drones. Think of it. A witch mysteriously appears over Newbury Grove. Rumors spread—”

“Then we put up signs at the store.Have you seen The Neighborhood Witch?Anticipation builds. Then we have a big launch event,” Carol finished his thought.

“I’d have my own wine in a store!” Alice smiled at the thought.

“If everyonedidknow she was a witch, then we could really move some wine,” Oliver said. Everyone glared at him, eyes wide. Carol gave him an expression that screamed ’shut up’ in the silence. “What? It’s the truth.”

Hugo strutted over and stood next to Alice. He slipped his hand behind hers. Alice interlocked her fingers with his.

“Ez, it’s okay,” he said, drawing her attention. “Carol and Oliver are like parents to me. They’ve looked after me… looked after us. With any potential rumors that could go around, we needed someone we could trust. I… I trust them. We trust them. It’s okay, I promise you. Her secret is safe.”

“It’s not her being a witch I’m worried about,” Ez replied.

---