Page 4 of Raising Hell: MMF Edition

Shadow mews as I look at her and shrug. “Here goes nothing.”

My back arches as I stretch with a satisfying release of tension, and Shadow shifts beside me. “God, I’ve forgotten how amazing it is to sleep in. Too bad we can’t get used to this, huh, kitty?” My palms glide up my face and my fingers push through my hair.

“Ow!” I yelp at the scratch against my scalp, yanking my hands away from my head. My eyes widen in a rush at the sight of my long, healthy fingernails. “Oh, holy shit!” I shout, then slap my hand over my mouth. “Sorry, Granny.”

She hated cursing—which, now that I’m looking at it from the perspective that she ownedan entire book of curses,seems sort of ironic. Ever since I was old enough to figure out how to curse properly, I’ve monitored what I said around her.

The house still carries the weight of her presence, so it feels like the same rules are expected to be followed.

I pull my hand up in front of my eyes again and poke at the fingernails that definitely weren’t there yesterday. “It’s… real?” My mind spins as I think about the hundreds of spells that I’ve found in that book and the difference they could make in my life.

“Is this selfish, Shadow?” I ask, and she purrs as I dig my now-long nails through her thick fur. “Is it cheating?” She arches into my touch, and I glance over at her like I’m expecting a response.

At this point, I’m not sure it would even surprise me.

Chapter 3

Ruby

A few weeks have passed, and the only thing that has been sustaining me is the thrill of working through some of the simpler spells in the book. As a lifelong example of Murphy’s Law, I know better than to jump right into something complicated. With my luck, I’d end up sprouting an extra arm out of my forehead. It’d behandy, but not ideal.

Now, to the actual adult problems that don’t require a pointy hat and a cauldron.

I’ve had four interviews, with no prospects from any of them. Despite recognizing that I’m not the smartest person on the planet, I am competent. I’m motivated, and kind, and a hard worker.

Overall, I like to think I’m a good person.

Just not good enough to get a job offer, as luck would have it.

The money I inherited from Granny will provide for me for a long time, but that’s not its intended use. It’s for an emergency, or to retire early, or to find an opportunity to travel.

Not because I can’t land a job.

My days have become a never-ending cycle of gloom, and my nights are filled with self-pity. I’ve always considered myself an optimist, but now I’m trapped inside this funk that I can’t seem to shake. Lazily flipping through the book, I stop on a spell that has caught my eye more times than I can count. Far more complex than anything else I’ve attempted at this point, I scan through the long list of steps again.

Aside from the fingernails, I’ve crafted a potion to grow plants faster, a simple draught to get rid of allergies, something to make my hair frizz-free, and a sleeping aid that I have yet to try. The outcome has been exceptional every time, with my sleek curls and lack of sneezing proof that I must be doing something right.

So, I must be capable of pulling this one off, right?

Right?

I sigh, closing the book and securing the lock. The metal of the key is cool against my skin as I slide it around my neck, hiding it beneath my sweater. Shadow curls up by my side, nuzzling against my hand until I pet her. “One more interview, little buddy. This will be the one, I just know it. This is where my luck changes.”

Spoiler alert: this was not the one, and it was not where my luck changed.

As soon as my phone rings, a jolt of adrenaline rushes through my veins as I grab it, though I hold off answering untilthe third ring. Can’t show my cards with desperation, even if I am dripping in it. “This is Ruby,” I say, forcing cheerfulness into my voice.

“Ruby… this is Deborah Jones from PSO Securities.”

“Ms. Jones, yes, how are you?”

“I’m great. Thank you for asking.” There’s an uncomfortable silence as I hear her take a deep breath, and in that moment, I know. “The reason for my call is that we’ve reached a decision for the position, and… well, I’m sorry to tell you we’ve gone another direction.”

“Right…” I say, my voice a breathy, defeated thing. “I understand.”

She hesitates before her volume lowers. “I am sorry, Ruby. If it means anything at all, I was rooting for you.”

“It does. Mean something, that is.”

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