Page 66 of Upside Down Magic

Ilooked at the extended handle of the suitcase like it was a snake laughing at me and taking unflattering photos for social media. “Ofcourse,Tammy,”Iheard myself say.

“Perfect.Oh, do they have a coffee shop here?Thecoffee on the flight was awful.Aw-ful.”

“There’sa drive-through on the way toOlmeda,”Keyventured, her eyes big as saucers.

“Per-fect.”Sheleaned her hand onKey’sarm. “Andoh, call meTammy, please.”

Keystarted, opened her mouth, gave me a fast, nervous glance, then parroted, “Okay,Tammy.”SheledTammyto the exit whileIdragged the suitcase behind me, feeling likeIwas fifteen rather than an adult twenty-six.

Aftera stop to getTammy’scoffee, we drove straight to the bed and breakfast.Tammykept up a chatter about the awful taxi ride to the airport, her uncomfortable flight in business class,how she already missed home, how it was “a bit too chilly” here inOlmeda, and “it looks somewhat run-down, doesn’t it?”

“It’sold-town charm,Tammy,”Icouldn’t help retort to that last one.

Keynodded vigorously from the passenger seat.

Tammydidn’t appear convinced and simply slurped coffee through tiny, pursed red lips.

“Lovely,” she said when we finally stopped in front of the bed and breakfast. “Leaveit toLilianto stay here instead of a decent hotel.”

Isnapped straight.DorseyandImight not be on the same batting team, but from one hospitality worker to another, the bed and breakfastwaslovely and much better than a hotel.Allegedlyand according to the online reviews.

“Dorsey’sbed and breakfast is a landmark ofOlmeda,”Isaid, putting on my full charm. “Bookedout for months, from whatIhear.Spaciousrooms, recently renovated bathrooms.Greatservice, and the breakfast is to die for.”Bythis point,Key’seyes were bulging so much they were in danger of falling out.Iignored her and forged on. “Thereis much to be said about getting the boutique treatment, unlike in hotels with their many guests and concierges always in a hurry.”

Tammypassed me her empty coffee cup and unhooked her seatbelt. “Personally,Iprefer the restaurants in a hotel.Oh, dear,Ihope they cleaned my room already and we don’t have to wait.Candy, get my suitcase, will you?”

Isthat me?Keymouthed.

Iswiveled my hand.Fifty-fifty.

Shesighed and got out of theSUVwhileIpressed the button to open the back.Oncethe suitcase was safely on the sidewalk and the back closed,IabandonedKeywithTammyand went to find a parking spot.Luckily, it only took a few minutes, and soonIwas back to the bed and breakfast.

Thefirst floor was empty, soIwent up the stairs and foundKeyandDorseystanding byLilian’sclosed door.

“Tammyinside?”Iwhispered, walking up to them.

Dorseyshushed me and pointed at the door. “Avery, do some magic so we can hear.”

“They’restrategizing,”Keytold me.

“Morelike gossiping,”Dorseysaid with derision. “ThatTammyperson, is she really a powerful witch?”

“Tammycalled herGoosey,”Keywhispered, trying hard to contain a laugh.

Mylips twitched. “Isee.”

Dorseymuttered some unflattering things about city people thinking they were all that, then pointed at the door again. “Well?Dosomething about it.”

“Magicdoesn’t work like that,Ms.Dorsey.”

“Wellit should,” she grumbled.

Atthis pointIwas honestly surprised she didn’t have some kind of messed-up peephole or hidden camera network rigged through the bed and breakfast.NotthatI’dmention that to her—no need to give her ideas.

Movementover by the stairs drew our attention.IanandAlexstepped onto the landing andIlet out a small squeal of happiness. “Ian!”

“Christ, you’re louder than an elephant,”Dorseysaid.

Ignoringher,ImetIanhalfway down the hallway and gave him a fast hug and a kiss. “YourSUVis safe.”

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