Page 109 of Upside Down Magic

“Ofcourse,Sonia.”

Hereye twitched, but she gave me a curt goodbye and returned to their booth, which was still miraculously empty.Everyonein this room was probably as scared of her asIwas.

“Let’sget something to drink,”Iansuggested.Heput a hand on my lower back and prodded me forward until we were sitting on stools at one of the tall tables.Afew more people came byto congratulate me as we waited for our orders—beer forIan,Hurricanefor me, and shepherd pies.Thedrive and excitement had left me absolutely starving.

Myphone dinged with several notifications:Aheartfelt congratulations byApril,Nataliaasking if my new ownership meantIwas giving her a raise, andBoskoshowing me a receipt of someone who had bought twenty of his badges.

“So,”Dorseysaid, appearing out of nowhere and giving me a fright.Sheclambered onto the stool on the other side of the table and slammed her pink drink on top. “Howmuch did you have to pay them?”

“Paywho?”Ilooked atIanfor help, but he simply smiled and sipped on his beer.

“TheCouncil, duh.”

“Ididn’t pay theCouncil,Ms.Dorsey.”

“That’snot what my sources say.”

“Yoursources are wrong.”Besides,Idoubted she had any sources.Shewas just trying to irritate me.Hah.Thejoke was on her. “Bewareof one’s inner inability to be happy for others, for it likely means one will never find happiness in one’s own life.”

“I’dlike to inabilityyourown life,” she grumbled, then left with her pink drink.

“Ithink she likes me,”ItoldDru.

Drulaughed. “Youknow what?Ithink she does.”

Fluffynudged me for attention, andIgathered her in my arms. “Iknow you like me too,Fluffbutt.”

Fluffylolled her tongue, eyes bright with excitement.Shetruly enjoyed being around so many people.Probablybecause they allaww-ed andoooh-ed at her and took photos of her cuteness.

Rufussat silently byIan’sside, keeping watch for any dangers to our table.Thewaiter had brought out bowls of water for them, as well as some snacks from the kitchen.Iwassurprised they were allowed inside, butIsupposed if you let the witches and shifters in, you might as well let the dogs too.

Happytimes.

Dru’sexpression turned downright malevolent as she focused on something above my shoulder.Ididn’t have to look to knowPrestonhad entered the pub.

“Youknow,”Isaid, “for someone who doesn’t care about her ex, you really spend a lot of energy reacting to his presence.”

Shelifted her chin, staring at me down her nose. “Idon’t comment about your ghost pet zoo, and you don’t comment about my hobbies.”

“It’sjust one little octopus ghost!”

“Andan evil crone.”

Okay, she had a point.Igiggled at the thought of puttingBagley’slocket out for people to feed and pet.Thiswas followed by a slight burp.Ipeered at my glass. “Howstrong are these drinks?”

“Ihear congratulations are in order.”

Iturned to facePrestonand beamed. “Yes, thank you.”

Hewas dressed in his usual tailored suit, today in blue pinstripes and a bright white shirt.

Igestured toward the table. “Wannajoin us?”

Somethingbumped the central column of the table, andIwas pretty sureDruhad just tried to kick me.

Prestonlooked atDrupointedly, then at me, then smiled coolly. “No, thank you.Ihave other plans tonight.Justwanted to drop by the party and congratulate you in person.AbouttheChristmasevent too.”

“It’sa big hit.I’mthinking of doing another in spring.”

---