Page 38 of A Roar for Magic

“They’re... being friendly.”

“The candles start glowing brighter.”

“That’s a natural reaction to?—”

“The love potion section tries to throw itself at him.”

“Okay, fine!” Clover sank down beside her cousin, deflating slightly. “Maybe my magic has a tiny crush.”

“A tiny crush?” Romi’s laugh filled the room with warmth. “Sweetie, your entire inventory rearranges itself to get his attention. Though I have to say, watching him pretend not to notice while knocking over displays is pretty entertaining.”

“He doesn’t knock things over on purpose.”

“No, he does it because he gets distracted staring at you.” Romi stood, approaching the closet with determination. “Now, let me work my magic. After all, you did help me pick the perfect outfit for my first date with Xabir.”

The memory brought a smile to Clover’s face. “You tried on seventeen dresses.”

“And you made me wear the pinup style one.” Romi’s voice turned muffled as she disappeared into the closet. “Which, by the way, Xabir still talks about.”

“Because it was perfect for you. It made you feel confident without being—” Clover broke off as Romi emerged triumphantly holding a sleek black dress. “Oh no. No, no, no.”

“Oh yes.” Romi’s eyes sparkled. “Remember when I got you this that time we went shopping for my birthday?”

“I tried to stop you from buying it.”

“It’s perfect for you.”

“It’s-”

“I know. You already said it’s ‘too sexy for everyday but perfect for a special occasion.’“

“Romi...”

“It’s been hiding in your closet for three years while you pretend dating doesn’t exist?”

“I haven’t been hiding from dating. I’ve been focused on?—”

“Building your business? Perfecting your magic? Running away from anything resembling emotional vulnerability?” Romi’s expression softened. “Sound familiar? Because I distinctly remember someone telling me not to let fear of what might go wrong stop me from discovering what might go right.”

The words – her own words, thrown back at her now – hit home. Clover stared at the dress, remembering how she’d helped Romi prepare for her first date with Xabir. How nervous her cousin had been, still healing from her divorce, scared to open her heart again.

“It’s not that simple,” Clover whispered.

“Why not?” Romi sat beside her, taking her hand. “Because you’re afraid of getting hurt? Because it’s easier to stay safe and alone than risk finding something real?”

“I saw what happened to you after your divorce.”

“And you saw how happy I am now with Xabir. Because I took a chance. Because my amazing cousin reminded me that sometimes the scariest things are worth the risk.”

Clover’s throat tightened. “What if it goes wrong?”

“What if it goes right?” Romi squeezed her hand. “I’ve seen how he looks at you, Clo. Like you’re something precious and rare. And I’ve seen how you light up around him, even if you try to hide it.”

“I do not light up.”

“Honey, you practically glow. Your magic gets all sparkly.”

Despite herself, Clover laughed. “You’re impossible.”

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