Page 31 of Returning to Everton

I gesture to the display case. He takes a look and then snaps his head up at me.

“Dude, what the hell. Where’s all the food?!” he exclaims.

I chuckle. “Well, I had a surprise customer this morning. She went home with all the good stuff. As is typical of her, she couldn’t decide what kind of muffins she wanted, so I gave her some of all of them,” I gloat.

“What?! Rowen was here? Damn it. I was stopping by to get some goodies to take to her and offer my help with the movers,” he grumbles.

“Well, she beat you to it. And since I’m sure it’ll be all over the town today, I closed the shop this morning to take her home. I loaded her up with too much food and she couldn’t carry it home since she walked. When I got back there was a line at the door. I’m sure the gossip is already spreading. You know, I’ve never closed like that before,” I tell him.

“Oh yeah, I heard whispers of that on the way here,” he admits. “Thought I was hearing things.”

I laugh at that. “Exactly. It’s so unheard of, my best friend didn’t even believe it when he heard it.”

He scratches at his beard. “So what should I do now? She doesn’t need snacks, what’s my excuse for dropping by?”

“You don’t need an excuse, Nate. Just show up and say you heard she was moving and ask if she needs any help,” I tell him. “Don’t make a big deal about her leaving or being gone so long. I know you took it really hard when she left, but let’s just try to concentrate on the future, not the past, okay?”

He huffs at me. “Yes, dad. I know. I’ve actually been letting go of my resentment. But since Quinn brought it to our attention that it might not have been her choice? I’ve been pissed alright. On her account not at her, Hud. Trust me, I know what is on the line. I won’t screw this up for us,” he tells me adamantly.

“Alright, well, have fun then. But not too much fun,” I warn him. He turns to leave when I stop him. “Hey wait, bring her a drink and remind her to text me later please.” I make her a strawberry smoothie and hand it to Nate.

I watch him walk out of the bakery then head back to the kitchen. The magical timer I set is about to go off, so I grab my oven mitts and walk up to the first oven just in time for it to go off. I continue going from oven to oven until all the muffins and cinnamon rolls are on the counter. Since I'm in a rush to replace the pastries, I don't have time to let them cool so I use magic, and send them to their spots in the display case.

I clean up the kitchen, then head back out front. Seems like word has spread that I was sold out of everything because the bakery is a graveyard, it's so dead in here. Which is fine by me. Gives me more time to think about Rowen and our conversation earlier. I wonder when she’s going to want to start work. Hopefully, soon. I can’t wait, I’ll get to spend all day with her. Talk about a dream come true.

I’m kinda disappointed she didn’t know the meaning behind the bakery name. What did that asshole do to her that she didn’t even remember her favorite flower? I swear when we figure out who helped him spell her... it’s not gonna be pretty. Rowen may think I’m the sweet one of the bunch, but that asshole stole our girl from us. We missed out on years of her life. Not to mention our own lives were derailed. All of us went through stages of depression and rage after Rowe left. To think that was all because someone intervened and used magic against Rowen... It just makes it all that much worse. We could live with it when we thought Rowen was happy, but knowing what we do now, I can definitely feel that same rage coming back.

I just don’t understand why anyone would do that. Hell, why would Harris want her if she didn’t want him? And what did the magic user get out of it? Surely someone wouldn’t completely ruin someone’s life like that just for money. What other reason could they have though?

I have no idea how we’re going to find all the answers we need. I think I may have to have a talk with my parents. They are well versed in the different kinds of magic. My dad’s a bit of a bookworm and he has a collection of spellbooks. I wonder if there’s anything helpful in any of them. I pull my phone out and text my dad before I forget.

Me:Hey dad. You busy tonight?

Dad:Just a normal night of reading. Why what’s going on?

Me:Can I come over for dinner? I need to talk to you and mom about something.

Dad:Of course. Is everything okay?

Me:I’m not sure. I’m hoping you and mom can help me figure that out.

Dad:Okay. Dinner’s at 7

Me:See you then. Love you

With that settled, I put my phone back in my pocket and get back to work. The lunch crowd should be here soon. Right on time, people start flowing into the bakery. Some are here to get their sweet fix for the day, others come for the specialty sandwiches I make. Either way looks like the lull is over for now.

13

Rowen

After calming down from the coffee cake excitement and slight misunderstanding, we load up my car with our bags and head over to the new house. Quinn said she could stay and help for a little bit, but she needs to go to work to relieve her employee for lunch. So at least I’ll have some company in that big house for a few hours.

When we pull up in the driveway, I turn and look at Violet’s face as she gets a good look at her new home. She does not disappoint. Her face is lit up with wonder.

“Thisis our new home Mommy?” she asks in disbelief.

“It sure is sweetie. You ready to see the rest of it?”

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