Page 39 of Midlife Witch Unexpected

“Trina runs the bakery,” Hilda said.

“Fair enough,” I said. “Let’s go get the posse together and see what we can do about this infestation.” I looked over at Branson. “Am I safe out there? Like if I walk beyond the walls of the cemetery is he going to be able to get me out there?”

“Yep.” Anita looked smug.

“Great,” I rolled my eyes grateful for once Branson was with us.

“It’s actually exactly why we are going out there,” Hilda said. “The minute a Keeper starts looking weak, that’s when people start moving in on you. So, you can’t show a single sign of weakness. We will go down now to the bakery and show our unity and strength. You will make your stance as the High Priestess of Cougar Creek Coven.”

At the bakery. Right. I was supposed to make some sort of parade of champions after just getting knocked on my ass by a vampire who wasn’t even in my proximity. I didn’t see how I’d survive. But I did see how it made sense. “You want me to mark my territory.”

Branson nodded not even cracking the slightest amount of a smile. “Definitely,” he said. “But I’ll ride shotgun.” He climbed into the front of my jeep.

I sighed. He seemed to be getting comfortable in my passenger seat.

Hilda and Anita happily crawled up into the back. Though I didn’t quite understand how such a small, frail old woman was able to nimbly place herself in the back of my jeep. But I wasn’t going to complain. This witchcraft thing maybe did something for your body and gave you a little extra something. I was all about the little extra something.

Somehow, I had assumed Witches’ Brew Bakery was just a clever name. But apparently, I was wrong. The bakery sold therapeutic, fragrant teas and exotic French pastries. All “Made by Witches.” I wasn’t into pastries, but I was way into the tea.

I had been spending most of my time at home, only going out to see other coven members and not going to the shops at all. I had been reading and memorizing the spells in the grimoire, but that wasn’t what kept me inside. It was the purple and green light that writhed in balls around my hands. It was almost impossible to hide. This was the first time I was out in public. My fists were balled in my pockets as Branson open the door and stepped aside to allow me into the bakery first.

I wasn’t quite sure what to do, so I took a few steps in and stood there awkwardly. The bakery was themed like a 1950’s witch sitcom with a cute blond logo witch flying on a broom enjoying a cup of witches brew tea.

"This is slightly genius," I smirked at Trina as she came out from the back.

"People like it." She picked imaginary lint off her immaculate black dress.

I loved it instantly.

“I can only imagine how wonderful everything tastes.” I smiled at Anita.

“Mae.” Bianca almost shouted in my ear as she enveloped me in a giant hug. “There you are!”

“Here I am,” I said, shoving my hands deeper in my pockets. I looked helplessly at Branson, not sure what I was supposed to be doing when I was with the coven in public and a Normie hugged me.

“I haven’t seen you around and I didn’t want to disturb you, I was thinking you were probably getting your house all set up.” Bianca was gushing. Clearly elated to see me. My heart twinged in guilt. Things had gotten so crazy I hadn’t even realized how much I missed our burgeoning friendship. “I see you’re still hanging out with you know who.” She leaned in and wiggled her eyebrows.

I burst out laughing. “I’ve been trying to get rid of him,” I said loudly.

Branson looked over at me with an impassive gaze that told me quite clearly, he really didn’t give a damn what I was trying to do, he was staying put.

“Well, that’s quite a problem to have,” Bianca said with a grin. “I’ll take a double serving, please.”

“Sorry I’ve been holed up at the house,” I said. “But a lot of stuff has been going on.”

“Right,” Bianca grinned. “Stuff.”

“Stop it,” I giggled despite myself.

“Have you been getting the house fixed up?” Bianca asked. “Did you get rid of that crazy witch altar?”

I nodded vaguely at her, but my gaze went to Branson.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, girl.” Bianca nodded knowingly, looping her arm through mine. “Make time for me when you’ve got it.”

I felt infused with warmth and an attachment to her I hadn’t realized was so strong, but as my world was slowly spinning into a crazy occult experience, she was a dose of sanity. Talking to her felt like dunking my head in a cold bucket of water and then looking up and seeing the world so much more clearly than before. My hands felt calm, and I looked down at them, pleased to see there was no light coming from my pockets.

I pulled my hands free and gave her a hug, thrilled. Something must have happened when she hugged me, that connection, to stop the crazy light show coming from my hands.

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