Page 15 of Midlife Witch Unexpected

“Too young for you,” I snapped.

He looked amused and I suddenly realized how defensive and possessive I sounded. “I was just wondering where she was.”

"Oh, of course," I muttered, trying to ignore the flood of embarrassing heat that was burning up my neck. "She's in college. Twenty-one."

I was grateful to see the slight crinkles around the corners of his eyes. “I know I’m younger than you, but I’m not young enough to be your kid,” he said with a grin.

“She’s studying law back east,” I said.

“I didn’t go to college,” Branson said. “Is that going to be a problem?” He lowered his chin, his golden eyes piercing me. It was as if all the conversation about my daughter was only a pretext for falling into an intimate tete a tete with him.

I choked, visibly coughing and putting my hand over my mouth to hide my intense embarrassment. Was he seriously flirting with me? I mean, was it just a flirt, or was it a bit more than a flirt, because it felt almost like a complete come on. But it had been so long since I had experienced that, I wasn't sure if that was what was happening. Maybe I was way, way off?

“I have to go and unpack.” I managed the words out as I turned my back to Branson and started up the stairs searching for a locksmith in the nearest sizeable town. “You can let yourself out. And please, can you just do me a favor and knock when you come to the front door? I mean, I know it’s weird. I know it’s just me, I’m sure. Just put it down to me not being from around here. I’m sure it’s perfectly normal to walk into people’s houses without knocking if you are from or close to being from Cougar Creek.”

Branson, still chuckling, noted. “Yes, Mae. I’ll make certain to knock next time.”

“Make sure you do.” I turned my back to him. I had to, looking at him wasn’t going to get me anywhere I needed to be in terms of the house. It was just going to get me in trouble. A whole lot of trouble.

Chapter 9

The text from Bianca said, “Waldorf 7pm.” There were two bars in Cougar Creek. The Waldorf was on West Road, then there was the pub, O’Halloran’s, a couple of blocks away on Main Street. Both streets ran parallel to the actual Cougar Creek, which was quite a reasonable river, complete with small waterfalls in the center of town. The town had kept the area around the river all green land with a walking trail and access to the shops. The town planning showed a lot of sense of the landscape and community; it was clear they respected the magnitude of the environment while still wanting the people to engage locally.

I drove out my driveway and down the sloping hill that led past the cemetery and into town. It was already dark. We were a lot farther north than Los Angeles, so evenings started earlier. The sign to the cemetery loomed in the shadows.

Why did my family own the biggest cemetery? Why was it private? Why did we keep it private? What would happen to it if I sold the property?

A chill went through my bones.

I didn't want to think about it tonight. Nope. There were some nights to ask questions and there were other nights to just relax. Tonight, was definitely the latter. I was at the Waldorf, had ordered my drinks, and had nestled into a booth in a matter of moments. That's one thing small towns were great for no commute time.

I was wondering if I should order Bianca a beer or a whiskey when she slid into the booth. "Sorry, I'm late." She nodded at the young, tattooed guy behind the counter and waved two fingers in the air. He gave her a knowing smile.

“Oh my gosh, you and the bartender?” I asked.

“For real?” Bianca retorted. “No. I like them younger, but not the age of my kids.”

I laughed, tears forming in my eyes. “That was totally impolite of me to ask.”

“I get it,” Bianca said. “You’re testing my boundaries, trying to figure out who’s alpha. It’s cool, you can be alpha.”

“Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it.” Clearly, I needed to get out more and improve my social skills. “I was just trying to be friendly. I can tell you about my gay husband if makes it any better.”

“I figured you had a story,” Bianca said. “You look like a woman with a story.”

I laughed and handed my empty glass to the bartender as he came around with two whiskey sours.

“All right then.” I picked up my drink, swirled it around, and inhaled its tangy aroma. My taste buds started to pucker as I clinked my glass against hers. “Thanks for inviting me for a drink, Bianca. If you can forgive my social gaffs, I think we can be quite good friends.”

“There’s no such thing as a social gaff around here.” Bianca grinned and shrugged. “The truth is most of the women our age in this town are married. Social life is a game of pinochle and, well, you need a partner.”

“You want me to be your partner in pinochle?” I asked.

“Heavens, no!” Bianca exclaimed. “I want to hang out with someone who doesn’t play pinochle.”

“You found her,” I conceded.

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