Page 5 of Midlife Witch Unexpected

I shook my head as she handed me a coffee, taking a sip, too tired to care how she made it. But I was pleasantly surprised. “Milk and one.” I grinned up at her.

“Well, I figure women drink their coffee like they like their men. You’re a slightly sweet with a light tan kind of woman.” She giggled.

I couldn’t help but chuckle along with her. “I’m off men for a long while.” I took another sip of coffee.

“Well, sounds like a story for an evening when you aren’t so tired.” Bianca placed her cup of coffee next to her computer and flipped the switch on. “Let’s get your statement.”

“I drew a locked, cocked, and loaded weapon on a member of law enforcement.” I tried to sound cavalier, but I was humiliated.

“I don’t think we needed all those details,” Bianca snapped her gum, sipped her coffee, and stared at the screen for a moment. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. To be honest it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in this town in the last well ever since I’ve been here or working here at the sheriff’s office.”

“It’s amazing the sheriff’s office in Cougar Creek is even funded,” I said. “It seems so small.”

“It’s grown a bit in recent years.” Bianca’s curls fell forward in front of her eyes. She tied it back in a quick ponytail. “Now tell me-” she leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner. “-exactly what happened when Sheriff Ted threatened you and made you feel like you needed to draw a gun to protect yourself?”

“Well, he is an imposing man,” I chuckled, relieved she was clearly just amused by the situation. “And it is a reasonable and real threat. I mean not him, okay, I get that. But you know, having a gun and being able to draw it, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a woman being on her guard against predators.”

“But you’re not a vigilante, right?” Bianca asked. “We do need a statement like that from you for the record you know.”

“No. I am not a vigilante,” I said raising my left hand while snickering.

“These parts do attract those who don’t like the law,” Bianca took a sip of tea, then checked her lipstick. “I mean not so much around Cougar Creek. Nothing happens around here. Heck, I think my divorce ten years ago was the last big deal in this town. It’s just kids growing up, baseball games, and county fairs. Then everyone moves off. Not many stay around.”

“Well, I can see why. I was always surprised my aunt stayed.” I breathed in the fresh cinnamon and cream aroma of my tea.

Bianca cocked her head side and looked at me curiously. “How well did you know your aunt?”

I cupped my mug, enjoying the heat. “I only came up here once. It was more her traveling down to L.A. to see me. She kept trying to get me to come up here, but I never did. You know, I always kind of felt bad about that. Though it was easier for her to travel without any children.”

“So, you don’t have any friends around here?” Bianca asked.

“Not yet,” I said with a smile. How do you answer that question? I’m a lovely mess. My husband was my best friend.

“I’ll be happy to show you around.” Bianca offered.

“That sounds good. I remember seeing the forests and the beach before. It was like a fairy wonderland the forests and the misty shores.” My gaze connected with Bianca’s bright green eyes. “I remember that. How magic things feel up here.”

“I have the same sense around here. I guess it’s why I never went anywhere. I just loved the magic here too much.” Bianca smiled warmly, her hand reaching out and touching my wrist. I almost pulled back. It wasn’t normal in Los Angeles to reach out and touch a stranger. But I guess I had to get used to it around places like this.

“That’s her?” A deep voice came from the front door.

“See anyone else around here, Branson?” Bianca swiveled away from me and spoke to the golden man who stood by the front door.

His laughter reverberated from his throat and all the way to my thighs. My eyes opened wide as I looked him over. Thankfully he was staring down at his phone, his golden eyes almost hidden by his blond locks falling forward over his tan skin. He wore a plaid red, white, and blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was broad, lean, and muscular, and way too young for me.

“Who the heck is that?” I asked.

“Your caretaker,” Bianca raised an eyebrow at me.

“My caretaker?” I asked.

“The caretaker of The Estate,” Bianca explained it slowly as if she was talking to an ignoramus, which at the moment I actually felt like.

“The Estate,” I repeated like a parrot. Then suddenly snapped out of it. “Aunt Emma’s estate! Okay! Got it.”

“Round here we all just call it The Estate,” Bianca said with a shrug.

“And that’s the caretaker?” I whispered to Bianca, my voice catching in my throat.

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