Page 110 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“What about you?” I ask her. “Any thoughts?”
My heart pounds. I was expecting her to be the most supportive, but instead, she looks like she’s keeping a secret.
“Are we still invited to help?” Maple asks. “Because if you’re selling charmed drinks… I mean, adding charmed food into the mix…”
My eyes widen. “Seriously? You want to…?”
“It will mean more time and renovations, but I would love to be your chef,” she says. “Your head chef. If you want me, I’m yours.”
I’ve never heard her sound so assertive. The last time I heard her like this was when we worked in the kitchen together, and that didn’t go well, but this will be different.
“I have a better idea,” I say. “I want you to run it with me. We can co-own it. You can run the kitchen, and I’ll run the front.”
“Yes!” Maple claps her hands together. “A thousand times, yes.”
“If it’s too much responsibility, I understand. I don’t expect you to quit your job.”
“But I want to! Please, please, let me quit my job.”
I hold up my hands in surrender. “I won’t stop you.”
After all, I know something about leaving a job behind. Losing my job felt like heartbreak, but now… I owe Denise a favor. I’ll send her a holiday card.
“I can still run the books.” Rowan sighs. “If you’d like.”
“You don’t sound very enthusiastic,” I say. “I can hire someone else.”
“I am.” Rowan shrugs. “If this goes off like I’m hoping, I may be able to take on fewer clients to make ends meet. That will be nice.”
“Well!” Laurel crosses her arms. “What about me? Everyone has something to do but me!”
“I still want you to do your tarot readings,” I say. “Those were a hit in the shop. We can advertise tarot nights.”
“And…?” Laurel leans forward and wiggles her eyebrows. “What else can I do?”
My smile drops. “Fine. You can be a bartender.”
“Really?” She clasps her hands together.
“Really,” I say. “I’ll teach you the ropes.”
I have to learn how first, but that’s a problem for a later day.
“This is the best day ever!” Laurel squeals.
Usually, I would want her to temper herself, but…
For once, I think she’s right. Thisisthe best.
It’s all thanks to Ozan. I don’t try to hide it when I slide my hand across the table and take his hand in mine.
Chapter 26
Ozan
Juniper is happierthan I’ve seen her in weeks—maybe happier than I’veeverseen her—and it has nothing to do with me.
I may have given her the idea, but she ran with it faster than I thought she would. By the night’s end, she has a list of plans and numbers to call. Her sisters are on board, too.
