Page 55 of Hot in Witch City
After we ordered cocktails and sat at a booth, I asked, “How are hijinks in the magical world?”
Zoe frowned. “Our brief reprieve from dark magic seems to be over.”
“Oh?” My muscles tightened.
“We had an attempt to infiltrate the Network,” Zoe explained.
“Yikes,” I replied.
“We’re hoping it’s nothing to worry about,” Nova added. “But be wary.”
“Will do.” I tipped my head. “Do you have any leads?”
“Nothing significant,” Zoe replied. “Keep an eye out for anyone or anything that seems out of place.”
After she climbed out of the booth to head to the ladies’ room, I glanced at Nova. “Mommie dear, for instance.”
“I know, I was thinking about that.” Nova tapped her chin.
I stared at her. “I was kidding, Nova. My mother is a siren, like me. Despite the bad rep, we’re not evil.”
Nova shook her head. “Right, right. Sorry. She’s your mother.”
Nova even thinking it bothered me. “You’re a witch. You know these stories aren’t true. Just dudes talking shit about women for some nefarious purpose.”
Having grown up in Salem, we were well acquainted with what happened during the witch trials.
“I know. I’m just worried about you, Gianna.”
“Why?”
“Something about your mother’s arrival doesn’t sit right.”
I took a sip of my peach cocktail. “Right. She’s a shitty mom, but that doesn’t mean you need to suspect her of something unrelated.”
“You’re right.” Nova bit her lip. “I just don’t want her to hurt you.”
I raised my chin. “Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.” That had been what I’d been telling myself for years. Something came to mind about the last time dark magic had been detected in Salem and witches had been killed. “What about you?” I asked, concern rising. “We should be more concerned with you being a witch if it’s anything like last time.”
“It’s a different pattern,” Nova explained. “So don’t worry too much. I just want you to be vigilant of anyone now.” Her expression appeared tight with worry. “Even of her.”
I exhaled with a huff. “You have no reason to suspect my mother of any wrongdoing.”
“I know, but maybe we should tell Zoe…”
“Absolutely not,” I cut her off. “You can’t suspect her just because she’s in town. So are thousands of others. Just because she sucks at being maternal doesn’t make her evil. You have no reason to connect her with what’s going on.”
“Okay,” Nova agreed with a sheepish look.
Still riled, I added, “This is my mother we’re talking about, not some demon. If the Network interrogates her, they might scare her off. I’ve waited my entire life to meet my mother. Don’t screw this up for me, Nova. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise,” she agreed. “You’re right, and I’m sorry.”
Although my heart still pumped faster in my defensive state, I knew Nova was just looking out for me. “It’s okay. We’re good.”
