Page 16 of Magical Melee
I slowly sat up and reached for Skye’s hand. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
Nova stepped forward. Softness drifted through her eyes as she took a deep breath. “I’m afraid things get a little drafty in these old buildings. A gust came through, and the lights went out.”
I scowled and shook my head. “But…”
“But what, dear?” the woman from the tea shop stepped forward.
“I heard a loud crack or boom right before everything happened.”
Nova smiled, glancing at Keegan. “Yeah, we all did. The door that leads to our storage room slammed shut. It happens from time to time in this old, creaky building.”
I pushed my index finger gently around my temple as I tried to remember exactly what happened.
What she said was plausible.
“You’ve been through a lot,” Nova said softly. “Your emotions are extremely high, and doing a reading might have just been too much.”
“You’re trying to tell me that my friend passed out because you flipped a few cards?”
I squeezed Skye’s hand and shook my head.
“Nova very well might be right. I didn’t eat anything today. Shoot. That tea might have been the first thing I drank all day.”
Keegan kept his gaze fastened to mine, and I swore a hint of a smirk surfaced.
I swung my legs over the table and felt dizzy.
Not wanting Skye to pick up on it, I laughed and shook my head. “The reading was just getting good.”
Nova smiled. “Indeed it was.”
I glanced around the room, feeling sheepish. “Maybe we should just get back to our hotel room and rest up for tomorrow.”
Skye cocked her head slightly. “You still want to stay?”
Seeing this room of people brought a smile to my face. I didn’t know them, but I wanted to.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I do. This wasn’t their fault.”
She took a deep breath. “If you say so.”
“I’d love to finish where we left off,” Nova offered. “When you’re feeling up to it.”
I nodded with a smile. “Absolutely. It might be once the ink has fully dried on my divorce papers. I think everything is just too fresh.”
And then I remembered it.
“Stella!” I hadn’t meant to say her name aloud.
She turned around and smiled.
“Yes, dear. Did you need some more tea?” Her eyes sparkled with mischievousness. “It might be good to help you fall asleep.”
Skye shook her head. “I think water will do just fine.”
I smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Stella. But I think Skye is right. I should just stick to water.”
Stella flashed a wicked grin. “I also have a little gin if you’re interested.”
