Page 142 of Charmed, I'm Sure
Jaelyn snickered behind the counter, and I shot her a quick glare before either woman could catch it. They were locked in some silent argument, and it was clear Sophie was losing.
“Mrs. Larson, it’s quite alright. We’re both adults, and I believe we can move on from this and be cordial.”
“You’re such a sweetie.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Now, what can I get you today? We just put out some fresh croissants.”
Oh, this day just keeps getting better and better, I thought as I helped Mrs. Larson with her selections.
Not only was my business thriving again, but I’d gotten an—albeitforced—apology from Sophie, and I’d seen Kyle picking up litter on the side of the road in a bright orange vest on my way in this morning.
Aftera lotof convincing, Aunt Evie had pressed charges once she got the police report after the holidays. Kyle was now under house arrest and serving an ungodly amount of community service hours.
A lesser sentence than heshouldhave received, but at least for once, he wasn’t getting off scot-free.
I waggled my fingers at Sophie as she and her mother left. As soon as the door shut behind them, Jaelyn and I burst into laughter.
“I thought her head was going to explode,” she wheezed, tears leaking down her cheeks.
“Highlight of mylife.Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that happening.”
“I still don’t understand why you didn’t just curse her ass. She deserves at least that after all the bullshit she’s put you through.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised that shewasn’tsurprised when I finally told her I was a witch. But now that the proverbial cat was out of the bag, I was thrilled that I didn’t have to hide that part of myself anymore. It was like I could finally breathe now that all of the people closest to me knew…allof me.
Ever since I’d told her, she’d asked me time and time again why I didn’t use my magic more. She’d gaped at me when I told her that magic was a gift, not a shortcut, when she’d asked why I did things the ‘normal’ way and not what she considered the ‘fun’ way. But the question she asked repeatedly was why I hadn’t sought revenge on the people who’d wronged me in town.
“Vengeful magic comes with a price, Jae. And it’s much too high for my blood.”
She huffed but grabbed her tray and headed toward the kitchen.
“Don’t forget we’re closing early today! I have to go—”
“I know,” she drawled. “Geez, mom.”
“Not yet,” I joked, smiling as I turned to greet the next customer.
Taylor
Smoke billowed from the chimney as I pulled into the driveway, and a smile formed instantly. Coming home to Magnolia was the highlight of my day. Getting to relax, to justbein a shared space without watchful eyes, felt like a weight off my shoulders.
She’d been gradually moving in over the last month, adding personal touches to every room in the house. Her sister’s books had their own dedicated shelf in the living room. Her clothes were slowly encroaching on my side of the walk-in closet. She’d rearranged the kitchen at least three times before deciding the original layout was best. We’d even hosted a few family dinners.
Every day with her was a new adventure, and I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store.
“Mags,” I called when I walked through the door.
Instead of her voice, I was met with excited yips and laughter.
“Shhh, you have to be quiet,” she whispered, amusement lacing her tone.
Thoroughly intrigued, I dropped my bag by the door and made my way toward the living room. But I didn’t see her.
“Sunshine?”
“Arf, arf, arf!”
“Hush, you’re going to get us in trouble,” she giggled.
