Page 42 of Witches of Honeysuckle House
Before Regina could argue, Violet had gone through the open archway to the sitting room and set the fig down in one corner. Regina hated to admit it was a perfect fit. Even Honeysuckle House seemed to like it, as the record player started up, one of Tillie’s albums somehow already on the turntable. The soft jazz set Regina further at ease.
While Violet went to the bar cart, pulled out a bottle of Bonner Bourbon, and started mixing drinks, Regina took up a spot on the green velvet sofa she’d purchased after a particularly successful spell had brought in an abundance of candle orders last year. Tillie stopped in the middle of the room, one arm across her chest, the other limp at her side as she glanced between the sisters.
“You have to admit, the fern does fit this room perfectly,” Violet said.
Regina shrugged but accepted her Manhattan all the same when Violet crossed the room to hand it to her.
“I can finish making those,” Tillie offered.
“Wasn’t there something you wanted to show Regina?” Violet asked.
Tillie’s eyes brightened. “You’re right,” she said. “I have something for you, Regina. For both of you, actually. I’ll be right back.”
She hurried out of the room, and as soon as she was gone, Violet sat down beside Regina and leaned her head against her shoulder. “Thank you for going along with this. It means a lot to me. Imagine getting to live with your best friend.”
“I already do.” But what Regina wanted to say was, “I thoughtIwas your best friend.”
“And now you can have one more.” Violet hurried to her feet and back to the bar cart.
Regina studied her as she poured the other two drinks. She hadn’t seen Violet like this in a long time, a mix of nerves and a quiet sort of happiness that had disappeared in the wake of their parents’ deaths and Violet’s new responsibilities. They’d settled into a rhythm over the past thirteen years, one that eased Regina’s heart despite the deep grief that still lived there. Now, Violet’s eyes were bright, her smile brighter—like a girl in love. But that was impossible with the spells Regina had been so careful to cast. She sipped her drink. The hint of guilt she carried because of said spells eased as she realized her sister never needed love to find happiness.
Tillie reappeared with two wrapped boxes in her hands. She set them on the table. Violet handed her a Manhattan, and Tillie took a long drink, almost draining the glass. Regina smirked, glad she’d made it clear who was in charge here.
Violet took up the spot beside Regina on the couch. Tillie set her drink on the table, grabbed the boxes, and offered one to Regina and one to Violet before sitting at the edge of their yellow lounge chair.
“It’s a housewarming gift,” Tillie said.
“Shouldn’tIbe the one givingyoua gift?” Regina asked.
“I’m open to that,” Tillie said with a laugh, “but since you’re welcoming me into your home …”
Regina tore through the tissue paper with the tip of her fingernail. Beside her, Violet struggled with the tape thanks to her always-short nails. Regina leaned over and pulled it free. Her sister smiled, and they opened their gifts the rest of the way to reveal two wooden boxes.
Regina slid the cover off hers and found a deck of cards nestled inside. The backs were a rich, deep black with a candle in the center. She glanced over at Violet’s, a mirror of her own but in green. She lifted the first card and flipped it over to find a woman standing on a front porch, honeysuckle-wrapped columns on either side of her, in much the same pose as the fool card.
“Tarot?” Regina asked.
“For your magic,” Tillie said. “Both of you. I painted them myself.”
Regina held the card up in front of her and traced the tip of her finger over the steps, the vines, the door in the background.
“Is this …?”
“Honeysuckle House,” Tillie said.
Regina glanced up from the card to find Tillie’s eyes earnest, a small smile on her face. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“They’re a matching set,” Tillie said, with a nod toward the deck in Violet’s hands.
“They’re beautiful,” Regina said, surprise in her voice. She’d never received such a thoughtful gift. She pulled the full deck from the box and held them gently in her hands. A window opened and closed, and she glanced toward the wall with a grin. “I think the house likes the way you’ve painted it.”
Tillie flushed, then finished her Manhattan. “Go ahead,” she said. “Pull a card. Both of you.”
Regina nodded slowly as she wondered if her sister was right, if the house had been lonely with just the two of them.
“You first,” Violet said.
But Regina shook her head as she started to shuffle her cards. “Let’s do it at the same time.”
