Page 45 of Seven Secret Spellcasters
“Let’s have a quiet dinner here, then go home and see if we can find a movie. And we need to talk about our living arrangements. The apartment was way too quiet for me today.” She leaned on him, and they strolled to the main entrance.
“Are you saying you’re considering moving in with me?” Trent’s smile was way too large.
“Don’t be thinking you won. I’m thinking about Cerby and Buddy. If he hadn’t brought home a dragon friend from camp, my place would still be a contender. As it is, though, I’m not sure what to do with it. The school doesn’t like being empty. And I can’t rent out the apartment to anyone.” She paused as she thought about Mr. Darcy. “Besides, I need help remembering to feed my cat.”
“I’m sure there’s someone around with a connection to the coven who needs a reasonably priced place to live.” Trent waved toward a couple in the lobby.
“That’s the problem.” Mia smiled and waved too. “I can’t have a coven spy in the school. There are too many secrets. And the library would have to agree with my choice.”
“So you want someone magical, but not in the coven.” Trent smiled. “Got it. So this discussion was just a way to make me feel like you’re considering moving in?”
“No, that’s not—” Mia didn’t get to finish her words before Blake descended on them.
“Mia, I’m so glad you’re here. I need to talk to you for a minute.” She grabbed Mia’s jacket sleeve and started to drag her to an alcove. As Blake did, she called out, “We’ll be right back, Trent.”
When they were alone, Mia turned to her boss. “What’s wrong? Did I forget about an event? Why are you sweating?”
Blake’s hair around her face was wet, and sweat was dripping off her. She looked like she’d run a marathon. She pulled out some tissues and started dabbing her face. “I’m a little worked up.”
“I can see that.” Mia pulled out a package of tissues she kept in her purse, just in case. “Here. So, what’s wrong?”
“The coven’s here.” Blake’s eyes widened.
“You mean, people from the coven are eating here? I suspect they are still dealing with the hangovers from last night. The party went long. I’m sure they didn’t want to cook tonight.” Mia was trying to explain, but inwardly, she wished she’d taken Trent up on the pizza night.
“No. Every member of the coven who’s in an active leadership role is here. The only ones missing are Abigail, Thomas, and Levi Majors.” Blake waved away Mia’s look. “Okay, so I have a list, and I keep track of their whereabouts. I have a tracking spell set on the Lodge just in case Morty shows up.”
“Your ex.” Mia let out the breath. “That’s understandable. I don’t think they’re here for you, Blake. I think this is an intervention for me. Thanks for warning us. I think I’m going home to have pizza. You can release our reservation.”
Blake was staring out at where Trent was now talking to Brandon Maxwell in the lobby. “Sorry, you’ve already been spotted. At least I tried to warn you. I’m heading to my apartment upstairs and locking the doors. Please don’t blow up my hotel. And no mention of my secret, okay?”
Before Mia could stop her, Blake had disappeared into the employees-only section of the hotel. There were several staff apartments there, and Blake had grabbed the largest one when she’d taken over for Frank. Alone, Mia took a breath, then headed out to join Trent.
“Good evening. I hope your boss didn’t ruin your night with a work assignment?” Brandon leaned in for a quick hug and cheek kisses. He prided himself on his European ancestry.
“No, she was filling me in on some changes for next week’s schedule. My best friend is having her engagement party here on Wednesday. We’re swamped this month with parties. You know, the holidays.” Mia stepped into Trent’s arm as she spoke, appreciating the support she felt almost immediately. “I take it you’re still recovering from last night?”
“I’m aware of the Majors/Adams party. I got my invitation last week.” A frown came over Brandon’s too-handsome face, then disappeared. “As far as tonight, we’re not hung over. On the contrary, we’re still celebrating. There are some people I’d love to introduce you to here. I asked Trent for you two to join me and Sabrina at our table. We’ve got so much to talk about with your future.”
Mia tried to keep her laugh light. “Trent and I are here to do the same thing. Talking about our future as a couple. I’m probably feeling all the warm fuzzies from Christina and Levi’s upcoming nuptials, but he’s being very persuasive. I’m sorry we can’t join you tonight. Maybe another time.”
She leaned her head on Trent’s shoulder and looked up at him, hoping he’d get the message.
“You have to strike when the iron’s hot,” Trent added, smiling down at her. “Thanks again for the offer, Brandon. I’m sure we can get together soon.”
As they walked away from Brandon and toward the dining room, she snuck a peek back. Brandon was on his phone but still staring at them. “The entire coven, according to Blake, is in the dining room. Any way that we can still get pizza?”
“Sorry, but at least your acting skills are spot-on. Impromptu presentations were never my strong point in drama class.” He paused at the hostess stand. “A reservation for two for Majors? A private table, if you have one?”
The woman, a young girl actually, smiled at him. “My boss, James, had me hold back the alcove for you two. It’s the most private table we have. Come this way.”
As they walked through the dining room toward the back, Mia felt all eyes on them. She leaned close and whispered, “This is because of that darn exam score, isn’t it?”
“Or you saying no last night. Or both.” Trent helped her into the booth, then slid in next to her.
“Kat will be your waitress,” the young hostess said as she disappeared.
“All I can say is, thank the Goddess for James.” Mia scanned the menu and peeked over the top. Blake was right. Every person she knew from the coven was here. Trent would probably know the rest. “Anyone looking out of place or guilty?”
