I didn’t really know why I hadn’t left yet, except the conversation in the backseat, watching my gran wrap this scared, timid young man in her web was like watching magic. She’d asked one of the most offensive questions I’d ever heard while completely invading his space, and yet, he seemed more comfortable already. I should’ve known she’d put him at ease.
Gran kept Booker calm and relaxed on the way to the B&B, but when I pulled onto the long driveway that led to the large home, he looked a little panicked again. Sky turned in his seat. “I know this looks like the beginning of a really bad horror movie, but I promise, you’ll be safe here.”
“Are you sure they won’t mind…”
“This is my best friend’s Bed and Breakfast. He’s amazing. You’ll like him, I promise.”
Booker blanched. “I can’t afford?—”
Gran clucked. “No one’s expecting a dime from you. You’re here so we can help you.”
Sky nodded. “We’re going to stop whatever that thing is so that you can get some real sleep.”
Gran smacked her hands together and rubbed them with anticipation. “I can’t wait to hear this story, but first, let’s have breakfast.”
We all got out and directed a still hesitant Booker inside. As we reached the front door,
Elyse opened it with a smile on her face, colorful in her bright pheasant skirt and top with all her clunky jewelry in place like it wasn’t the crack of dawn. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” we repeated, with Sky giving her a kiss on the cheek.
She gave Booker an appraising once-over. “Wow. You glow bright, don’t ya?”
His gaze bounced to Sky, who nodded. “See. This is the right place for you.”
Elyse moved to Booker’s side and linked arms with him. “Let me show you to your room so you can get settled in, and then we’ll chat over a nice breakfast. The boys are in the kitchen whipping up a feast.”
“Oh, I don’t…” He trailed off, looking to me for help.
Smiling reassuringly, I nodded. “Best to do what Elyse says. Sky and I have very recently had the dawning realization that the women in our lives are in control. We’re just along for the ride.”
Elyse’s laugh tinkered like bells in the entryway. “’Bout time you figured that out.” Then she guided Booker up the stairs.
Sky and I walked with Gran into the kitchen where Buck, Harry, and Scotty were indeed busy at work whipping up a full breakfast of cinnamon rolls, pancakes, omelets, toast, a fruit salad, and fried potatoes. Chance and Jetty were sitting at the table leaning into each other while they drank their coffee, butthere was no sign of Stevie. I wondered if he was out at the pond with Trixie. Since I didn’t know how Scotty was feeling about his brother seeming to find more of a life than he had so far, I decided not to ask any questions.
Gran made her way to the table and sat down. “Let’s let our new friend get some food in his belly before we talk about what happened last night or what brought him to Willowhope.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Heading toward the coffee pot, I stopped and went back toward the table when Harry gave me the stink-eye. If he wanted to serve me, I wasn’t going to say no. As much as I didn’t usually feel tired after being in the Dream-veil, last night was different.
Speaking of different. “Gran, where’s Pops been this morning?”
“He has others that he checks on from time to time. It’s been a while, so as soon as I woke up with the knowing that you’d need me today, I sent him on his way. He’ll be back before your next trip to the veil.”
Elyse came back into the room with Marc right behind her. “Booker’s going to take a shower and meet us back down here. I told him to enjoy it. We’re not in any rush.”
“Should we…” Sky bit his lip, looking at me anxiously.
“Don’t worry, Sky. My Mrs. left some clothing options in there from the lost and found,” Marc said.
He looked marginally relieved. “That’s good. I just wish…” He trailed off again.
Stepping up close behind him, I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my chin on his shoulder. “Stop worrying. We’re going to help him in the Dream-veil, but we’ll help with whatever else he needs, too. He’s one of us, after all.”
“What’s that mean?” Jetty asked.
I grinned. “He’s a sorcerer.”
Jetty barked out a laugh. “Holy shit. Of course, he is. Your geeky, paranormal-loving ass has to be in heaven lately.”
