Page 50 of Extra Witchy

Finally, they found one that would work, and she paid for it. Trev ported it to the car. “He’ll love it,” Trev predicted. “You’re positive this won’t hurt Doris?”

“It’s fine,” she assured him. “Plus, it’s literally called a friendship plant. What could be better as a gift?”

“You make a good point.”

From the garden center, it was fifteen minutes out to Titus’s place, and she settled as she drove. The tension eased out of her shoulders. Between constant preparation and the mess with Dan Rutherford earlier, Leanne hadn’t realized how nervous she had been, worried about how people would react to her candidacy. Today’s speech had been the first step down a long road.

“You’re really quiet,” Trev said. “Did something happen?”

Without even thinking about it, she passed him her phone. “Play the video Mrs. Carmenian sent me. Volume on.”

He did, and she snuck peeks at the way his expression darkened. “That dirty bastard. No wonder you needed a hug.”

“What do you think? Should we put this on the internet?”

Trev paused as she turned onto the county road that led to Titus’s place. “I don’t know. You might get sympathy votes, but I think it could blow back on you as well. Certain voters might say you set him up, or they might feel sorry for him for getting jumped during a private moment. My gut says you should try to win without unleashing this.”

“That’s what I thought too. Don’t delete it, though. You never know.”

“Whatever happens, I’m here for you, Butterfly.”

When she pulled into the driveway, she spotted Danica’s car already parked.She probably won’t be sharing it with Clem for too much longer.It must be a little sad for the cousins to think about going their separate ways. Though they weren’t divorcing—Danica had simply started a serious relationship—it did still feel like the end of an era, at least to Leanne, who had been through two splits of that nature. At some point, goods got divvied up, and she’d find herself arguing about a box of crap she didn’t care about, mostly because she couldn’t say what was truly on her mind. It would make sense if Clem kept the house, gave Danica the car, then paid her the monetary difference. There was no reason they couldn’t keep working together, but there were still household goods to divide.

I hope they’ll be okay and not fall out over who gets Gram’s good tea set.

“Ready?” she asked, determined to put on her board game face.

Trev touched her arm before she could get out of the car. “You seemed so sad for a minute.”

Wow. I can’t believe how well he reads me.

Most people couldn’t. They rarely looked past the surface, past her bright, insouciant facade. He had a knack for making her feel defenseless. Normally, she’d be pulling back by now, building walls and shoring up defenses to keep him from seeing all the emotional scars and unhealed wounds. For some reason, she didn’t fear Trev, though, like his touch might be gentle enough to tend the hurts she’d never allowed anyone else close enough to touch.

“I was just thinking about Danica and Clem going their separate ways. Though I’m not sure what’s up with Clem lately, I’m positive Danica’s serious about Titus. They’ll end up moving in together, likely get married at some point, and—”

“Your friends have a house together, plus the business. Are you worried it could get messy?” As usual, it was like he could read her mind.

“Somewhat. But it’s their issue. I’m not the type to meddle. I’m there for my friends the minute I’m asked, but…” She lifted a shoulder. “I guess I don’t see any point in sticking my oar inbeforeI’m asked to row.”

Trev leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “That makes total sense. I love the way you put things.”

Before he could withdraw, she cupped his face in her palm and nuzzled her nose against his. “That goes for you too, by the way. If you need me, I’ll be there. I’m giving you space to figure things out, but I don’t want you to think I don’t care.”

“I know,” he said. “And I appreciate it.”

Judging by the softness of his tone and the gleam of his hazel eyes, he meant it. Smiling, Leanne slid out of the car, letting him deal with the houseplant. As she carefully made her way to the front door, it opened before she could knock. It was already getting dark, long summer days well behind them. Danica stood in the bright-yellow backlight, bouncing with excitement.

She pulled Leanne into an impulsive hug. “I can’t believe we’re doing this. I’m so excited. It’s like we’re sisters-in-law or something, dating best friends who are like brothers.”

Leanne restrained a chuckle at the other witch’s excitement. She had to admit it was pretty unlikely, but she let herself be drawn into Titus’s house and accepted another hug, this one from Titus. The place smelled incredible, fresh bread and lemons, and her mouth watered over the richness of an aroma she couldn’t even place.

“That’s chicken marsala,” Trev predicted. “His go-to when he wants to impress someone.You, by the way. These days, he barely bothers making me a sandwich.”

Titus protested immediately, “That’s not true. But you’ve been here so much, you even rearranged my spice cupboard last time you stayed with Doris.”

Trev narrowed his eyes, folding his arms with a distinct lack of discernable remorse. “Is it my fault you had a jumbled mess up in there?”

“That’s enough,” Danica said. “Leanne will think you’re arguing for real.”

---