Page 62 of Extra Witchy

Leanne drew Vanessa aside at the first chance she got. Because she refused to be like her mother, Leanne tried to give people time, but it was hard to know if that registered as patience or indifference. It wasn’t like they never talked these days, but the quality of the conversation was…different, more superficial.

“I’ve been waiting,” Leanne said, “but it’s starting to look like you don’t want to talk, period. And if that’s true, it’s fine. Just know that I’m here if you change your mind.”

Vanessa said quietly, “I feel like I’m losing you.”

She blinked. “What?”

“You’re busyallthe time. I used to pop over whenever, and I could count on you being down 24/7. But lately, it’s not like that.”

“I’m sorry,” Leanne said.

“I wasn’t even gonna bring it up because I get it. And I didn’t mean to make you feel bad tonight—on your night—but youdidask. So, fact is, I can’t even figure out if there’s space for me in this new life of yours.” She leveled a steady look on Leanne, wearing her usual no-bullshit expression. “You think it didn’t hurt my feelings when I found out you’re hanging out in couples with Danica and her man? Have you evenaskedme if I’m seeing anyone lately?”

Fuck.

“No. And you’re right, this is my fault. I’m so sorry. I’ve been shitty to you. Of course there’s space for you.”

“It’s also possible that I’m sensitive because…honestly, I thought you were thelastperson who’d settle down. I didn’t see our ‘single ladies’ tour ever coming to an end.”

“Wait, back up. Are you seeing someone?”

Vanessa made a sound that was a mix between a laugh and a snort. “Don’t even try. I deserve your full attention, and we both know you can’t focus on me tonight.”

“Sorry again. I’ll do better. We’ll go out soon, talk about everything, then drink until we drop and dance until we can’t see straight.”

“Deal.”

Leanne hugged Vanessa, relieved to have cleared the air even if she’d gotten confirmation thatshewas the crappy friend in this scenario. But it was impossible to do better if you never admitted you were the problem. After circulating a bit more, she took a break and Gladys caught her eye, signaling silently for a word. She followed the older witch out of the suite of offices and down the back stairs. It must be a serious discussion if it required this much privacy; Leanne stepped out into the brisk autumn evening, tasting a hint of early snow in the air. Briefly, she wished she’d grabbed her jacket, but Gladys wore such a severe expression that foreboding shivered through her. Leanne rubbed her hands over her forearms, trying to keep her face from showing how concerned she was.

“It must be major, or you wouldn’t have pulled me away at this juncture,” she said.

“You’ve always been sharp,” Gladys said. “That wit will take you far.”

“What’s this about anyway?”

“I’ll be blunt. And brief, as much as possible. Each witch council member is tasked with choosing their own successor. Nobody else is apprised of when the transition takes place exactly. This keeps the process private and anonymous.”

“Makes sense,” Leanne said. She already had a bad feeling, but Gladys had mobilized the coffee klatch, and theywereboth witches, even if they weren’t part of the same coven.

“You were already on my short list as a possible replacement. Now that you’ve successfully embedded yourself in mundane government, you shot to the top. So this is your formal notification. When the council resumes meeting after the first of the year, you will take over my role and all related responsibilities.”

Shit. It’s even worse than I expected.

“Am I allowed to decline this honor?” she asked cautiously.

Gladys smirked and folded her arms. “You are not. This is the witch equivalent of jury duty. If your name is called, you serve.”

“Dammit,” Leanne said. “Would you have still picked me to replace you if I’d lost?”

“Likely not.”

“This is maybe the first time I’ve ever been sorry about winning,” she muttered.

“I won’t keep you from the revelry long, but do you have any questions?”

Her first impulse was to say no and flee, but that would be irresponsible, and it wouldn’t save her from this additional expectation. “I’ll think about it and text you. But…is there any compensation relative to all the work? I quit my job to run for city council and I’ve been managing on my savings. I planned to do some freelancing after the election, but if you’re saying I have to do witch council work for free—”

“There’s a generous stipend,” Gladys cut in with an amused look.

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