Page 34 of Kiss and Spell

“People name their wigs, why wouldn’t I name my dresses?” Gwen pointed out. “So, where’s my darling?”

Ursula let out a breath and told Gwen the bad news. “I was dancing with this cute fae. I got carried away and spilled wine all over Oceana. Xavier helped me soak it, but the stain didn’t come out all the way, but I’ll get it professionally cleaned. I ruined it. I’m sorry.”

Gwen gasped sharply. “Wait, you were dancing with a cute fae named Xavier?”

“But I ruined your dress,” Ursula repeated.

Her sister waved her hand in the air. “I’ll consider it a sacrifice to the love gods if it means you’re getting out. You haven’t danced since…” Gwen’s voice faded away.

Ursula made a noise. She knew. She hadn’t danced since the wedding reception.

Gwen shook her head. “When was the last time you went out?”

“I picked up dinner last night. I had a large swamp soup from Magic Bone and Broth.”

“Okay, Ms. Fancy.” She peered at Ursula. “You know what I mean. When’s the last time you went out with a friend? On a date?”

Ursula studied her chipped nails, not wanting to answer Gwen’s well-meaning question.

It seemed that Lincoln inherited all their mutual buddies in the aftermath of the jilting. No one wanted to lose the power that came with being near the mayor’s son. She texted a few contacts, but no one responded—all her messages were left unread. Even Marcus, once her best friend, wanted nothing to do with Ursula. Loneliness felt like an itchy sweater she couldn’t take off and wore underneath her clothes. She even created a dating profile and went out to dinner with a kindhearted Cupid who was a good listener.

She met Gwen’s waiting stare. A sly look entered her sister’s eyes. “Tell me more about this fae Xavier. Have you seen him again?”

“We went out the other night,” Ursula said. “It was nice.”

Despite running into Lincoln and dealing with his snide comments, the evening at the Two Princes Tavern ended up nicer than it started. Zoe bought her a glass of rosé and bent her ear about the next Mercury retrograde. She and Xavier shared plates of grilled cauliflower, baked cheese dip with sliced bread, and stuffed mushrooms. When they were almost done with their plates, he left her the last bite. His thoughtfulness always made her feel seen and cherished.

Gwen’s excited squeaks brought Ursula back to the shop. She placed the drink holder and goodies on the counter and grabbed Ursula by the arm. A humorous gleam sparkled in her eyes. “Did the sun come out or was that a smile?”

“It was more of a grin, but yes, I had a nice time,” Ursula admitted.

Gwen squealed. “It’s about damn time.”

Her stomach dropped. She didn’t invite Gwen over here to giggle over Xavier. This conversation was getting a little off topic and she needed to get back on track. Maybe if Ursula brought up the dress again, Gwen would forget about Xavier. Then she could stop thinking and smiling about him.

“I’m so sorry about your dress. I promise I’ll replace it,” Ursula said.

Gwen waved her words away with a dismissive hand. “Buy me two dresses for my birthday. When can I meet your secret fae man?”

Nope. Her sister wasn’t going to be distracted.

“You’ve kind of already met him,” Ursula said slowly.

Gwen’s eyes widened. “Was it that cute nerdy fae guy you were having coffee with? Oh, sis, he’s gorgeous.”

Ursula shook her head. “Um… he’s just a friend.”

Yes, her gorgeous friend who held her hands and read her history. Her friend who made her pumpkin-smelling roses. Who made her body pulse with need when he held her in his arms.

Gwen gave her a side-eye. “You’re blushing a lot over a guy who you say is just a friend.”

“You know what? I need to cleanse my thoughts.” Ursula relit the incense holder. No matter how much incense she burned, his natural scent of fresh grass and sweetness refused to leave her alone. She like-liked Xavier like a middle schooler writing her crush’s name all over her journal. No wonder it was called a crush; Ursula felt pressed like she was on a packed NJ Transit train on Memorial Day weekend.

The firm press of his body against hers at the bar haunted her waking hours.

Chapter Eleven

By two o’clock, the shop was as empty as a free plate of food samples at the local supermarket. After they finished their drinks and snacks, Gwen decided to hang out with Ursula and kept opening and twisting candle tins. Ursula reorganized the candles on the display for the third time, making sure that all their labels were facing out. Now that Light as a Feather was becoming known more for their specialty candles than their mystic offerings, she had to restock them every day.

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