Pies and Potions (4 page)

Chapter Five

Mary Jane held her chest. “Oh my God, don’t tell me he got the wrong spell again. I don’t think I can handle it.”

“You can’t handle it? How do you think I feel?” I patted her shoulder. “But take a deep breath and calm down. He didn’t get the wrong spell, per se… or at least, I don’t think he did. Grandma Imelda says it’s the spell that she gives to everyone in town around this time of year.”

Mary Jane fanned herself with a menu. “Oh whew, the yearly spell. Is that all? He’ll be fine then,” she said with a wave of her hand.

“Well, I’m so glad everyone knows about this stuff but me.” This was definitely going to be a consume-large-amounts-of-chocolate kind of day.

“Don’t be silly,” she scoffed. “Of course everyone doesn’t know. You know that.” She grabbed the coffee pot and headed out onto the dining floor to refill mugs.

I shook my head. Everyone was so calm about the magic and I was freaking out all the time. Maybe I needed to relax. I was being paranoid. A change of topic was in order. With any hope, it would take my mind off my current worries.

When Mary Jane returned, I asked, “So, how are things with Sheriff Jasper?”

An innocent little smile curved my lips and Mary Jane blushed. I loved asking about her new love interest because, without fail, her cheeks turned a lovely shade of bright red. Mentioning his name was like her on and off button. I’d helped her have enough courage to go out with him a few times thanks to a little love spell-laced cherry pie.

“He’s fine. We’re seeing each other tonight.” She avoided my gaze as she grabbed several mugs for coffee.

“And where are you two lovebirds headed?” I asked as I pulled a couple plates of steaming food from the service window.

Grandma Imelda must have been using magic to get those orders done so quickly.

“Nothing fancy. Of course, that goes without saying here in Mystic Hollow. We thought we’d take in a movie and have some dinner at Angelo’s Italian.”

“You’re not still nervous when you go out with him, are you?”

She shrugged. “Well, you know…”  

Maybe I needed to try to add a little something to Mary Jane’s food again. Mary Jane was virtually immune to magic, but that wouldn’t stop me from trying again and again. A spell with the spices would be nice, definitely not the potion. Mary Jane was always so nervous when she had a date. Most of the time she ended up breaking dishes and messing up orders the day before the date, and that was completely unlike her. Okay, she had messed up the order with Rory, but it hadn’t happened since, thank goodness.

But that reminded me, I needed to ask Grandma Imelda about the happy potion for Mary Jane. Did she get it too? Grandma Imelda said all my family and friends, but since Mary Jane was unaffected by the spells, did she get it too? How would I know who was supposed to receive it? Would I get the potion too? Had Grandma slipped it into my food already? I didn’t feel any differently. If anything, I felt worse about the whole thing. So many questions and I wasn’t sure I’d ever understand it all. Just when I thought I’d gotten the hang of things, the Organization threw this new potion stuff at me.

Customers continued to stream through the door at a steady pace. Maybe the word had gotten out that Grandma had returned. That would explain the increased business.

After delivering the food, I headed toward the kitchen to inform Grandma Imelda that she needed to let me take over the cooking duties. She was doing way too much for someone who was supposed to be retired.

Grandma Imelda stepped out from the kitchen, looking at me with her big innocent eyes.

“Grandma, you need to let me do all the work. You go relax.” I gestured with my hands.

“Please, I’m retired, not dead. There will be plenty of time to relax after my funeral.”

I shook my head. “You’re stubborn.”

She didn’t respond to my statement. Instead she said, “Speaking of relaxing, you look worried, honey. Now don’t fret none, everything will be fine. You are great with the spices, and I know you’ll do the potion spells just as good as your grandmother.”  She winked.

Mary Jane sidled over next to us.

I looked at her and asked, “So, you knew about the potion before now, too?”

She looked down sheepishly and nodded. “I did, but why am I getting dragged into this conversation? You know I couldn’t share any of this magic stuff with you.” She met my gaze. “Not until Imelda told you herself. You know that. I would have told you. I wanted to, trust me, I really wanted to.” She rushed the words.

“Mary Jane, breathe,” I said, as I patted her back as if she were choking. “I know you would.”

“I’m okay,” she said, then let out another deep breath. “I guess the stress from school is getting the better of me.” She grabbed the menu again and started fanning her face.

“You two are worse than a couple of skittish cats. Now let’s get back to the magic,” Grandma Imelda said. “You’re the ones who need to take a vacation. Maybe I shouldn’t leave on this trip. It’s obvious you need me here.”

Oh no. I couldn’t let her do that. Grandma needed her retirement to be enjoyable, not having to worry about her granddaughter. It was time to suck it up and stop worrying about what could happen and just assume that everything would be fine.

Chapter Six

Grandma Imelda had finally relinquished the cooking reins and taken off for a little shopping for her trip. At least there hadn’t been any more talk of not taking the vacation.

After a long day at the café, Mary Jane and I sat at the front booth, ready to indulge in a couple of juicy cheeseburgers. We still had prep work for the next day, but a short break would help us refuel.
But before I had finished squeezing ketchup onto my plate, a familiar sensation took hold, surrounding me and twirling through the air like steam swirling from a cauldron. The feeling was the same that hits you when someone is watching you. A lump formed in my throat. The last time this sensation had hit me, something was definitely out of sync in Mystic Hollow. Could I ignore it? Would it go away?

The odd feeling stayed with me in spite of me attempting to will it away. If anything, the more I tried not to think about it, the more the sensation grew. Uneasiness took hold, and it loomed in the distance, waiting for its opportunity to appear at Mystic Café’s doorstep. I felt it in coursing through my veins, and throbbing under my skin. The same dark clouds that I’d seen before had formed, rolling in quickly from the same southern direction.

Mary Jane looked out the window. “Wow, where did that come from? It was sunny just a second ago.”

I didn’t answer as I waited. She hadn’t noticed that this same thing happened before. I had no idea what I was waiting for, nor was I sure how long I’d have to wait to find out.

The wind picked up, whipping against the window, whistling, hissing, and tossing around random leaves on the sidewalk. The neon sign blinked
Open
in a steady rhythm with the howling of the wind. Mary Jane didn’t let the odd weather bother her much because she went back to her burger.

I watched out the window, but nothing or no one appeared.

Mary Jane and I had been extra busy all day and we had been looking forward to closing up after we finished our burgers. But our plan had instantly changed
before another thought of the juicy burger or creamy cheese could run through my mind. Ignoring the strange feeling, and the turbulent weather,
I took a bite out of the burger. Ketchup and mustard oozed out from the bun and onto my face.
The café door flew open, bringing in a whoosh of wind and the mysterious Tom Owenton, magic investigator. Uh-oh. What had I done this time?

Tom had a captivating smile on his face that would absolutely draw any woman to him like a magnet. But forget about the smile. Why was he back? I knew my worrying had been justified.
His black fedora sat slightly sideways on his head. He wore jeans and a blue short-sleeved t-shirt, his muscular arms bulging underneath the tight fabric. It wasn’t his usual business attire.
I wasn't used to seeing him in such a casual style, except for the time when I caught him shirtless wearing only his jeans. When I’d first met Tom he was all business, in dress and attitude. Well, I suppose his attitude had held a little bit of mischief underneath. It still did. An air of self-assurance followed him everywhere.

My mouth probably hung to the ground as I just sat there staring at him. It was hard not to—he was one good-looking man. Dark-haired, tall, and well-built.
What was he doing back in my life? As far as I knew, I hadn’t messed up the magic spell today. What if this had something to do with the potion that we’d given Rory? I knew it had been too soon for me to try something new. They should have asked me before trusting me with the potion business. I could have told them it wasn’t time. My heart rate increased as my stomach did a tiny little dance. I couldn’t deny that I was a little excited to see him. Purely as a friend, of course.

“Don’t I even get a hello?” Tom walked up to the booth where Mary Jane and I sat.

It was as if I was glued to the seat and my tongue was glued to the top of my mouth. Words wouldn’t form. Maybe it was the way he gave out that lopsided grin with ease. Or the way he stared with those gorgeous brown eyes.

“You have a little mustard on your chin,” he said with that devilish grin. “And ketchup on your cheek.” He pointed. “I hope that wasn’t another one of your famous magical burgers.”

My cheeks felt flush. I grabbed the napkin and wiped at my chin.

“Hello, Tom.” Mary Jane stepped in and said what my mouth wouldn’t.

“Mary Jane, you’re looking as gorgeous as ever.” He flashed her his thousand-watt smile.

Finally, I managed to speak. “Tom, what are you doing here?” I choked out as I jumped up from the booth.

“I was in the area and thought I’d stop by.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“No one is ever in the area,” Mary Jane said, while popping a French fry into her mouth.

I nodded. “Mary Jane’s right. No one ever just happens to be in the area of Mystic Hollow.” I placed my hands on my hips. “So what did I do wrong this time?”

He chuckled. “Nothing. I promise. Well, not that I know of at least. Are you confessing?”

I scoffed. “No.” Why did I feel guilty?

There was something different about Tom. Something in his expression, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. A sadness in his eyes, maybe? Worry? Now I was really beginning to freak out.

I attempted to try to keep up my calm façade. “Well, take a load off,” Mary Jane said as she gestured toward the booth.

“Yes, please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?” I asked.

“It looks as if you were taking a break. I don’t want to interrupt.” He slipped into the booth across from Mary Jane. Where I had been sitting. I hadn’t been sure if I’d ever see Tom again. Now here he was right in front of me.

“It’s okay. I wasn’t that hungry anyway,” I said, hoping he’d believe me.

He looked at the burger and then back at me.

No way would I be able to finish that burger now. Not until I found out the real reason behind his unexpected visit.

“You must be hungry after traveling all that way. I have some fresh cherry pie. How about a slice and a cup of coffee?” I asked.

“You know my weakness, don’t you?” He winked.

“That’s why you came back, isn’t it?” Mary Jane asked, then stuffed another French fry into her mouth. When she finished chewing she continued, “You can’t resist Elly’s…” she paused for way too long. “Pie,” she finished.

I glared at her.  

“I’ll plead the fifth to that one. But yes, I don’t think I can say no to Elly’s pie.” He removed his hat and placed it on the seat next to him. A single curl fell haphazardly across his forehead.

“One slice of cherry pie coming up,” I said, trying not to stare at his gorgeous thick hair.

Tom was remaining tight-lipped about this mystery visit for now. But I knew there was a reason for his trip and I knew it wasn’t for my cherry pie. The crust was flaky and the filling tart, but it wasn’t that good.

If there was one thing I could count on, it was Mary Jane getting the details out of Tom while I was gone. She had a special knack for it. Heck, she wasn’t called the gossip queen for nothing. I knew her talent would come in handy someday. I excused myself and made my way across the room, leaving Mary Jane to pry details from him.

I sliced the cherry pie and added a big helping of whipped cream on the top. At least I wouldn’t have any malfunctioning dessert topping cans this time. Not long ago I’d sprayed my boyfriend’s face with the sticky mess. An accident of course. Boyfriend. It still felt strange using that word.

I hurried back across the room. Mary Jane might not have had time to get the details from him, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Once I placed the plate and mug in front of him, I asked, “Tom, what happened? Why are you back in town? And don’t tell me you were just passing through. I swear I haven’t messed up any spells, so I know it can’t be anything I did wrong. Wait. Did someone else do something wrong? It was those darn magical scissors, wasn’t it? They finally got to someone, huh? I knew it.”

He chuckled. “Elly, I missed your babbling and paranoia.”

He sure knew how to sweet-talk a girl.

“Be serious,” I said.

“Okay, okay.” There was a teasing in his tone. “No. it’s nothing like that.” He looked down and studied his coffee mug. “It’s just…” The teasing tone faded.

I’d never seen him like this. “Tom you’re scaring me. What is it?”

He took a sip of coffee, not meeting my stare. When he placed the mug down, he finally looked at me. “I’ve been put on leave from the Organization pending the outcome of an investigation.”

“Leave? What does that mean? What kind of investigation? What happened?” My words rushed out in a panic. He was right. I did blabber.

“You’re going to make me tell you, aren’t you?” He picked up his fork.

I nodded. “Most definitely. I’m going to force you to tell us.”

Mary Jane nodded in agreement.

I continued, “You can’t come here and be all mysterious and think you can keep some secret from me. You had the look written all over your face when you came in. I knew something was wrong.”

He took a bite of the pie. “You think you know me pretty well, don’t you?” The corners of his mouth twisted into the devilish grin I’d grown accustomed to from him.

“I’m waiting,” I said without answering his question, folding my arms in front of my chest.

He set the fork down. Mary Jane placed her elbows on the table and propped her chin into the palms of her hands, patiently waiting for him to enlighten us with his story.

He cleared his throat. “Well, for the first time in my career, I performed the magic incorrectly.”