Third Witch's the Charm Read online

  "Of course you do," Penny comments, taking a sip of her tea. Finn immediately zeros in on her.

  "Excuse me, what is that supposed to mean?"

  "Nothing," she replies, smiling into her cup.

  "No, no. Say what you're thinking. Don't hold back now."

  They start bickering back and forth, and I can't help but chuckle. One of these days, they might actually admit how they feel about each other. Until then, I'll sit back and enjoy the show. I glance over at Dean, and I can tell he's thinking the same thing. Not sure when I became adept at reading him, but I think I'm getting there. He throws a wink my way, and it disarms me for a second.

  Okay, Cassandra Duke, get yourself up off this floor. No metaphorical melting allowed.

  Because, goodness gracious, cheese and crackers, the man can give out lessons on winking. And make a million bucks.

  Thankfully, just then, our food arrives, and we dig right in. As I take my first bite of the mashed potatoes, a shiver runs up my spine. Pausing, I give my surroundings a quick scan, but I can't see anything out of the ordinary. Still, the feeling doesn't go away.

  Could it be my witchy powers are picking up something?

  I wish I could be sure, but with the way things have been going, I’m not definite on anything. You’d think by this time I would be able to handle magical disturbances and read them like an adult witch, but most of my magical journey started six months ago. I’m learning everything for the first time.

  It doesn’t change the fact that I still pick things up, even when I can’t understand them. When I turn back to the table, Finn is talking. Penny gives me a quick questioning look, but I only shrug. It could be possible I’m simply paranoid about everything, especially after the last few murders.

  “Didn't the mayor say she wanted to host a party there? Cassie?” Finn’s question makes me refocus back on the conversation.

  “Sorry, yes. She talked about it, but I doubt we’ll be able to do a whole holiday affair like she wants.”

  “It would be the best way to reintroduce the neighborhood to the town,” Dean says, taking a bite of his food. I narrow my eyes at him because we’ve had this argument before.

  “Yes, but the place isn’t ready. I’d rather not have people trampling through half-finished rooms.”

  “That’s because you don’t think I can have it done on time.”

  “You really think you can?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, what are you doing here then?”

  “Arguing with you, apparently.”

  We’re leaning toward each other across the table, and I can feel fire burning within me at his proximity and his words. We’re always just at the edge of igniting, and I can’t pretend that I don’t like it. That I don’t look for it.

  “Okay, kids. Back to your corners.” Finn waves a hand between us, and Dean and I pull back.

  “All I’m saying is that we can find a compromise,” Dean says, and I smirk.

  “A compromise that benefits you.”

  “One that benefits everyone. You know you can simply ask for help.”

  I really hate that he seems to know me so well. Of course I’m thinking of how much work and preparation it would be, on top of everything else I’m doing.

  “Cassie doesn’t ask for help,” Penny says. I turn my shocked eyes on her.

  “Whose side are you on?” I ask. She picks up a spoonful of her mashed potatoes, trying to look innocent while I shake my head. This is a never-ending argument, and Penny is officially taking Dean’s side.

  “Wait, is this why you’re here?” I ask, pieces falling into place. “You think you can wear me down?”

  The three of them look down at their food, completely guilty.

  “I knew it. You guys are ridiculous.”

  “Come on, Cassie,” Finn says, being the brave one to meet my eye. “We’re just trying to make you realize you don’t have to do everything by yourself. We can help and will, if you let us.”

  Just like that, my friend has disarmed me. I’ve been trying so hard to stay in control of every aspect of my life, taking on this project seemed completely impossible. But they’re basically holding an intervention to remind me I’m not an island to myself. I can’t fault them for that, which is probably why I finally concede.

  “Fine, we can talk about it.”

  Penny claps her hands together in glee as the guys grin. I’m becoming a softy.

  3

  Before I realize what's happening, I'm in the dream once again. I don’t even remember falling asleep. I was probably way exhausted after having to endure the torture that was dinner with Dean. Okay, my dramatics are at an all-time high, but I'm allowed. Because I say so.

  But I can't dwell on that right now. Right now, I'm back in the weird fog filled dreamscape.

  These dreams have been coming nonstop for a week now, and I almost expect them at this point. I still have no idea who the man is, and I still know nothing about the actual setting of the dream. I have no choice but let it ride itself out.

  "You're here." The voice comes from behind me, and I turn to see the same man step out of the shadows. At least he seems to be done with that whole running up to me and screaming help bit. As far as I can see, we're in a forest, but there's not much to make out past the darkness and the fog.

  "You've been visiting me. Why?" I've learned—thanks to Auntie Grace's many books—that repeat sightings in a dream are just that: visits. But it's usually from someone you have an emotional connection to. I've never seen this man.

  "I've been lost," he says now, his eyes so dark they appear black. He's looking at me, but not quite. I can't figure out if he's a ghost or not. My last run in with a phantom was when a recently deceased decided to ask me for help and then haunted me until I solved the case. Okay, haunted is a little dramatic. She just appeared in random places when I wished she didn't. But I solved that case, and she was able to cross over. This man and these dreams seem nothing like that.

  "Who are you?" I ask now.

  He doesn't answer right away. For the first time, I give myself time to study him. He’s dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans that seem expensive. He’s wearing a watch that costs more than my fancy boots. His beard is trimmed, his hair brushed. He doesn’t look like he’s experienced any distress in life, except for the weird screaming he does. And then he's grabbing my arm—like he always does in these dreams—and nearly yells into my face, "You have to help me!"

  And then, poof. He's gone.

  I blink a few times and realize I'm awake. A sliver of sunlight peeks through the drawn curtains. Seriously. I think I might need to hold a seance or a cleansing ritual because I think I'm being haunted for real this time.

  It's becoming very inconvenient.

  "Cassie, are you up?" Penny's voice comes from the other side of the door, and I simply grunt. She chuckles before continuing, "I want breakfast before we head to the docks, so you have fifteen minutes!"

  "Stop being so bossy, Mom!" I shout back.

  "Not on your life, missy. Now get a move on."

  It really is true what they say. A best friend relationship is one person who loves mornings and another person who hates them. And they're stuck with each other. Or maybe that's marriage. Who knows? It's too early for my brain to be making those connections.

  With my eyes still half closed, I slide my hand across the nightstand, looking for my phone. I remember a time, back when I was working in the big city, this little gadget wouldn't leave my hand. Now, we're only slightly acquainted most of the time. I can't even complain about that. If I was still at my old job, I would've never gotten away for this fall retreat with Penny.

  Plus, Dean and Finn, apparently.

  I groan again, this time at the memory of the guys' smug faces as we all headed down to dinner last night. Well, I don't know if smug is accurate. Finn looked slightly apologetic, but still excited. Dean looked—

  No, I am not entertaining any thought on how Dean looked
or looks or will look. I am getting out of bed and getting dressed because I'm pretty sure my best friend will leave me behind if I don't hustle.

  Good job, Cassie. Make a plan. Execute it. You've got this.

  Twelve minutes later, I'm by the front door.

  "What's the deal with you and Dean?" Penny asks, raising her eyebrows. But two can play this game.

  "I don't know, Pen. What's the deal with you and Finn?"

  She flusters immediately, turning away to look out at the water. "I don't know what you're talking about."

  "Mhmm, denial is more than just a river in Egypt."

  "Did you just quote Auntie Grace to me?"

  "I did. Oh my stars, I'm turning into my aunt!" I raise my hands to my cheeks, feeling for a fever as Penny bursts out laughing. We’ve taken our seats on the ferry, the sharp breeze blowing against our cheeks. I feel refreshed already. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out on the water.

  Apparently, there’s an abandoned island right off the coast and the locals have turned it into a tourist attraction. It has a few mansions on the land, and I’m eager to explore how the other half used to live. Learning about design from years before helps me with design now. Eventually, I’d like to explore the main house of the resort as well. It might hold a few historic rooms in it.

  “I still can’t believe you guys ambushed me about the holiday party,” I say, as the ferry fills up and we begin our journey toward the island. It’s only about a forty-minute ride. The feel of water beneath us is a bit soothing, and the slight wind makes me feel connected to nature. But I can’t forget what has happened.

  “I’m sorry, Cassie. But you’re notorious for not asking for help, and Mayor Moore didn’t want to order you to have the party. It was time we had a serious conversation.”

  “You know I could’ve done the party by myself, if I wanted to.”

  “You could’ve. But the guys wanted to help, and I couldn’t exactly give them the real reason why you’re being so opposed to this whole shindig.”

  She’s right, of course. The main reason I’ve been so opposed is because of my magic. Since it’s gone haywire, I’ve been doing my best to work on it. But during days of celebration, there isn’t much I can do about control. I’m afraid that if I agree to this party, I would make a mess of things with my magic in front of everyone. It almost happened during All Hallow’s Eve. My magic will be much stronger during Winter Festival.

  “So now that I’ve agreed—after the ambush,” I point out, and Penny only shrugs, “What are we doing to do?”

  “You’re going to delegate. With Auntie Grace’s help, we’ll get contingency plans in place.”

  “Wow, you’re so efficient.”

  “You’re not the only boss woman around here.” Penny raises her chin, grinning. I can’t help smiling in return. My best friend does know how to handle her business. She started her bakery from nothing and has built it into a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

  “It’s risky,” I say, looking out over the water.

  “But necessary.”

  “What do you mean?” I turn to her, because it feels like she has a speech prepared.

  “You can’t live your life in fear, Cassie. Your...magic,” she whispers, “it’s part of you. So, you can’t stay at a standstill while you figure it out. You have to be moving forward.”

  “You have been talking to my aunt,” I comment, and Penny shrugs again.

  “We love you. We want you to succeed.”

  It’s crazy that once upon a time, I ran from all of that. I thought the only way I could become unstuck was to leave Monroe Cove and everyone I knew and rediscover myself. What I’ve discovered is that I’m much more than just an interior designer and a witch. And learning those important lessons about myself are invaluable. Also, I have the best support system around me.

  “Wait, what’s going on?” Penny suddenly asks, and I realize the boat is turning around. Just then, an announcement comes over the loudspeaker.

  “We apologize for the inconvenience, but the storm is rolling in much faster than we anticipated. We can reach the island, but we would not be able to come back. We apologize and will be offering other schedule options and refunds at the dock.”

  “Well, that’s a bummer,” Penny says. I agree. I was looking forward to it. But I’m not too disappointed. This just means more spa time for us.

  4

  The rest of the day is spent at the spa. I haven’t been this relaxed in ages. The rain hasn’t come yet, but the clouds hang low most of the day. Those clear out right before sunset, which made my need to be out in nature too much to ignore. I leave Penny at the bungalow and go for a walk.

  It's the kind of night that makes me feel like I can let the magic out to play. The closely guarded secret I have lived with my whole life is almost like a friend I'd like to spend some time with. Auntie Grace has always taught me that my magic and I are companions through life, but it is only in recent weeks that I finally see that for myself.

  The moon is so full and close today, it illuminates the garden around me in the most beautiful of glows. It calls to my magic, and for just the smallest moment, I let it out to play. Raising my left hand slowly, I focus on the leaves on the ground below me, sending my intention their way. They raise as I raise my hand and follow the flow of gentle movements as I let my hand sway around. The basic magic brings a smile to my face, and I think it's grateful to be out and about.

  A rustle of leaves catches my attention. I drop my hand, letting go of the magic. A second later a person steps out of the woods on my right. Even without the extra glow from the moon I'd be able to recognize Dean anywhere.

  "What are you doing lurking in the forest?" I ask, letting my voice carry toward him on the breeze. He freezes for a moment and then his eyes find mine. An easy smile falls to his lips, and I try not to fidget. He really does make me feel like a young schoolgirl all over again.

  "And here I thought you'd take this opportunity to throw some jabs at me," he says, coming my way. I turn toward him a little more fully as he stops a few feet away.

  "It would simply be too easy to make a dig at you, communing with your ancestors. There are flying monkeys in this forest, no?"

  I'm teasing him. I'm flirting. Red alert. Red alert. What is happening?

  "Really, Cassie. Mary Grace would be so disappointed with your manners." He tsks tsks, just like my aunt would do, and I roll my eyes.

  "We both know she would praise me for my gumption, so the joke’s on you," I say, then turn back to stare out at the water. This is the only place in the little clearing that has a break in the forest to oversee the town below and the glistering water beyond it.

  I find it easier if we're not making direct eye contact. My insides are definitely forgetting that we're supposed to hate him. It's become harder and harder to distinguish the man I know from the boy I remember. I know we should clear the air eventually, but it seems I can't fully do that without talking about my magic. And there's no way I will do that. It's enough that Penny knows. More people would simply make it complicated.

  "Are we going to talk about it?" Dean's voice breaks through my musings. I glance over at him, but his eyes are on the water. He looks pensive almost, and he can't actually mean us because—wait, can he?

  "Talk about what?" I ask, since that's safest. He turns to face me then, and I realize he's much closer, with only a few feet separating us. And holy moly, macaroni, the intense way he's looking at me is going to burn this little patch of grass into crispy cinders.

  "You hate me."

  Like a bucket of cold water his words hit me, and I nearly take a step back.

  "I do not."

  The words are a reflex, but I'm surprised to know they're true. Well, maybe not surprised, considering I've been in "Confused-land" for months, but still. It's a development. Good or bad, we're going to have to find out.

  "But you did." The intensity in his gaze is too much to take. Some type of a v
acation this has turned out to be. We came here to escape all things Monroe Cove, and here I am, having a conversation with one of those "things" I was trying to escape.

  "Dean—"

  "Cassie, I know you well enough to know I'm right." He shrugs, but I simply narrow my eyes.

  "Know me? You know me." I say the words, but I can't believe them. There's enough of a tone behind them that Dean stands up a little straighter.

  "Let's not kid ourselves. You know nothing about me. Besides how to torture me and make my life difficult every single day when we were in school. And now, always being underfoot. Rescuing me from situations I don't need to be rescued from."

  Okay, I'm really lying on that last one. But the rest still stands. He cocks his head to the side, bewildered and maybe something else? I can't tell, it's suddenly too dark. I glance up and see the moon hiding behind the clouds. Well, aren't you so helpful?

  Great, now I'm mentally yelling at the moon. I need to calm down.

  "I was not a nice kid." Dean's quiet words bring all my attention to him. There's a pause and then his eyes are on me, and I can't look away even if I wanted to. Which I don't. But we've been over this already.

  "I was angry. I was acting out. And I liked you. There's no excuse for any of that, but I want to say I'm sorry. I don't remember half of what I did, but I remember enough."

  My brain is still a dozen words back at the "I liked you." I blink to refocus.

  "You liked me?"

  That is not what I meant to say, but it's out before I can stop it. I slap my hand over my mouth before I wave it in front of him. "Never mind, it doesn't matter."

  "But it does. I tortured you because, well, I had a crush on you." He looks down now, looking almost sheepish. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. But I guess it's not that surprising right? Little boys often pull on pigtails if they like a girl. It's the other stuff that I don't understand.

  "You thought putting mayonnaise all over my final project for the science fair was going to make me like you? I failed that whole project because of you." The words and the hurt rush out of me all at once, and Dean's eyes fly up to meet mine.