One week later, and I was actually nervous. I hadn’t been nervous like this in a long time. Prom, maybe, and that had been a lot less pressure. I sat in Derrick’s chair as he added some sparkle to my hair.
“Any news?” he asked.
“Nope. Not from Bran or your mom.” Genie had done my nails, and they were the perfect plum shade with a shimmer to them.
“Well, forget about all of that tonight and just have fun.” Derrick hit my hair with the extreme-hold spray.
I tried not to inhale.
“Can’t you forget about that secret?” Iris asked.
My twin cousins had come with me, like I needed an entourage.
“Could you? If I told you I knew a secret about you, but I couldn’t tell you?” I turned that around easily.
“No, but if people thinks it’s better that you don’t know, can’t you just believe them?” Violet asked.
“If I was a child still, probably. But being an adult means dealing with reality. All of it. How about creepy guys hitting on you at college? I’d love to protect you from that. Your dad would love to follow you around with a baseball bat. But we know you have to handle those guys on your own. In high school, I gave you advice on how to handle boys, but you had to put that into practice. Because, if you couldn’t handle a fourteen-year-old boy asking you to homecoming or making a rude comment, then how can you handle a forty-year-old professor hitting on you after class?” I asked.
They nodded in unison.
“Some kids can’t handle stuff like that. Or even a bad grade. They call their moms,” Iris said.
“Be glad our parents wanted you to be able to handle yourself in the world. I can handle whatever this big mystery is. The stress of not knowing is worse than knowing,” I said.
“Yeah, with your luck, you’ll turn prematurely gray,” Derrick snarked.
“Don’t even,” I replied.
I glanced up as the bell over the door rang cheerfully. Esme walked in, and I knew something was up. Another stylist washed her hair and sat her in the chair next to mine.
“You’re going to the ball?” Iris asked.
“I’m always invited. I just don’t usually care to dress up. It’s such a fuss,” Esme replied.
“Going to keep an eye on me?” I asked.
“No—to see what Bran’s extended family is like. Vern asked if I was coming.” She shrugged.
“Vern? The vampire? Bran’s cousin?” I asked.
“You’re the only one who can date?” Esme asked.
“Weird,” Violet said.
Iris just nodded.
“My dating isn’t weird,” Esme said.
“A vampire?” Iris asked.
The heat was off me for a minute.
“I did some checking into the new witches.” Esme changed the subject.
“I did, too. The solo ones probably won’t join, but we can visit them,” I said.
Esme nodded. “The other one...Brenda. She’s from New York City. Was with a coven but no word why she left. Her coven had nothing bad to say about her. We should visit and invite her to a meeting.”
“Sure. We should call first, so she doesn’t think we’re crazy. Small-town people drop in,” I said.
“I’d rather catch her off guard,” Esme said.
“Powers?” I asked.
“Some. Not sure how developed,” she replied.
We screened our members carefully, because we didn’t want anyone coming in to attack us. Some people thought anyone who identified as a witch must worship evil or something crazy. Not all of our members were Wiccan. Some blended religion with belief in magical powers. But we had to weed out haters and troublemakers. Some witches were crusaders for their issue or drama, and we didn’t need that either.
“What’s the dress look like?” Iris asked me.
“Silver with black lace accents,” I replied.
“Not too revealing, I hope,” Esme said.
“The magical crowd is conservative?” I asked.
Esme shrugged. “Some of the young women overdo magical dresses that look like they’re there and they’re not. It’s a grab for attention.”
“My dress is very real. Appropriate without being frumpy,” I said.
“What about yours, Esme?” Vi asked.
“Burgundy,” she replied.
“How could a vampire resist?” I teased.
She scowled at me. “Vern is nice. He didn’t want to be a vampire; he was bitten.”
“He seemed nice to me. I just think that’s a little suggestive.” I couldn’t resist. “But I’m glad it’s not black. It is a party.”
Esme usually wore black because she was a black cat when she shifted. It concealed the fur. She’d never dated in my memory, but she probably had and just kept it quiet. Mr. Right wasn’t always easy to find.
“Maybe we can go next year?” Iris asked.
Esme and I exchanged looks.
“I think this is an affair about powers. Magic required. I don’t make the invites,” I said.
The twins both frowned.
“Bran’s family throws it. If you marry him, you’d have access to the invite list,” Esme said.
“And, if you married Vern, so would you,” I replied.
“Well played,” Derrick added.
“All this talk about marriage is way too early. I’ve dated the guy for a month. Until I know all about myself and that secret everyone is tired of me asking about—I can’t plan a future. Sorry, but it’s not fair.” I folded my arms.
“Life isn’t fair. If you were adopted by strangers, you might never know who your real parents are. Would you put your life on hold until a government or private agency gave up the information? Hold your breath until your birth parents agreed to meet you?” Esme asked coolly.
“No, but that’s different,” I said.
“What if your birth parents were dead? Your life is over because you can’t get answers?” Esme pressed
“That’s a great fictional scenario where I’d have to let it all go. But that’s not the case, and you know it.” I nodded for Derrick to remove my cape.
“You won’t get more gorgeous. Just smile,” Derrick said.
I did have a bit of resting bitch face. I put on my best smile and slipped Derrick a tip. His mama had a sign that gratuities weren’t necessary by the front counter, but I had been trained to tip generously by my aunt.
“Text me how it went,” Derrick said.
“If you hear nothing, you know it was bad,” I said.
“Positive thoughts,” Derrick said.
“Yeah,” the twins echoed.
I was headed for the shark tank, and they wanted me to think about gumdrops and candy canes. Bran’s family would be there; not his parents but a lot of the others. Plus, magical people I’d never met. No pressure there...
The Killean mansion was decked out for spring. It’d never looked so colorful. Flowers were everywhere, and a shimmering waterfall took center stage in the entryway.
“You look amazing,” Bran said.
I twirled for effect. Taking a tip from the gypsies, I’d had crystals added to the floor-length dress, thick at the hem and tapering up the skirt, leaving the bodice bare. He offered his arm and escorted me through the waterfall and into the grand ballroom.
It was like stepping back in time. There was a string quartet and a dance floor full of people waltzing. There was a buffet of food and a full bar. Waiters zigzagged through the throng with trays.
“It’s gorgeous,” I breathed.
“Esme arrived first. She and Vern?” Bran raised an eyebrow as his question trailed off.
“I just found out earlier today. I’m happy for her, but it might be a little awkward.” I spotted her on the dance floor.
“Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy tonight. Once we get through the review.” He snagged a couple glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed me one.
“Thanks. Let’s get the trauma over with,” I said.
“First. Don’t bug Aunt Trezel about the secret, yet. She was busy putting this together, and she’s a bit quirky. One thing at a time with her or she’ll get overwhelmed and shut down. She married money twice and buried them both, but she has no kids. She does what she wants when she wants, and everyone wants to be in her will,” he said.
“I’m sure you’re her favorite,” I said.
“Hardly. My little brother is the charmer. I’m the stern one.” Bran gave a quick smile.
“I’m not as sugary and hippie lovefest as my aunt and cousins. I try to be nice.” I spotted Bran’s aunt. Her hat gave her away first.
The hat was massive and as yellow as the sun. Her entire outfit was that bright yellow. She had to be fifty if she was a day but looked amazing for her age. She smiled when Bran caught her eye.
She glided up as if she was floating and grabbed my hand. “You must be Claudia. I’m Aunt Trezel, and I’ve heard so much about you.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” I tried to shake her hand, but she had a grip on me.
“I’m sure. I hope you like this little party. I know it’s your first time. Your family was very quiet. Esme was the only person we heard or saw from for decades. I’m glad to know you’re powerful and interested in magic,” she said.
“Oh, yes. I’ve practiced and grown on my own. I have a coven, but I suppose I do socialize with humans generally. My family is a mixed bag,” I said.
“I’ve heard. I’m sorry about your parents, by the way. I did know of your mother. Very powerful. Good genes.” She looked me up and down. “At least you have good taste in clothes and men. Plus, you own a business. That’s always good.”
“I do. Do you like coffee?” I asked.
“Oh, no, my nerves. I’m naturally energetic. Your little cafe keeps an eye on the human population, which is good, but you need to make connections here. Now, there are new witches, but their powers are limited, and they’re not worth your time.” She turned and surveyed the crowd.
I had my hand back and flexed it for better circulation. “I’d like to know who the new witches in town are. In case they show up to my coven meeting,” I said.
“Well, that is smart. Knowing people before they know you.” She pointed out a brunette in a nice dress. She was nervous but hiding it well. “That’s Brenda.”
Aunt Trezel pointed in another corner. “That one over there is Trela in the pink—wrong color for her—and Amelia in the red. Both are solo witches. Minor powers, but Trela owned a shop wherever she moved from. Businesswomen are always good to know,” she instructed. Yep, Bran’s aunt was definitely opinionated.
I spotted Esme making her way through the crowd. Within moment, she’d charmed the solo witches.
“Why don’t you two dance? Grab some food. The cake is a masterpiece, but it won’t be out for a while yet.” Aunt Trezel grabbed Dutch’s arm as he passed by.
Dutch bowed slightly to me. He was another family member, more from Aunt Trezel’s generation.
Bran and I ate and then danced a couple of dances. I excused myself and found Esme.
“Did you talk to the new witches? What were they like?” I asked.
“Nice enough. I told them we’d be by to visit, and the solo witches said they weren’t interested in a coven. Brenda seemed open to it. People are talking about her,” Esme said.
“What are they saying?” I asked.
“She’s a bit full of herself for the powers she has. Big city attitude. She’s in a smaller city, now, and who knows what kind of coven she was part of? Maybe she was strong by comparison.” Esme shrugged.
“The solo ones aren’t ruffling feathers,” I said.
“No, but they won’t stay long. They may have some powers they’re concealing, but they don’t seek out covens or other magical people, so there’s nothing lost if we like or don’t like them,” she replied.
A redhead walked up in a pale green gown. “Sorry to interrupt. You’re Claudia Crestwood?”
“I am. Nice to meet you,” I said.
“Liz Bellows. I’ve known Esme for years, but it’s wonderful to finally meet you,” she said.
“You’ve heard of me?” I asked.
“My mother knew your mother. My mother always said she’d hoped we’d grow up as friends and practice magic. But then, everything, well...it’s nice to meet you now.” She turned a bit pink.
“Thanks. I don’t recognize the name.” I looked to Esme.
“Mrs. Eva Bellows was a friend of your mother’s and mine. Life pulled us all in different directions. I’ll let you girls chat.” Esme nodded as she walked away.
“Sorry. I feel like I interrupted and ran her off,” Liz said.
“No, she and I talk all the time. She helped with me after my mom was gone. I’m sure everyone knows that story,” I said.
“Of course, the terrible attack. Well, I’m so glad you came. Bran is very nice,” she said.
“Does everyone know we’re dating?” I asked.
“Small world. He’s a big catch.” She smiled.
“So, your mom wanted you to snag him?” I asked.
Liz laughed. “No, he’s not my type. I always feel frumpy and never know what to say to him. His younger brother is more easygoing.”
“I’ve heard that, but I’ve never met him. I hoped he’d be here,” I said.
“No, still out of town.” She smiled. “I wish I could’ve met your mother. If I did, I don’t remember.”
“I don’t remember her much myself. Not the way I’d like to. I was going through some of her old spells and notes. She was a bit darker, but it might have been from her teen years. Who doesn’t rebel a bit?” I asked.
Liz nodded. “Every witch looks up that stuff. Trying them gets you in trouble,” she said.
A blare of trumpets sounded.
“I didn’t see any brass out there,” I said.
“Magic. We should go. That means the cake,” she said.
I followed Liz out. The cake came from the kitchen area and was carried into the grand ballroom by three people in catering jackets.
Brenda moved in to get a closer look and nearly tripped them. She waved a hand as if to right things by magic, but the cake began to slide.
“Oh, dear.” Liz laughed.
I snapped my wrist and lifted the cake magically. I levitated it high out of the hands of humans and out of the way of nosy subpar witches. Bringing it closer, I lowered it onto the table in the center.
Aunt Trezel looked at me and nodded. Bran walked over to me.
“Well done.” He turned and recognized Liz. “Liz, how are you today?”
“Fine, thank you,” Liz said calmly.
“Well done what?” I asked.
“The cake. Trezel always does that. It’s sort of a test for the new people. Who can save the cake? It’s eight tiers, loaded will filling.”
“It’s basic levitation. I could do that when I was seven,” I said.
Then, I saw Brenda walking just behind Bran. Damn! That didn’t sound nice at all. I didn’t look down on the witches in my coven without powers, but I was never overly impressed by my own.
“You didn’t wobble or hesitate. It was nothing for you.” Bran put his arm around me.
“This really was a test? That’s sad. And basic. I’m offended,” I said.
“If you stay late enough, there is the test of the drunk guys hitting on anything female aggressively. They’re harder to ward off. They have magic.” Liz shrugged.
“I’ll handle those men,” Bran growled.
“For all the ladies here,” I added.
“As you wish.” He bowed slightly.
“Good. Does that mean Brenda failed?” I asked softly.
“She didn’t save the cake. You did. But the solo witches didn’t even try. I should go check on my mother.” Liz gave me a wave.
“Bring her by my café some time. I’d love to talk again and meet her,” I said.
“Sure.” Liz nodded.
“Hang on.” I pulled a business card from my tiny purse and handed it to her.
“Thanks. I will,” she said.
I looked around for Brenda or the solo witches. “Did they leave?”
“Who?”
“The new witches,” I said.
“Brenda probably left. This crowd isn’t great to new people. You have to be up to the measure,” he said.
“Then, why invite them? It’s mean,” I said.
“You passed.”
“You knew I would. I would’ve for the past decade and more. My mom died or I’d have been here every year. But then again, if I knew you since we were kids, I might not like you as much,” I said.
“Not possible,” he said.
“Don’t push your luck. Let’s get some cake. Wait. It isn’t poisoned, is it?” I asked.
He laughed. “No. You like toad filling, right?”
“Gross. It better be strawberry or I’ll change it,” I said.
“Showoff,” he said.
We joined the group, and Esme smiled at me. I tried to enjoy the night and let go of the stress and anger over the secret. Esme couldn’t tell me. My family was sworn to secrecy. Maybe Aunt Trezel could uncover some information. Then again, maybe Mrs. Bellows could tell me the truth.
I was very glad I’d come tonight.