“That’s right.” A sickly smile wavers over Camila’s face. “Bizzy and I are fast friends. She comes down to the station all the time with baked goods for Jasper. Of course, I’m his gatekeeper, so she has to get past me first.” She winks my way.
Not a bad performance. Although, I’ll have to tell her to never call herself my husband’s gatekeeper again.
Sprinkles squirms in my arms. Ask her about that night, Bizzy. Raven was always around. If anyone knows something, it’s her.
I give Sprinkles back a quick scratch to acknowledge her.
“Raven”—I say as she trots over to my chair and begins combing out my hair—“you have to tell me about your perfumes. What’s your business called?”
“The Potion Perfumery.” She shrugs. “I thought it sounded cute, a little mystical. And my perfume line is called Sultry Scents. I don’t know if Tabitha mentioned it, but I put a lot of work into crafting the perfect aroma. Let’s just say, women have used it to snag the man of their dreams, and the success rate is through the roof. I’ve garnered a bit of a reputation that way. A good one. Believe me when I say, business has been brisk.” Not to mention those Maiden meetings score me an easy couple hundred dollars each time we meet up. If anyone is ripe for a pipe dream in a bottle, it’s those women.
My mouth falls open.
Raven knows about the Midnight Maidens. Of course, she does. This is perfect.
“Please tell me you’ll come to the Fall-oween Festival and do a little roadshow,” I say as she smooths out my hair with her hands. “Sabrina will be there next week doing a tutorial. I can set you both up at a booth. I know for a fact you’ll make a killing off my sister alone.” It’s true. Macy does love snagging herself a man, or twelve, and is willing to go to whatever lengths to do it. Shelling out a few hundred bucks for a potion is right up her alley.
“Are you kidding? I’d love to. Give me the details when you get them, and I’ll be happy to show.” So they were with Tabitha. Makes sense. She’s in need of a couple of girls. Here’s hoping she’s landed these two. Tabby isn’t the most successful Maiden—and if the Maidens are going to move on like they should, that girl needs to step up her game.
Camila snaps her fingers midair. “I almost forgot to mention. Tabitha invited us to some party she’s throwing. She mentioned you’d be there, too.”
Hey? If I didn’t know better, I’d really think Camila was a mind reader. This isn’t her first well-timed contribution to a conversation.
My eyes widen as I look her way.
You’re not a mind reader, are you? I ask and she gives a quick wink my way.
Let’s hope that was just a coincidence.
Raven clucks her tongue. “That is so wonderful! Will you both be coming to the party?”
“Oh yes,” I say. “Tabitha mentioned the event had a name, the Midnight Mavens?” I shake my head and wait for Raven to correct me, but instead her eyes spring wide.
Typical Tabitha. Screwing it up from the get-go. She’s supposed to wait until they arrive to do the big reveal.
“Midnight Maidens?” Camila’s expression sours as if she was trying her hardest to give the answer to a pop quiz. I just put that together, Bizzy. I bet that’s what it’s called. She offers a smug grin my way, rather proud of her deductive logic skills.
Sprinkles moans. I told you that earlier.
I nod down at the cute pooch.
“Yup,” Raven says as she pulls and tugs at my tresses. “Midnight Maidens. Did she mention anything else about it?” Not that I would be surprised. Some people go through life with the directions wrong, and then they wonder how their life got so screwed up to begin with.
“Nothing,” I say. “Care to share the details?” I ask. “I’m super curious about it.”
“Good.” A smile of satisfaction crests Raven’s face. “Let’s keep the details out of it until the party. I promise it’s going to blow your mind.” Let’s hope it blows their wallets, too.
Wallets?
Camila huffs, and the look of frustration on her face is evident. One thing is for sure, Camila Ryder can’t hide her feelings.
“Raven?” She tips her head this way. “How are you holding up?”
Raven’s shoulders sag a moment. “As well as can be.” More like as well as my acting skills will allow. Less Blair equals less headaches and more money. She was never good at sharing. But she was excellent at stealing.
Wow.
“I miss her, too.” Camila shrugs. “So that night, she kept talking about some mystery man. Who is Dr. Feel Good, anyway? Were they serious? I mean, I was thinking about it, and the fact she finally found love only compounds this tragedy.”
“Dr. Feel Good.” Raven rolls her eyes. “More like Dr. No Good. Believe me, Blair didn’t find love. She found lust. And I’m pretty sure that’s all she was interested in anyway.” Billy. What a jerk. I’m shocked the sheriff’s department hasn’t arrested him yet. From an outsider's perspective, I would think it would be obvious. But then, he is a professor. I doubt murder is in his wheelhouse. If his wife ever found out about the affair, she might be the number one suspect. But, from what Sabrina said, she’s still in England visiting her mother.
My mouth rounds out at the revelation.
“Oh, Bizzy,” Raven coos down at me. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”
“Not in the least. In fact, you’re helping—me relax. I’m sorry about your friend.” I nod. “I mean it, I
