“You better answer the door while I make up the table.”
Rather than stand debating her actions and his words, she rushed to the front door, glad of a distraction. Ella glanced back at him as she reached the door to see him setting up the cutlery and placemats. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and faced Jake and Henry. She smiled at both men, who came armed with flowers and bottles of wine. “Come in. It’s freezing out there.”
Jake strolled in with a sober-looking Henry, who carried a bunch of pink roses, which he thrust out to her.
“Thank you. They’re beautiful. I’ll put them in some water. Hang your coats on the rack, and come through to the kitchen.”
Marcus strolled from the dining room, greeting the men with a slap on the back for Jake, and an awkward shake of the hand for Henry.
What is it between these two?
“Buds coming up. Or do you want something stronger?”
“A Bud is fine. I can grab the drinks. You look busy.” Jake laughed.
Marcus gave a fake smile and slapped the top of his friend’s head. Jake marched away with Henry to get some drinks. The doorbell chimed again. The last guest arrived. Ella glanced at Marcus and shoved the flowers into his chest.
“I need to get this. Do you mind taking the flowers in the kitchen? I will sort them out in a minute.”
“Of course—but are you all right? I’ve never seen you so on edge and flustered. What’s going on?”
“Not now.”
Ella didn’t know what to say, but willed her nerves to settle. Marcus stopped and explored her face as if it might reveal the answer to his question. When it didn’t, he shook his head and strode away. Sighing, Ella adjusted her dress and pressed her lips together to face her friend. She opened the door and in stepped Isabella, dressed in her usual outfit of black fitted pants and leather jacket. The stunning witch left her red hair long and loose, flowing down her back. She didn’t smile, and her face was bare of makeup, highlighting dark circles that mirrored her eyes.
As she walked farther into the house, she grabbed Ella’s arm. “Are you still planning to confront Marcus at dinner?”
“Yes, unless I cave in. This isn’t easy, you know.”
The witch stepped closer and kept her voice low. “Okay—well, I’m ready.”
Heavy thuds pounded across the wooden floor and broke their private conversation. Jake sauntered over to Isabella and she shrugged out of her jacket, handing it to the smiling man.
He hung it up quickly on the coatrack to his side and returned to place a quick peck on her cheek. “Okay, sweets, who died?” Jake arched a brow.
Marcus strolled back in with a tray of appetizers with Henry at his side and everyone stared at Jake following his outburst. Isabella lowered her head.
“I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I’m sorry, but you look awful,” Jake added in his usual blunt manner.
The witch shoved her elbow into his rib before twisting away. Ella admitted her friend didn’t look well. Guilt and betrayal could do that to a person. She wondered what Isabella would say, and her stomach clenched.
“Thanks, Jake. I can always rely on you to be direct. I’m fine, actually. Just not sleeping well.”
“Dreaming about me, Sparkles? I can help with any fantasies you might have, but I cannot promise you any sleep.” He smiled broadly.
“Okay, Jake, that’s enough. Let me get you a drink, Isabella. Come on through,” Ella suggested as she grabbed her friend’s arms. Soft music hummed in the background and candles flickered, making shadows over the pale cream walls. The main living room was warm and cozy, with brown leather couches placed alongside the roaring open fire—which they needed tonight.
“I’ve never seen this domesticated side, boss,” Jake said as Marcus handed the platter around, offering bite-sized cucumber with salmon pieces.
Her husband answered but she didn’t hear his reply, only the laughter that followed as she marched the witch into the kitchen. The smell of garlic hit her as soon as she entered the small space. Elizabeth leaned over to place rosemary on top of brie and cranberry bites.
“Liz, come and have a drink. Everyone’s here. The beef bourguignon will be another hour. Shall I take those through?”
The doctor wiped her hands on the apron. “Thanks, I could do with one. It’s a little hot in here.”
“It smells wonderful,” Isabella said.
“Thanks. I hope it tastes good, too. ” A strange awkwardness existed between her two friends, and Ella didn’t know why, but the atmosphere remained tense.
“Okay, let’s get the wine flowing. White or red?”
“White,” said Elizabeth.
“Red,” said Isabella.
“Okay, we have both,” Ella said as Elizabeth studied the witch for a moment. Ella wondered once again who the doctor fancied. She opened the fridge and reached for the bottle of Pinot Grigio just as a smiling Marcus walked in.
“Come on, ladies. No hiding in the kitchen.” Marcus placed his hand around her shoulder as she carried the wine, guiding her back toward the living room, where the soft chatter stopped as they entered.
“I didn’t know the good doctor was joining us. It’s great to see you out of a lab coat,” Jake said.
“Can you get Isabella a glass of red wine please, Marcus?” she said as she poured the alcohol into a wine glass for the doctor.
Marcus sauntered toward the mirrored liquor cabinet in the corner, pouring a large measure of the Pinot Noir. He strolled back and handed the glass to Isabella, who gulped the wine down.
“Try some of these cranberry and brie bites.” Elizabeth offered the silver tray to Ella. Taking a small, savory piece, she collected the tray and handed it around. Oohs and ahs rippled around as each tasted the delicious
