“It’s over. I’m the hero of this story. No one can frame me now.” His brow furrowed. “I thought you might be happier for me. Becker recommended me for a job with the sheriff’s department.”
I wasn’t so sure he was out of danger yet, but he would discount my concerns. “I’m happy for you. I know you’ve been trying to get back into law enforcement.”
“Why aren’t you more excited?” he asked.
The transferred spell had specified a date of satisfaction, which hadn’t happened yet. On the other hand, if Kyle had taken such great efforts to coordinate the raid, and Perry Stephens’ drug charges would be reversed, the spell might be broken. I was still powerless to do anything, so I said the one thing I could. “I wish you the best.”
He gave a disappointed sigh. “Things are going back to normal for me.”
I crossed my arms, hoping he wasn’t going to follow the same path the village gossips had. He seemed to sense my hesitation.
“I thought we might get a drink later to celebrate,” he went on.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He rolled his eyes. “I know. I screwed up again. I did everything wrong, but Brynn, I’m still willing to marry you.”
I laughed. “That’s generous of you,” I said with more than a little sarcasm. “I’m afraid I’m not willing to marry you.”
Kyle frowned. “I haven’t seen that guy around. You know how guys can be. They get what they want and they move on.”
The dart hit its mark and I swallowed a sob. “That guy, as you call him, has nothing to do with you and me getting married.”
“Can we at least talk about it?” Kyle asked.
Cassandra cleared her throat. Kyle’s gaze shifted to where she stood in the doorway to the backroom.
“We’re not done,” he said.
Cassandra raised her eyebrows. “Brynn? Are you done?”
“Yes,” I replied.
Kyle shot her a glare and walked out.
“He and Lucas are friends,” I said to Cassandra. “What if Kyle tries to screw things up for you?”
“Kyle’s a jackass. I’ve always thought so, and Lucas knows that. If Kyle makes Lucas take sides, better I know ahead of time if I’m the loser.”
“No,” I said. “I can’t do that to you.”
She smiled. “I have faith in my man. If I’m wrong, I wouldn’t want him, anyway.”
More people stopped into the store, more than we’d seen all week. While we attributed the sudden spurt to gossip mongers, we did manage to clear more stock.
At lunchtime, I checked my phone. I had a missed call from Ian. My fingers trembled as I struggled to access his voicemail.
“I saw the news. It seems whatever interrupted your magic has resolved itself. I’m glad for that.” He sighed. “I didn’t throw you away, Brynn. I don’t want you to think that, but I can’t be with someone I can’t trust. It’s that simple, no matter how extraordinary we are together.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks. I hit redial, desperate to prove he could trust me. He didn’t answer, so I left him a message in return.
“I hate that you feel you can’t trust me, but I understand your position. I’ve been there myself. I’ve already explained to you what happened. If that isn’t good enough, I don’t suppose there’s anything I can do to convince you. And no, the magic still isn’t working.” I pulled the phone away. “Nothing’s working,” I said as I disconnected the call.
I wiped at my eyes, determined not to show my pain to the world, and checked the internet store. The volume seemed to be increasing, the universe’s response to no longer having a brick and mortar store? I also had an email from Hannah, the Wiccan woman Nora had introduced me to.
So lovely to hear from you, Brynn. As Nora may have told you, we only take new members to the coven by recommendation. I’d love to discuss how you think Madeleine will fit. I’d also like to meet with her to determine if her philosophy fits with ours. Let me know when we can arrange a meeting.
Please know you are always welcome to celebrate the holidays with us. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Good news for Madeleine, if she turned up again. As for her philosophy, I couldn’t be sure it was in line with Hannah’s.
I had more immediate problems.
Was Kyle right? Had he beaten the spell? Or would he be caught in the middle when the spell was due to end?
Chapter 33
I picked through a salad for dinner when I got home Thursday night. My appetite had apparently gone missing. I reached for my phone. No more messages from Ian. To keep from calling him, I called Sharon, my cousin Jason’s wife, instead.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” I said when she answered. “What should I bring for dinner on Saturday?”
“Brynn! Your ears must be burning. We were just talking about you. You don’t need to bring anything.”
“Aunt Brynn!” My niece’s voice squealed in the background.
“Here. Georgia wants to say hello,” Sharon said.
“Hello?” the little voice said.
“Hey, Georgie girl. How are you doing?”
“Daddy says you’re coming for dinner on Saturday.”
“Yes, I am. I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’m going to go to pre-school next month,” she said proudly.
“Aren’t you the clever girl,” I replied. “I bet you’re excited about that.”
“Mm-hmm.”
I heard some fumbling and then Sharon laughed into the phone. “I guess she’s done talking. So about Saturday. Did Jason tell me Kyle won’t be joining you?”
My muscles tensed. There was no easy was to tell people, and since they didn’t get the local gossip, it would have to come from me. “Right,” I said. “We’ve decided to call it a day.”
“Oh, Brynn. I’m so sorry.” She sighed. “I did wonder when he postponed the wedding. I’d hoped that was temporary until he got back on his feet. I assume he’s still struggling?”
“Actually, he was offered a job with the County, but some things aren’t meant to be.”
Sharon’s
