Page 66 of Curses & Cold Brew
RAMONA
Demons aren’t supposed to get butterflies in their stomachs, I told myself as I strode up to Iris’s apartment door three minutes to seven. One of many rules I seemed to be breaking of late. I’d been summoned to hell only a couple of days ago in my own mind, but time worked differently on that plane. It had been weeks for Iris, and I hoped nothing had changed between us while I’d been away. Given the playful welcome I’d gotten a few hours before, I had high hopes. But hope had always been my Achilles’ heel.
Nerves coiled tighter in my stomach.
Get your shit together, Ramona. It’s just a date.
But I knew in truth, it was much, much more.
Lifting my hand to knock, I barely touched the wood before it flew open and an unimpressed Jordyn was standing in the doorway.
The near-smile I wore instantly evaporated.
“I’m here for Iris,” I said, panning over her crossed arms to the ring on her finger. “Congrats, by the way.”
“I thought you and I should have a quick talk before you take Iris out.” Jordyn took a step out onto the doormat and shut thedoor behind her. “I know this date is supposed to close out your deal, but if you disappear afterward and leave my best friend heartbroken, I will hunt you down and exorcize the shit out of you. Got it?”
Sparks shot out of her fingertips in warning. Whether for effect or out of anger, I didn’t care to be threatened. “If this is your version of the intentions talk, I’d like to remind you that I am a demon.”
“I know that,” she snapped. “But you also needed the reminder about who you’ll have to deal with if you hurt Iris. And the line starts with me.” She leaned in. “And it’s a long fucking line in this town.”
Iris was just as loved as I was by the residents of Maple Hollow, and a relationship in a small town never ended with just the two people involved in it. A falling out between us would probably result in the fracturing of town lines. That thought had already crossed my mind. Would they divide the town up into quadrants if something happened between us? Would people would wear devil horns or witch hat pins in shows of solidarity? Seven Hells, I wouldn’t put it past them.
I squared the witch with a look. “Never going to happen. You have my word.”
“Good.” She reached a hand over her shoulder and knocked twice on the door. “Welcome home, by the way.”
The door opened and Iris stepped out next to her friend. She looked stunning in the sweater I’d knitted for her, a long black skirt with a slit up to her thigh, and a pair of high-heeled black boots. My jaw dropped. How she effortlessly went from adorable apothecary witch to devastatingly sexy vixen with just some lipstick, mascara, and an up-do was pure magic.
She smiled.
I melted.
“Ready to go?” I asked.
“Have her home by tomorrow night,” Jordyn told me while giving her friend a hug. “We have an engagement party to plan.”
I rolled my eyes but returned Iris’s smile. “Aye, aye, captain.”
Iris took my hand, and we heard Jordyn call down the stairs, “Have fun, love bats!”
In a quick ten-minute walk, we reached Trattoria Occulto. The owners, part of the local nymph community, knew I had a special interest in expanding the businesses in town, so in exchange for their ongoing success, Iris and I would always have a table. It was an easy deal. No messy soul brokering this time.
“Bella serata. Venite,” Nerine, the owner greeted us at the door, her golden bracelets jangling as she waved us in. “Benvenuti. We’ve prepared the table you requested.”
“Umm, wow.” Iris looked up at me. “Did you bribe them or something? I feel like I’m in a mafia novel.”
My brow rose. “You think the nymphs aren’t in the mafia?”
Nerine leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Autentica.”
She led us to the farthest corner booth, where two candles sat with a small bouquet of black roses in between. The decor was a mixture of Roman Gothic and Sicilian art. Some pieces I’d personally donated from my own collection. Beautiful stained-glass windows with images of men’s heads on golden platers gave the space a spooky but, in my opinion, elegant feel.
Every table was occupied and there was a line out the door. These nymphs had been perfecting their recipes since the days of Ancient Rome, and since they’d broken ground on the establishment last year, I’d known the restaurant would become an instant Maple Hollow favorite.
“Here are your menus, but we also have a tastingprix fixethat everyone is raving about.” Nerine waited for us to take our seats then offered us two sheets. “Here is the wine list. The pairings were chosen specifically for the chef’s menu.”
“You really outdid yourselves.” Iris beamed up at Nerine. The nymph’s ethereal eyes shimmered with pride. “Maple Hollow has never had a restaurant like this before. It’s gorgeous.”
