Page 25 of Witch You Would
“Oh no,” I said. “I forgot to add something to the spell to make it stop and start on command. Here, let me . . .” I handedthe card to Penelope, who dropped all the hearts she was holding as more fountained out. I rummaged in my backpack, pullingout a rubber chicken, a rabbit plushie, a knotted handkerchief that kept going and going, and finally a bottle labeled “Salt”that I held up with a loud “Aha!”
I tried to pour some salt into my hand, and it quickly became clear the bottle was empty. I rubbed my neck and grinned atPenelope.
“Looks like we have to wait for the reagents in the bowl to run out.” I gestured at Penelope. “Next time, I’ll leave the heart-makingto the queen.”
They all laughed, even Penelope, though hers sounded forced. Hearts continued to pour from the card, piling into a small mountainthat collapsed under its own weight, making her wince. With a sound like a bubble of chewing gum popping and the faint smellof burnt sugar, the rush finally stopped.
Tori clapped. “Great! That’s it for Leandro. Anyone want to dance on the table?”
“I don’t think my husband would approve,” Quentin said dryly. Amy turned bright red, and no one else seemed interested, so Toripivoted to having the bartender make some impressive-looking spelled shots.
Penelope put a hand on my arm. “Can I talk to you?”
I followed her to the elevator landing, my heart speeding up like a car at a yellow light. Before she started talking, I helda finger in front of my lips and motioned for her to turn around. She did, and I turned off the mic transmitter clipped toher pants, then gestured for her to do the same for me.
“Okay, now we’re mostly private,” I said. “What’s up?”
She stared at the elevator door, her face scrunched up like she was thinking unhappy thoughts. Finally she said, “First ofall, I’m sorry about last night. I had a really bad day, but that’s no excuse for being a jerk.”
“It’s okay, it happens. People have said way worse stuff to me online.” Her eyes got big, and I raised my hands. “Not thatyou’re like those people! It’s fine, we’re good, don’t worry about it.”
“I just didn’t want... you know, bad first impressions and stuff. We have to work together.”
“We will. I know you were just saying nice things about me in the confessional, but I really do think we’re going to be agreat team.”
Penelope flushed and smiled. “Thanks. But.”
But?
“I get that you’re probably here because you’re cute, and funny, and your whole brand is messing up.”
I thought so, too, but it hurt to hear from her. Wait, did she say “cute”?
“I don’t know what you get out of this besides more likes and subscribes, but winning is really important to me.”
What would Leandro say? “No worries. We’re gonna be legendary. We should start planning our victory dance now.” I did a quick salsa step and spin, landing with a cocky smile.
Penelope blinked. “Okay, that was surprisingly good.”
“I’ve got some moves. I’m not going to do them on the table, though.”
She paused like she was about to say something else, then sighed. “Look. I’ll be honest. I got fired this morning.”
“Oh, shit, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” I stepped closer, almost touched her without thinking, but caught myself.
She shrugged, her eyes watery. “I’m not trying to get pity likes. If anyone else were my partner, I probably wouldn’t havesaid anything.”
Double ouch. “Because you would know they’re taking this seriously.”
“Yeah.” Penelope’s big brown eyes looked up into mine. “Please, can you just do your best? Your real best. Don’t wreck ourspells to be funny.”
I couldn’t promise not to be Leandro—rule number two—but there was room to maneuver if I was careful. And I was always careful.
“No spell wrecks,” I said. “Not unless you count wrecking the competition.”
The smile she gave me seemed worried. She didn’t believe me. What did I expect? I had to earn her trust.
I gave her an elaborate bow and gestured at the table. “Shall we clean up my mess, m’lady?”
