Page 11 of Hexes and Hiccups
“All I know is one thing.”
“And what would that be?”
Tessa slapped her hand against her belly, rubbing her stomach in wide, slow circles. “There is nothing more to be done, till I get some food in me.”
“I should’ve guessed,” Daisy replied with a laugh. “I can eat.”
“Afterthat,I deserve something tasty.” Wrapping an arm over Daisy’s shoulders, Tessa held her close to her side. “And so do you, Flowers.”
Daisy sighed, letting her arm tuck around Tessa’s waist. They continued towards Main Street, and though Daisy was rather looking forward to a break from their search, the eerie feeling of something wicked creeping around the corner remained deep within her. She looked over her shoulder often, but there wasnever a set of eyes peering back at her. There was nothing. Just the hint that something was wrong in their small town.
5
Daisy
In the early afternoon, the best place in Willowbrook to dine on some scrumptious brunch was at The Buttered Biscuit. Tucked away within town center’s plaza, only true residents of the cozy town knew about the restaurant. It went unnoticed by many tourists, though it quickly captured the hearts and stomachs of the lucky, observant few. The Buttered Biscuit had a witch for an owner, a deeply amber skinned woman with wispy brown hair. She had a Spanish name, beautiful and musical when said with the right accent.
Some of Willowbrook’s finest food came out of The Buttered Biscuit. Everything had a dash of love within it, a sprinkle of secret ingredients, and a spell or two. Whether it was the freshly baked muffins with tall tops or steaming bowls of chicken and dumplings, The Buttered Biscuit had something for everyone, and remained one of Daisy’s favorite places to go. When she was younger, her Grandmother Lotta often brought her to the restaurant. They’d sit at the counter beside the register, looking at the front case being filled with sweets and breads, sipping on warming drinks, and enjoying each other’s company.
Now, as Daisy stepped within The Buttered Biscuit alongside Tessa, she felt as though the building welcomed her inside with a loving embrace. Like she was seeing an old friend for the first time in years.
Isolina, the owner and most dutiful cook, swept behind the counter as they came inside. She hummed a quiet tune as she worked, an apron speckled with flower and sugar tied across her wide waist. She raised her head towards them, her smile pulling sharp dimples out of her rose-colored cheeks. Though she was as old as the establishment itself, Isolina never halted in working. She’d let her hair become a brilliant shade of white, and wrinkles slowly coursed along her eyes and lips. But she still worked just as hard.
“Daisy Fields!” She curved around the counter excitedly. “What a surprise! I haven’t seen you in a bit.”
Daisy breathed a sigh, the woman quickly bringing a sense of nostalgia to her. “Things have been busy at the shop,” she replied. “Looks like nothing’s changed!” She reached out, taking Isolina’s hand in her own. “Which is a wonderful thing.”
“You look stressed.” Isolina nodded a few times, mumbling something in Spanish under her breath before turning to shout over her shoulder, towards the kitchen. The Spanish rang clear through the room and a few voices responded from behind the swinging doors. When she turned back to them, she looked rather proud of herself. “No worries. Already ordered everything you need to feel better again. Your friend, too.” Isolina waved her hands towards the dining room, where a quiet lunch rush had already swept through. “Go along, get a seat!”
In the wide room, sitting at a booth beside long windows, was Ethan. He had a few books in front of him, a steaming cup of coffee resting on top of a chipped saucer. He must have been on a break from work, Daisy realized, based off his neat attire and navy blue jacket resting behind him. His long hair was slickedback over his head, a few strands striking over his eyes as he read. On the opposite side was a notepad, where he diligently took notes.
“How perfect,” Tessa cooed, her lip curling up mischievously. “I haven’t had the chance toreallymeet dear Ethan, have I?”
“Tess,” Daisy warned, giving her friend’s arm a tug.
“What? I only want to meet the man you’re dating!”
Warm heat rushed to Daisy’s face at the word.
“Look at you!” Tessa pinched Daisy’s cheek, giving her a few pulls as she giggled. “Still blushing like a schoolgirl. That just might be the cutest thing I’ve seen!”
Daisy swatted her hand away. “Oh, knock it off. You’re embarrassing me!”
“Well, what’re best friends for?”
Tessa stepped into the dining room, slipping around Daisy’s defenses. She waved a hand in the air, already marching towards Ethan. Daisy held back her squeal and rushed forward, the nerves beginning to swirl around in her stomach. The closer they came to Ethan, the more the butterflies took a hold of her, bringing that same anxiety she always felt alongside him. It wasn’t a bad thing at all, but it rendered her foolish and forced her to squirm like a child. She liked Ethan rather much, more than she’d realized, and she wanted him to love Tessa as much as she did. But the closeness and embarrassment almost made her legs tremble.
Get a grip!Daisy told herself as Tessa finally caught Ethan’s attention.You are dating, after all.
Ethan’s eyes lit up as he looked over. “What a nice surprise,” he said. His gaze found Daisy instantly, a pinkish hue spreading across his curved nose. “You look windswept, Daisy. You alright?” He was already scooting over, giving her the seat beside him.
Tessa eyed her like a teenager, motioning for Daisy to sit. Without another word, she slid into the booth beside Ethan, accepting his warmth immediately. Tessa came into the booth across from them, her arms crossed eagerly across the table. She looked far too excited, but there was nothing Daisy could do by that point, except go along with it the best she possibly could.
“We just climbed up a billboard,” Tessa blurted, “but that’s neither here nor there!” She stretched her hand across the table towards him. “Ethan, we haven’t been properly reintroduced, have we?”
Ethan laughed and shook her hand, not looking the slightest bit off. “I suppose we haven’t. How have you been, Tess? Daisy,” he paused to stretch his arm across her shoulders, “told me you’ve been taking the empath tests. That sounds exciting.”
Daisy settled against his arm, ignoring how the butterflies in her stomach responded to the easy touch. “They are, aren’t they, Tess?” she asked, trying to give her friend a look that saidwe’re gonna talk about you now.
