Page 57 of The Curse of Indy Moore
“Match?” I coughed, feeling as if I’ve offended the bank for daring to be so loud. None of the columns came to life to squash me, though I almost wished they would to escape the embarrassment.
Otis cackled, uncaring of the stares. “Apologies, my boy. Indy here is a work associate, not a partner. Your dear brother is assisting her with a problem magical in nature.”
That was the simplest way he could have phrased it.
“But you are right. That last partner of his was a pig. He didn’t like cats. Rooke should have known better from that moment on,” Miss Beamy declared, full of indignation.
Colt nodded, having deflated considerably. “Indeed, and my apologies, Miss Moore. I shouldn’t have assumed.”
“Please, call me Indy,” I said, detesting the warmth in my cheeks.
“Are you a local?” he asked.
“I am not. This is the first time I’m visiting.”
“Then we must ensure you have a pleasant lunch today. Shall we head out and speak more over a meal? I’m famished.”
With all of us in agreement, Colt led the group out of the bank. Miss Beamy remained on his shoulder, carefully balanced. He and Otis asked about my likes in terms of food, any allergies or such, then we were on our way to a restaurant two blocks over. Colt sat Miss Beamy on the windowsill outside, where she curled up in a sunray. She would be more than happy napping there.
Inside, we were taken to our seats in a cozy cottage-like restaurant, where the tables resembled tree trunks and they decorated the chairs in faux flowers. Birds fluttered from branches along the walls, each of them no more than an enchanted toy, but their soft singing brought a soothing atmosphere. The array of herbs and spices combined made me a tad busy, so I was grateful to take a seat.
“Thank you for contacting me,” Colt said to Otis after the waiter took our orders. “Now that I know Rooke is coming to town, I will tell our parents. They will get him home for supper.”
“I am sure they will. I mentioned meeting up yesterday, but you know how Rooke gets with his work. While I admit our sweet Indy here needs help, I think she would agree that it’s important to spend time with your family when you can,” said Otis.
I adjusted my hat when my ears twitched. “Absolutely. My curse could wait an hour or two.”
“A curse,” Colt whispered over the rim of his teacup. “I hope my brother can help you, and I apologize for any irritation he has or will cause.”
“Mr. Hawthorne has been… very helpful.”
“You needn’t be so nice around me. I am the brother forced to deal with all the silverware he enchanted when we were children. Tried making them self-cleaning to help our dear mother, but all he achieved was floating silverware that chased us aftera bath.” Colt waved a hand at the memory. “Oh, and our teapot. He wanted it to keep the tea warm, but it blew up instead.”
Otis heaved with laughter that I tried not to mirror. Thinking of a young Mr. Hawthorne, child-like and toiling over a shrieking teapot inevitably led to me joining Otis in his mirth.
“He must have been a handful,” I said as our food arrived. Everything smelled divine. My mouth watered, and I dabbed at my lips, embarrassed by my growling stomach.
“He was and, admittedly, remains to be. We worry about him. He works far too much, and while the family is grateful, we would certainly prefer he show his face more often than not.” Colt cut into his chicken smothered in hot spices. The silverware scraped against the plate before his shoulders fell slightly. “However, that relentless curiosity of his makes him good at his job, so I am sure whatever ails you, he will fix it.”
“We are to attempt to help after this luncheon,” Otis explained. “Actually, perhaps you could help. Are there any shops nearby that you would recommend Indy to attend?”
“Mr. Hawthorne suggested I buy something for myself as an experiment, and I have no idea where to begin,” I explained, flushing under Colt’s curious attention.
Shopping was never of interest. We couldn’t afford to spend our money on anything so frivolous. We had what we needed and made do if anything broke. The girls were always our top priority. I couldn’t imagine wasting a day shopping, with someone else’s money no less.
“It depends on what interests you.” Colt looked at me expectantly, waiting for a response, but nothing came to mind. I didn’t need new clothes, although the girls could use them.
“My cousins,” I tried, but something smacked the window. The three of us gazed at Miss Beamy, who awoke long enough to glare at me through the glass. Her tail smacked the windowsill over and over in warning. She took her job very seriously.
Mr. Hawthorne said for me. For me…
I did not know what I should get. I needed nothing.Want,Mr. Hawthorne had repeated, but I wanted nothing either. Nothing that could be bought, at least.
I stalled a moment by taking a drink, considering what might be an easy venture. Mr. Hawthorne mentioned I needed better attire, but knowing him, he would complain about whatever I bought. He may be more lenient about accessories, like a new hat or a plain necklace.
“Jewelry, or accessories in general,” I suggested, pushing my lips into a painful smile.
“There is a lovely jewelry store a few blocks over. I got all my wife’s earrings from there, as she has sensitive skin and the materials they use are safe for her. I will happily take you there afterward,” Colt replied.
