Page 76 of Pushing Daisy
Her phone vibrates on the table beside her bed. Picking it up, she sees an incoming call from Stella. She swipes answering it and taps to put it on speakerphone. “Hey, Stel. What’s up?”
“Hey. I’m calling to say a preemptive congratulations for this weekend. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you come back up for air afterward.”
“Thank you so much. I hope you’re right. Everything is set, and bearing any sudden issues, it should be great. I’ve heard from many attendees, and they are so excited. It’s been inspiring to see how this event, even before it happens, is already impacting people.”
“That’s so exciting,” Stella says. Daisy can hear her smile through the phone and feel the genuine joy and excitement she has for Daisy. She wouldn’t have thought they could be in this place with how things ended between then. To end up legitimate friends. But having Stella as a friend has proven to be the best part of their failed relationship. Knowing they weren’t right for each other, as painful as it was to find out, helped Daisy get here. It helped lead the way for her to find Sloan.
“It is. I’m continually at a loss for words. When the council assigned me to this thing, I never thought it would gain traction. I felt like it was a pity offer. That I only received it because of Petra’s insistence. Maybe that part is still true. But I feel, to my core, that this will be good. That it will help to breed connection and a greater sense of community,” Daisy says, trying not to get misty-eyed as she tosses more clothes into her bag.
“The community needs this. I am so proud of you, Daze. You’ve come so far and through so much fire.”
Daisy gives a short laugh. “Thankfully, not literal fire. Though, with the increased grimoire magic, I’ve definitely lit some things on fire.”
“But you’ve learned to control it. Speaking of the grimoire, did you ever find out how it got to you?”
Daisy stops in place. She hadn’t thought of its mysterious arrival since bonding with it. A part of her figured it found its way to her on its own. It does like to move around the house by itself, so that wouldn’t be entirely out of the question. “No. I kind of forgot about that. But it is a magic book. Maybe it just appeared by magic.” She laughs, realizing how silly the idea sounds out loud.
“I’ve never heard of that happening. Granted, your situation is a bit different.”
“To say the least,” she replies, zipping up a dress bag and then tossing it beside her other bag on the bed. She returns to her closet and grunts as she moves bins out of the way to get to the shoes she wants to wear with that dress.
“Anyway, it sounds like you’re busy over there, so I’ll let you get back to it. Again, congratulations. You should be proud of yourself. This is simply the beginning, darling.”
“Thanks, Stel.”
“Anytime. Talk soon!”
“Bye,” Daisy responds, ending the call.
Daisy flicks her wrist, causing violet tendrils to emerge. They dance around the room, gathering the last few items of clothing she needs for the weekend, and then disappear into her ensuite to collect her toiletries. Only a few short weeks ago, she was setting fire to bedding and causing windstorms when she got flustered. Now, she can control her power so much better.
Once all is done and packed, she loads it into her car and drives over to The Dandelion, filled with excited energy bouncing around her insides and a hint of trepidation. So much is riding on this event being an actual success, and as much as she’s excited about what it could bring to the community and how it would help Petra’s push for inclusion, that little voice at the back of her mind still tells her it’s going to all blow up in her face.
Willow glides toward them, a brilliant smile gracing her face as the sunbeams from the glass windows in the ceiling highlight her soft blonde hair flowing behind her. She looks angelic. If she greets every guest, they will be off to a great start as she radiates such a welcoming and peaceful presence. It’s different from when they were in their meeting last week. As Daisy watches her, she wonders if this peaceful effect is related to some power she has. If so, it’s useful as her worries melt away the closer Willow gets.
“Good afternoon, ladies. It’s wonderful to see you again.”
“Thank you,” Daisy and Sloan say in unison while extending their hands to return Willow’s handshake.
“Have you been checked in yet?”
“Yes. The room looks lovely. I was under the impression that we would have separate rooms this time, though?” Sloan asks.
At the same time, Daisy says, “Thank you so much for the welcome package. Is that the same one that the guests will be receiving?”
Willow pauses, parsing what they’ve both said. She turns to Daisy first, “Yes, guests will receive the same package. Minus the details specific to you two as the planners. Otherwise, it will have the same swag—sweater, tote, travel mug, and itinerary alongside the various treats.” She turns to Sloan. “My apologies, I had it noted that you two would be sharing a room. Unfortunately, we are fully booked and cannot move one of you. Is this a problem? We could see if a neighboring site has a room available, but I think for the purpose of the event, it makes sense for both of you to be on-site.”
Rather than respond and risk upsetting Sloan by speaking for her, Daisy pauses, allowing Sloan to share any concerns. She notes the large breath Sloan takes—and perhaps how it pushes out her beautiful breasts—before she speaks, “It’s fine. We’ll make do,” she says, sounding defeated.
She doesn’t seem as angry as last week; perhaps she’s calmed down, or maybe it’s Willow’s essence influencing her mood. Either way, Daisy will take it. Granted, the call to the reception desk to ensure they were roomed together may prove to be helpful too, but Daisy isn’t going to ’fess up to that little maneuver.
“Alright. Again, my apologies.”
“It’s fine,” Sloan repeats.
Willow, likely sensing it’s not fine, but since she can’t do anything about it, says, “Well, our esteemed guests should be arriving in the next hour or so. Please feel free to visit the restaurant for a snack or a drink. If you need me, send me a text.”
“Will do. Thank you, Willow,” Daisy replies before Willow turns and vanishes into the inn.
