Page 26 of Magic & Mochas
Though I did catch a few of the ladies sending him admiring glances when he wasn’t looking.He looked good in my branded purple apron; the color matched his eyes.Thorne’s handsome face might actually bring in more business than my magical drinks if I got him to help out more often.
If I offered him a job working in my little coffee shop, would he take it?Could that entice him to stay in Willowmere?Did I want him to?
“It looks like you two have been getting along well these days,” my mother said with a knowing look, when she caught me glancing over at Thorne once again.
I blushed, but instead of denying it, I simply said, “We have.”
My mom exchanged a look with my dad.
“We’re glad to see you so happy, Clove.It’s been far too long since we saw you so relaxed and at peace.”He placed his hand over my mother’s and gave it a pat.
“You’re not…disappointed in me?”I whispered around the sudden lump in my throat.This path was the exact opposite of the one they had encouraged me to take all my life.“For opening a shop instead of climbing the corporate ladder?”
“We could never be disappointed in you.”My mother took my hands and gave them a squeeze.“We realize now that…we were so focused on making sure you had all of the opportunities we never did, that we never stopped to ask you what it was thatyouwanted.”
I raised my eyes to hers, to find that they were lined with tears.“Do you mean it?”
My dad put his hand on my shoulder.“Absolutely, pumpkin.We want what’s best for you—whatever that entails.”
“That means more than you know.”I gave them a watery smile.
I told you they'd come around eventually.Silas hopped into my dad’s lap and butted his hand affectionately, so that the older warlock would scratch him under the chin just the way he liked it.
After a few minutes, my dad then cleared his throat.“Well, your mom and I should head home—we still have a few potion orders left to fill.”
“I’ll make your favorite for dinner—spaghetti bolognese.”She pulled me into a quick hug before she and dad headed out.
It was with a much lighter heart that I walked into the back room and donned my purple apron.I tied my hair up into a high ponytail, feeling like I was on top of the world.I knew not every day would be as busy as today, but with the support of the community, I had a feeling everything was going to be just fine.
Or at least I did, until I emerged from the back room to see my ex-fiance’s mistress standing at the counter, and flirting withmyshadowmancer.
I hadn’t exactly gotten a good look at her the last time I saw her.I hated to admit that she was pretty, at least by classic witch standards.Nyssa had a good two inches on me, and her dark green hair was styled in a perfect bob.Dark kohl lined her black eyes, and a string of earrings marched up each ear.Bangles clattered at her wrists and rings crowded her manicured fingers.Even her short little dress screameddesigner.But I supposed I should have expected as much from a witch of the powerful Maeve Coven.
I scanned the room, and spotted Rasmus seated at one of the corner tables, looking like he would rather be anywhere else.I noted with some satisfaction that he was deliberately avoiding looking in Thorne’s direction.
Plastering on my best customer service smile, I stalked over until I stood right next to Thorne.
“There you are, Clove!Your employee here was refusing to go and get you,” Nyssa said haughtily, as if all service workers were beneath her.
It appeared Rasmus hadn’t told her about his little run-in with Thorne and his shadows yesterday.If only she knew what the man she’d just insulted was capable of.
“My employee,” I drawled, placing one hand on his bicep possessively, “knows better than to interrupt me on my break.”I looked her up and down scathingly, pushing down my lingering hurt.“What was it that you needed to talk about so desperately with me?”
Nyssa scowled, her eyes lingering on the hand touching Thorne.“I came to warn you.”
Thorne stiffened beneath my hand.
But I simply raised an eyebrow at the other witch.“About what?”
“To stay away from Rasmus.He’s mine,” she practically growled.
I laughed.“You can have him.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback.“What?”
“You deserve each other, and as you can see, I am happily taken.”I wound my arm around Thorne’s, leaning into him.“I actually have a favor to ask of you, Nyssa.”
“You do?”The witch looked cautiously optimistic.
