Page 32 of Magic & Mochas
As Mei turned to leave, she winked and called over her shoulder, “And I can’t wait to see your matching couple costumes at the ball!”
I blinked, then slowly turned to look at Thorne.We stared at each other for an awkward moment before we both started laughing.
“Matchingoutfits?”The corners of Thorne’s mouth twitched up in a smile, despite his best efforts.
“Apparently,” I said with a nervous giggle, before clearing my throat.“Though I think we’re going about this in the wrong order.I know you’ve technically already agreed…but let’s do this properly.”I dropped into a dramatic curtsy.“Sir Thorne, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Moonlit Masquerade as my partner?”
Thorne played along, surprising me when he took my hand and bowed, brushing a light kiss on my knuckles.“The honor is all mine, fair lady.”
I felt my ears grow warm.“Then it’s a date.”
“I think I might have some shopping to do, then.And it sounds like we’ll both be needing masks,” Thorne commented.
“It does indeed.”I pursed my lips.“I think the boutique down the street should have what we need, though we should pay them a visit before they’re sold out.”
“Shall we close up a little early today to go and take a look?”Thorne suggested.
“People rarely come in during the last hour…so let’s do it!”Itwasmy shop, and I could close early if I wanted to.I loved having that freedom.I grinned, already picturing ballgowns sprinkled with stardust and decorated with pearls.
The end of the day couldn’t come soon enough.When it finally did, Thorne and I closed up shop especially quickly–thanks in part to the shadowy figure Thorne summoned to help clean up.Watching it wipe down the tables and sweep the floor made it hard to imagine the peaceful shadow wielding a weapon and fighting monsters.
The owner of Bubbles & Bobbins, the dress boutique, was surprisingly around my age, and from the lyrical sound of her voice, must have been a mermaid.
Her entire boutique was filled with gorgeous dresses and suits, and I caught a glimpse of the line-up of outfits in the back awaiting alterations—no doubt for the upcoming ball.
“It’s a good thing you came today—I’ll be closed to the public starting tomorrow and until the ball, so that I have enough time to fill all of my orders.”Coralyn guided us to a special section with paired mannequins.One pair displayed a fiery red fabric that moved like living flame, and another showed off silk that swayed like it was underwater, with pearls stitched into the bodice and with seashell buttons on the suit.
But it was the pair in the center that really caught my attention.The dress was made of a black, gauzy fabric with purple embellishments and a sprinkling of stardust.The matching suit had turquoise trim and crystal cufflinks that winked like stars in the night sky.As I looked at them, it felt like I was stargazing instead of standing in a boutique.
“We’ll take this pair.”Thorne gestured to the ones I could hardly take my eyes off of.“Plus the matching masks.”
I glanced over at him, glad we were on the same page.I couldn’t wait to see how regal he looked in the suit.
“Excellent choice—I have a feeling you will both look splendid in black—and I daresay the violet and turquoise match your eyes perfectly.”With a wink, Coralyn moved the two we had picked to the back, with the others.“Now, let me just take your measurements, and I’ll make sure they fit like a glove in time for the ball.”
“Now, what drinks should we make for the ball?”I mused, tapping my chin thoughtfully.Since we had ordered our outfits yesterday, I could turn my full focus onto catering.“Should I bring some of my more popular drinks, or create something new and special, just for the ball?”
Do you even have enough time to make something new?Silas jumped onto the counter next to me, and I stroked his soft fur.
If it’s not too complex.Silas had a point, though.I would hate to bring a half-baked idea that tasted terrible.Any suggestions?
How about both?Brew some of your best sellers for the ball, while working on something new.If it doesn’t turn out the way you want it, then you’ll still have plenty of drinks you know people will love.Silas puffed out his chest and gave his fur a few licks.
That is a fabulous idea!
You say that likeallof my ideas aren’t fabulous.The black cat licked a paw so he could groom his ears.
Good point.Naturally, I would have to bring my pumpkin spice lattes—what drink could be more fitting than that on Halloween?!And a ball in a magical town called for a magical brew, so…I should also bring my Glimmerbrew and Black Cat Brew.
“What are you still doing here?I thought you went home after closing.”Thorne detached himself from the shadows.
I had been so deep in thought that I hadn’t even noticed the shadows dance at his arrival.“I’m just working out what to make for the ball.”
He must have just come out of the shower, because his dark hair was still damp, and his shirt clung to his chiseled form like it was trying to win a wet T-shirt contest.
“Would you like any help?”he asked as he came to stand beside me.
She already has me, Dark One.Silas hissed at him.And that’s more than enough.
