Page 47 of Love, Magic and Misfortune
“In theory this sounds exciting, but in practice maybe this would not be sexy… and also a legal and logistical nightmare.”
“Oh, it’s definitely illegal. Nobody said it was legal—hence the secrecy.”
Rose sat straight and folded her arms, pouting. “I think I would be mad if she kept that from me. Why leavemeout of the illegal fun?”
“You’re a lawyer.”
“I’m not a cop though, and I’m a family lawyer. Why are you making me feel upset over my girlfriend’s non-existent prostitution ring?”
Violet giggled. “Sorry. Maybe in the end, she’d be getting lots of new clients foryou.”
“Dislike,” Rose declared, her face softening as she looked at her sister. “Try one more time. With Jasper, I mean.”
“We’re back to this again?”
“Would you rather go deeper into this imaginary gender-nonconforming-brothel rabbit hole?”
“Yes, actually.”
Rose shook her head. “He just seems so gloomy and lonely. His dad died and nobody has seen his mom around town in years. I don’t know… I realize that I’ve pushed you to get over him, but you’re living here now. Maybe he needs a friend?”
Exhaling and nestling deeper into the warm bedsheets, Violet pulled the comforter up, physically shielding herself from Rosie’s unexpected encouragement. Violet closed her eyes and turned onto her side. “I don’t think he wants one.”
23
Now
When Violet walked into Le Petit Sweet Bakery and Café a week later, she waved to Simone. She was radiant as usual and standing behind the curved glass case full of colorful, elegant pastries and freshly baked breads. Violet took a seat near the window, basking in the gentle sunlight of the wintery day—the first of December. It warmed her face, and after days of lying in bed, she was glad to be feeling more like herself again.
“Hello, dear. Are we treating ourselves today? You feeling better?”
Violet opened her eyes at Simone’s question. Her braids were down, falling all around her shoulders like twisty little ropes. “Mm, yes and yes. But I’m meeting someone.”
Simone smiled. “Oh? Is Jasper coming out today?”
“No.”
Silence. Simone shifted her weight. “Oookay… Anyone I know?”
“Have you ever heard of the writer Ambrose Marcello?”
“The author, right? I’ve never read anything by him, though. Isn’t he a self-help guru type?”
“Yes, privately. But he writes fiction. He knows Jasper for some reason and we ran into each other at his house. He wanted to have coffee together—ah. I brought this for you.” Violet turned and reached into her tawny brown bag. She pulled out Ginger’s journal and handed it to Simone. “I thought you might find this interesting. It’s full of witchy notes and things.”
Simone’s eyes grew wide. “A little Saturday night intrigue. Excellent. Can I get you anything?”
“How about a generous slice of lemon meringue?”
“Smart girl.”
Once Simone was gone, Violet glanced around the café. There was a healthy crowd—not so many people that the small space felt congested, but just enough to help emphasize its coziness. Rays of sunlight, a low humdrum of lively chatter and the smell of powdered sugar and fresh coffee wafted through the air.
Glancing out the window, Violet’s mind wandered. First, to the failed pool party attempt at work. She’d been grateful to learn that the hotel was booked full through the end of the year with no option to rent out their pool. She’d had to try three more hotels before her boss gave up on the ridiculous idea. In its place, they were treating everyone to dinner and drinks at a locally owned restaurant. An event appropriate for professional adults.
Then, despite herself, Violet’s mind wandered to Jasper.Again. She wanted to stop thinking about him—to stop trying to figure him out. There were moments of success. Temporary distractions. But Simone’s mentioning him had yet again unleashed the flood of confused thoughts in her brain. The anguish of frustrated emotions in her heart.
What would it be like? To sit in this café drenched in winter sunlight and talk with him. To laugh and smile, carefree and with no secrets between them. Like normal friends—normal people who genuinely cared for each other. Why couldn’t they get there? They’d had it once. Even now, it didn’t seemsofar off. Not impossible, anyway.
