Page 34 of Heart of a Witch
I smirked. “I’m a terrible cook.”
“Then dramair it is,” she said teasingly. “I’m just glad he’s okay. Really.” She paused. “Does he take opioids often?”
I ran cold. “No.”
She didn’t look convinced. “If you need more of that ointment again, my brother will sell you some at his shop.”
My eyebrows raised. “He’s opening so soon?”
“Yes, in a week.”
“Good to know. I’ll make sure I’m there.”
“Your presence will be appreciated. I’m certain with a Shaw attending opening day, we can attract quite the crowd.”
“Ah, so you’ve already heard about my family.”
She shrugged. “It’s hard not to. Everyone we’ve spoken to loves your family.”
“You mean loves my father.”
Her expression flattened. “Yes. You’re known as ‘the asshole.’” She laughed. “Not my words.”
“Now, that’s only partly true.” I curled my lips between my teeth. “Anyway, I will be there. It’s the least I can do.” We walked through the iron gates and then out onto the street, turning toward the orchard. “You say you are here with your brother and your sister, whom I’ve already met, but what about your parents?” I asked, noticing she couldn’t be any older than me.
She looked at her feet. “They died. My brother inherited our family’s wealth, and he’s always wanted to live here and to open his own shop.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
She pressed her lips together. “It was cholera.”
I’d heard of many dying from that. “If there’s anything my family can do to make your transition here easier, please let me know.”
“I will.”
I grinned at her forwardness. “Where did you live before?”
“Dawnridge.”
“Do you miss the city?”
“Not really. I prefer small-town life.” She looked around at the maple trees lining the street. “What about you? Have you always lived here?”
“Born and raised.”
“Where’s your mother, if you don’t mind me asking? I haven’t heard anything about her.”
“She passed away when I was a kid.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
I held my breath for a heartbeat. “It was a long time ago.”
“That doesn’t matter. Memories have a way of holding onto us, don’t they?”
I nodded slowly, turning left at the corner and leading her down a narrower street. “We’re almost there.”
“Where are you taking me?”
