challenged.” The smile she put on her face reminded Mia of a snake slithering around the woman’s face. She sniffed the air. “Besides, since you’re using magic to get the warehouse in shape, I’m sure it won’t take much longer.”
Mia opened her mouth to respond, but then clamped it shut. She watched as Pricilla clacked her way to the office and disappeared inside. She’d been called out.
Mia tried not to use magic to solve everyday issues, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“What a witch.” Mia mumbled, as she returned to moving the box of green beans.
As she moved through the boxes, she thought of the dishes that could be made with the food. She didn’t often use canned food at the restaurant, but at home, she took a few shortcuts. Not like Isaac was home much anymore to notice. She thought of their last conversation when she told him she was taking a week off to help Grans with the food drive. He’d seemed relieved, happy for her to be out of town. Maybe he was feeling the stress of the relationship too. When she got back, she’d cook a nice dinner, and they’d talk this out. They were so busy, they never saw each other anymore. Something else nagged at her, but she pushed the thought away. She could fix this.
Lost in her plans to repair her broken relationship, she didn’t notice her grandmother’s presence until she touched her hand. Then Mia almost dropped a box of spaghetti on her own foot.
“Sorry dear, I thought you’d heard me walk up.” Grans took the box that was slipping off the top of the pile Mia held in her arms. “Let’s sit this down and go home. I’ve ordered food from the Lodge and James will send someone to deliver it while we put our feet up.”
Mia nodded to the shelf nearest them. “Just sit these over there. I’m going to have to figure out everything we have before I can assign shelves. And we need to set up a rotation system so the oldest food gets given out first. I can’t believe she’s run this by herself for so long without setting up systems.”
“Tasha was doing the best she could dear.” Grans looked over at the woman who stood by the door with Pricilla. “And her heart was in the right place.”
“I know. I’m tired. And grumpy. And starving. And all I want is a bath.” Mia sat the pasta on the shelf and looked at her grandmother. “What? I know that look. What did I say wrong? Don’t tell me you invited people over tonight.”
Grans took her arm and patted it as they walked. “Of course not. The party isn’t until Friday night. We’ve got too much to do before then. It’s just that you’re going to have to settle for a shower. My tub is filled with a potion I’m trying out.”
“You made a potion in your bathtub?” Mia rubbed the side of her face. She was almost afraid to go home with Grans. Who knew what other experiments she’d find growing in the house?
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not one you ingest, it’s completely topical.” Grans rolled her eyes. “Sometimes dear, you treat me like I’m a senile old lady or something.”
Mia bit her lip, trying not to remind her grandmother that she might not be senile, but she was old. Instead, she changed the subject. “Thanks for letting me bring Mr. Darcy. He and Isaac just don’t get along.”
“Mr. Darcy is welcome anytime. It will be nice having a cat around the house. I’ve been lonely since Grey left last winter. I’ve been thinking of calling for another familiar, but I’m still heartbroken.” Grans sniffed. “It’s hard to replace someone who was in your life for over twenty years.”
“I know.” Mia decided that one thing she would do before she left was take Grans to the local shelter. If she saw a cat, she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from falling in love with it. And Mia didn’t like to think about Grans being alone up here.
“Stop worrying about me. I can feel it coming off you in waves. I’m surprised you didn’t bring Gloria.” Her grandmother paused when they reached the door.
Gloria was Mia’s kitchen witch doll that she’d had since she was a child. She felt the call of the doll across the miles as she thought about her. “I really wasn’t planning on doing any spells here. I didn’t think I’d need her.”
Her grandmother glanced around the warehouse, making it clear that she, too, knew exactly what magic Mia had performed.
Tasha interrupted the moment before Grans could say anything. “Thank you for coming today. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here.”
Grans leaned over and kissed Tasha on the cheek. “Did Pricilla already leave? I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
“You and Pricilla are only okay together in short spurts. I’m surprised no one sniped at the other since we were in the office for more than a few minutes.” Tasha leaned in and kissed Mia on the cheek. “Thanks for all you’ve done today. I hate to make you come back tomorrow.”
“You’re not making me. I want to come.” Mia smiled and nodded to the stacks. “I’ll be here at eight if that’s not too early.”
“Here’s the extra key.” Tasha handed Mia a single door key on a piece of yellow yarn. “You come and go whenever you like.”
“Thanks.” Mia moved toward the door, following Grans. “My—friend will be here tomorrow to help.”
When they got outside, Grans paused at her car door and looked at Mia. “You almost called Christina something else. Like your sister-in-law? Don’t tell me this thing with Isaac is actually serious.”
“I thought you liked him?” Mia stared at her, sadness almost overwhelming her. She was tired. That’s all. That’s why she felt like she was going to burst into tears at any moment.
“It’s time you accepted that Isaac isn’t the one. You’d be better off with a rodeo clown or a sanitation worker, or even a too-busy real estate mogul, not that there’s anything wrong with any of those professions. He’s just not your soul mate.” Grans climbed into her Mini Cooper. “I’ll see you at the house. I’ll make you a cup of tea so you can relax.”
Mia watched her grandmother’s car as it left the small parking lot. She’d never heard Grans say a bad word about Isaac. Now, he’s not the one? Shaking her head, she moved to her car. The distance between her and Isaac suddenly seemed even wider. If Grans didn’t believe in them, how could she ever expect them to make it?
She pushed the thoughts away as she climbed wearily into her car. All she needed right now was a bath. No, shower first, she corrected herself. Then food. Then sleep.
Tomorrow would be better.
Chapter 2
Mia left Mr. Darcy curled on her bed and Grans in her yoga studio. She’d called Isaac as soon as she’d gotten out of the shower but had to leave a message. So far, she hadn’t received a call back from him. After her grandmother’s pronouncement, Mia was getting a little nervous about the lack of contact. Especially since the restaurant was closed last night. She’d expected to find him home, watching pre-season football, but maybe he’d gone down to the local pub to watch with his buddies, taking advantage of the free night since she was out of town.
Or, she brightened, Isaac had probably been over at his mother’s,
