I ducked my head and pulled my messy hair in front of my face. “I think we both know he's not my photographer. I work with Simon at the agency.”
Grandma Jean clucked her tongue. “From that blush, you're trying to hide, it seems you wish you did more than work with him.”
“It’s complicated. Simon is a top agent and everyone loves him. He has more than his share of admirers. I just wish he'd notice me a little bit.”
“Oh, he's not the one for you, dear. He's too stuffy and I'm not getting the right energy. There's no fire there, so to speak.”
“But that could change if we were together. I have it on very good authority that it's meant to be.”
Grandma Jean’s mug clunked to the table. “I hope you're joking. One of my talents is reading people's energies. I can tell instantly when two people are perfect for each other. We've even done readings in our club and put together matchmaking events with great success.”
I chewed on the corner of my lip. “Maybe we need something like that for Jack and Becky? We could stage something at the festival to show them they're a good match.”
“Dear, I know you're the professional, but I don’t think Becky is—”
“When's the next meeting for your ladies’ club?” I cut in, excited about the possibilities.
Grandma Jean sighed. “Monday evening. It's my turn to host. We're going to burn a Yule log and drink some of Susan's famous enchanted eggnog.”
“That’s perfect. I'd love to pitch my idea if that's all right.”
“It’s fine, dear. Jack usually steers clear of our meetings, so he won't be around.”
“Excellent.” I grabbed my coffee and hurried back to my room. The festival was only a few days away, and I had plans to make.
Chapter 11
Delia
“Who's ready for eggnog? I found the rum!” A woman wearing a festive turtleneck with long silver hair, and dark-framed glasses waltzed into the common room waving a glass bottle.
Grandma Jean leaned over and whispered, “The only thing enchanted about Susan's eggnog is her heavy hand with the rum. Sip slowly, dear.”
I smothered a grin, grabbed a cinnamon stick from the bowl on the table, and held up my empty glass. All five ladies gathered inside the common room followed suit, and the December meeting of the Spells and Brews Ladies’ Club came to order with the sound of clinking glasses.
Holiday music played from a wireless speaker, and Grandma Jean had prepared savory snacks and trays of cookies, displayed on a red and green tablecloth. A Yule log crackled in the hearth, spitting colorful flames thanks to a few chemical enhancements.
I'd already laid out my plan to the ladies when they’d first arrived, enlisting their help in a matchmaking scheme. All culminating in a strategically placed, mistletoe kiss at their booth. It would be the feature of my “article”, and Simon would be there to capture the perfect group photo.
Throw in a little extra magic from my end, and I was counting on this event to be the catalyst that finally brings Jack and Becky together. With the donated tree, and Jack dating the mayor's daughter, he'd be well on his way to healing his rift with the town. After I tied up a few loose ends, I could sit back and let Simon take over. Becky and Jack would be toasting champagne in the city on New Year’s Day.
Then he'll be in the same zip code. You might run into them holding hands on the street.The invisible elf was back, whispering destruction in my ear.
I gulped down some more eggnog, wincing from all the enchantment. Grandma Jean watched me from her seat on the couch. She was the only one not giddy with the idea for the festival booth. But she'd come around once she saw the plan in action.
“So, Delia. Truth or Dare, except you can only pick truth. What do you think about our resident Scrooge?” Susan asked, giggling as she ladled another round of drinks into our cups.
I grinned and munched on a cookie, thinking about my answer. “Well, frankly, I'm surprised this place isn't haunted by three ghosts. It's too bad. You could run tours to bring in new guests.”
The ladies laughed, raising their cups.
“Maybe we could try to summon some at our next meeting!” Judy, a younger member with a purple streak in her hair and a matching manicure, said. She wriggled her glossy nails. “I'd be happy to lead the seance.”
“I'll put it on the planner,” Grandma Jean replied with a small tremble in her voice. “Though someone else will need to host. I’m afraid this will be our last meeting at the inn.”
“What? No!” All the women chimed in.
“It’s true. Jack and I have agreed to sell at the end of the month. You all know he’s struggled since he came back, and I love my grandson. I won’t force him to be miserable if this isn’t what he wants. We’ll both use some of the proceeds from the sale to start over. I’m sure there’s a charming one-bedroom apartment in town that will suit my needs.”
