I wondered if Darkaway Island had many artists living here. And if so, did they have art walks or studio tours?
“She’s talking about my friend,” Portia whispered.
“Seriously?” I whispered back. “That’s so cool.”
Portia nodded. “Cassie was over the moon when Jada commissioned her to make the jewelry for Date-A-Wolf. But I wasn’t surprised. She’s very talented.”
Inside the tiny bag was a delicate silver chain with one dangling charm. Portia helped me put it on.
“It’s gorgeous.” I twisted my wrist back and forth, watching how the light shimmered off the iridescent charm. It was stamped with the Darkaway Island palm tree logo. “Does your friend have a shop or studio on the island?” After tonight was over, I wouldn’t mind getting a few more to add to this one. I’d always loved the sound of multiple charms jingling together on a bracelet. It reminded me that even little things had value and could bring you joy.
“Bobbles and Barrels. It’s on Nightshade Avenue near the bakery. Follow your nose and they’re right next door. She’s a member of the local coven.”
A witch made this. How cool, I thought, admiring the bracelet again and wondering if it was magical. I made a mental note to stop by her shop when I explored the town later. I loved supporting local craftspeople.
“Can you do mine too?” Mia held out her bracelet to Portia. She’d helped Sarah with hers, but Sarah couldn’t return the favor because her hands were shaking too much. Which was weird. You’d think I’d be more nervous since she was a paranormal creature and this washerworld.
“Sure. No problem.” Portia opened the clasp and bent over Mia’s wrist.
“Sooooo, any idea who the bachelor is?” Mia was trying to be casual but failing miserably. You could tell she desperately wanted to know.
Portia straightened. “I’ve heard a few rumors, but—” She mimicked locking her lips and throwing away the key.
As we filed out of the spa, she leaned close and whispered, “All I can say is that once you meet him, you may change your mind about staying in the contest.” I’d told her earlier about my deal with Jada and that I’d be done after tonight.
“Fat chance,” I said.
Portia smirked. “We’ll see.”
I tucked my bra strap back under my sleeveless blue dressthat I’d selected from one of the wardrobe racks. It wasn’t a perfect fit, but it would do for tonight. I’d packed in hurry—I was running for my life, after all—so choosing the right lingerie to wear under formal attire hadn’t crossed my mind.
The group stopped outside the doors of the Moonlight Lounge on the main floor of the hotel, and we listened as Jada spoke into her walkie talkie. “It’s go-time here. Are you ready in there?”
“Ready when you are, boss,” came the reply.
“That’s my cue to hit the road, Jack,” Portia said, giving me a gentle hug so as not to wreck my hair or makeup.
“Thanks for all your help,” I said, returning her embrace.
“Good luck and have fun. You’ve got my number. Call me or stop by the salon and let me know how it went. I want to hear EV-REE-THING.”
There wouldn’t be much to tell, but I promised her anyway.
Jada clipped the device onto her belt and turned to face us. “Okay, ladies, we’re going to do the first-meet one at a time so we can film each interaction. When I give the okay, you’ll head through these doors, around the potted palm tree to the right and then straight back to the circle of lights.” She paused, scanning the group with practiced calm, as if she’d done this dozens of times before. “We’ll have a cameraman walking with you along the way and two others with our bachelor. Try not to look at the cameras. In fact, pretend you don’t even see them. After you meet the bachelor, you’ll go to the confession booth where you’ll share your thoughts about him, how you’re feeling, etcetera. Just thirty to forty seconds. No big deal. When you’re done, head over to the bar area for food and drinks.”
“It’s so exciting that they’re filming this,” Mia whispered to Sarah and me. “I had no idea.”
Yeah, real exciting, I thought dryly.
Sarah, on the other hand, looked like she was about to get sick.
“Had I known,” Mia said, “I’d have had my teeth whitened.”
“Had I known, I’d have told my family no,” Sarah said with a humorless laugh.
Jada held up her hands to quiet the group down. “Ladies, we’re going to put you in a certain order to go in. Lauren, you’re first. Next up is Mia.” Mia gave a little clap and took her place in line. Jada continued naming off everyone from a list on her clipboard. “Sarah, you’re here, and then Daphne.”
I was last in line. Just like she promised. Hopefully, the werewolf wasn’t upset to learn I had no interest in dating him.
