Online research had told her brownies protected residents of their chosen households, and she'd been leaving treats for one in her room at the inn every night. It must have heard about her work problems and followed her here. It had to be a brownie - of course! And that also explained her unusually heavy purse this morning.
She leaned over, to whisper to the dark shadows beneath her desk. "Wait one minute, I'll be right back."
Harper rushed to the break room with a few dollar bills, her thoughts racing. She grabbed several of the cups of creamer, and scrounged in a cabinet for a small dish. Going to the vending machine, she debated the choices available. Ultimately, she decided on a pack of Lorna Doone's, on the basis that they were shortbread, which was Scottish, and brownies were, by and large, also Scottish. Tonight she could consult with Renee to see what she should bring.
Returning to her desk, after casting a surreptitious glance around to be sure no one was looking into her office, she opened two of the creamers and poured them into the dish. She set this, and one of the cookies, far back in the corner beneath her desk.
Finally getting her coffee prepared, she returned to work with a lightened heart. She could notwaitto get back to the inn and tell Renee about this!
Harper burstthrough the inn's back door, her gaze frantically scanning the warm, inviting kitchen for Renee. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air, momentarily distracting her from her urgent mission. She spotted the stately innkeeper pulling a tray of golden-brown treats from the oven, her movements graceful despite the heat.
"Renee!" Harper exclaimed, her voice tinged with anticipation. Her foxy-red hair was slightly disheveled, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement. "You won't believe what happened today!" She paused, catching her breath, her mind racing with the extraordinary events she was eager to share.
Renee set the tray down and turned, her eyebrows raised. "My goodness, Harper. What's got you so worked up?"
Harper launched into her tale, words tumbling out in a rush. "Remember how I told you about those mean girls at work? Well, the strangest things have been happening all morning. Janis' stockings were mysteriously cut up, and Tiffany swore someone pulled her hair, but no one was there! They even reviewed the security tapes, and it didn't show anyone."
Renee's eyes widened as she listened, a knowing smile playing at her lips. Her dark gaze sparkled as she leaned in, silver-streaked hair catching the light.
"And then this afternoon," Harper continued, "something tugged my stockings while I was fixing coffee. That's when I realized - it's a brownie! One from here must have followed me to work!"
She caught her breath, heart racing as she looked to Renee for approval. "I left coffee creamer and cookies under my desk,"she whispered, fidgeting with her sleeve. "Was that okay? I wasn't sure what else to do."
Renee smiled, her expression one of gentle wisdom. "This is good news. It seems our little friend has taken quite a liking to you."
"So you think it really is the brownie?" Harper asked, her excitement bubbling over.
Renee nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief and warmth. "Without a doubt, my dear. Brownies are fiercely protective of those they care for, and they have a knack for choosing their favorites wisely." Her lips curved in a satisfied smile.. "It appears you've gained a powerful ally in your workplace struggles, Harper. One who won't hesitate to defend you against those mean-spirited coworkers of yours."
Harper couldn't contain her grin. "I can't believe it! A magical creature is actually looking out for me at work. It's like something out of a fairy tale!"
"And what's best is, any mischief they may do, can't be brought home to you," Renee said, with a very cat-who-ate-the-canary expression on her dark face.
Harper chuckled as she confessed, "I had to buy cookies from the vending machine in the lunch room. I chose Lorna Doone because it was shortbread, which is Scottish. I thought that might be close enough to what brownies like."
Renee's laughter filled the kitchen, warm and rich. "Oh, Harper, you're a delight! That was a clever choice, indeed. Brownies would very likely have a fondness for Scottish treats."
Relief washed over Harper, her shoulders relaxing. She hadn't realized how tense she'd been, worrying about her impromptu offering.
"You know," Renee said, her eyes twinkling, "you're welcome to take cookies or pastries from the breakfast buffet every morning for your little friend at the bank. And Becca deliversfresh cream daily from her milk cow. You're welcome to take some of that too. You won't need much for the brownie."
Harper's eyes widened with gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing! I can't keep anything in the staff lounge fridge, I have to take the cooler, and lock it in my staff locker to be safe from the mean girls."
Renee's expression softened with understanding, her eyes warm and reassuring. "Of course, dear. We take care of our own here at the West Side Inn," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "And it seems the brownie has decided you're one of its own too. You're part of our family now, Harper, and that means we look out for you. And that includes after you've moved into your own place. You're always welcome here as a friend."
Harper felt a warmth spread through her chest, a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in a long time, not since she'd left home to go to college. She'd found not just a place to stay, but a community that looked out for each other. And now, she even had a magical protector at work.
"Thank you, Renee," Harper said softly, her voice thick with emotion. She blinked back tears, the warmth in her chest spreading to her cheeks. "For everything—the warmth, the kindness, the sense of belonging. I haven't felt this way in... I can't remember when. Since I left home to go to college, years ago." Her fingers traced the edge of the counter, grounding her in the moment, as she met Renee's reassuring gaze.
Renee squeezed Harper's hand gently. "That's what we're here for, dear. Now, why don't you take one of these brownies… no pun in tended… for yourself? You've had quite the exciting day, and these are still warm from the oven."
Harper accepted the offered brownie, still warm and gooey, wrapped in a napkin. The rich chocolate scent made her mouth water as she climbed the stairs to her room. Her footstepsechoed softly on the polished wood, each step bringing her closer to the sanctuary of her turret room.
Inside, she kicked off her heels with a sigh of relief and sank into the window seat overlooking the garden. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grounds, painting everything in warm golden hues. She broke off a piece of the brownie, savoring the perfect balance of fudgy center and slightly crisp edges.
Reyna stirred contentedly within her.Safe den,the fox murmured.Good friends.
Harper smiled, understanding exactly what her fox meant. The West Side Inn had become more than just a temporary residence - it was beginning to feel like home. Between Renee's motherly care, the magical protection of the brownie, and the growing circle of supernatural friends, she finally felt she belonged somewhere.
