“The Lockwoods will find room somewhere.”
An all too familiar guarded expression settled over Gia’s face. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s smart. I can’t argue that.” The unsaidbuthung heavy in the air.
Aurora understood Gia’s reluctance, but there wasn’t time for her to slowly become comfortable with the Lockwoods. “I know you’d rather not stay with the coven. You can still decide to be involved with the Lockwoods, or not, after this is all over. They won’t consider helping as a debt that needs repayment. I promise.”
“Okay. I don’t doubt they’re as good as you say…” She trailed off. After a pause, she returned her attention to the toast.
So Gia trusted Aurora’s word, but couldn’t seem to extend that trust to the Lockwoods. Why? Was it because she didn’t know enough of the coven personally, or was it something else? Something that couldn’t be overcome.
Aurora didn’t see Gia jumping into coven life any time soon, if ever, and with that realization, something else occurred to her. “What are you going to do with the theater?” Would she allow the coven to continue meeting there even if shedidn’t join? Aurora tried not to let that prospect disappoint her.
Gia grabbed a plate and a butter knife. “I’m going to sell the theater. This place, too.”
“Sell it?” Aurora couldn’t hide her shock.
“Yeah. Someone in the coven can buy it if they want. Actually, a private sale would be ideal. Quicker.”
“Are you in a hurry?” Aurora couldn’t help feeling blindsided. They hardly knew each other, and yet it hurt that Gia might not stick around.
Would Gia want to keep in touch when this mess was over? Aurora had taken it for granted that she did. She’d assumed Gia would want her to explain how to use magic at the very least.
Maybe the closeness Aurora experienced last night and this morning had been all in her head. Damnation. Good thing she hadn’t asked for that kiss.
Gia shifted uncomfortably. “What do you mean, hurry? I was planning to sell the theater before I met you yesterday. I haven’t had time to rethink it. That’s all.”
Aurora halted her sinking thoughts. There was no reason to freak out. Maybe Gia would reassess and change her mind. It wasn’t as if she’d mentioned a life she was burning to return to. Aurora had the perfect chance to convince her to stay, tied together as they were.
“That’s fair,” she made herself say.
Gia nodded. “I should talk to the coven about the theater. Is it important to the Lockwoods? Beyond being headquarters, I mean.”
“You could say that.”
“Then I’ll try my best to make sure it stays in their hands.”
It was kind of her. Gia owed Aurora and the Lockwoods nothing.
Unfairly, Aurora wanted more.
The toast popped, and Gia spread jam on it. “We can figure out what’s best for the theater while we hide out. I’ll message Lilly about where to go, but if this takes too long to coordinate, someone could show up outside again, and we’ll be stuck.”
“Then let’s go out now.” Aurora glanced out the window. Still no one suspicious. “We can head to The Herb Emporium to see what we can do for your migraines while Lilly finds us a place to stay.”
Gia carefully chewed a bite of toast, almost like she was buying herself time. “You think the apothecary is worth a try?”
“Sure. The guy who runs The Herb Emporium is a friend of the coven. Seems like a decent witch from everything I’ve heard. You could even bring your pills to show what you’ve tried.”
Gia frowned. “Is an apothecary like a magical pharmacist?”
“Sort of.”
Gia considered as she finished her toast. She put the plate in the sink and grabbed the cereal box from the cupboard. “Okay. How much is this witch going to charge?”
The coast was stillclear by the time they made it downstairs.
“I’ll tell you if I spot anyone,” Aurora whispered, floating invisibly at Gia’s elbow.
There was a chance someone was hiding in a stealthier location than Trey had been, but they’d have to be within sight of the building’s entrance or both ends of the street to tail Gia.
