Lilly nodded. “You were a soul. Your most pure self, driven by your most true connections. You’d accepted us, and we’d accepted you, even if Edward hadn’t finalized the coven documents. Connections like that mean something.”
The idea gave Gia a giddy feeling. Personal connections held their own kind of power. Something that couldn’t be forced or restricted. If that wasn’t magic, Gia didn’t know what was.
Aurora seemed deep in thought for a moment. “Getting trapped in the theater ended up being a good thing,” she said eventually. “If I hadn’t been pulled away and returned to my body immediately, I’d have realized my spell had failed and been trapped. No one would have known I was about to be married off, and I might never have gotten out.”
Lilly’s smile disappeared. “It seems like it happened this way for a reason.”
Gia liked the idea of things happening for a reason. It was almost as if she’d shown up in Shearwater Landing for the purpose of helping Aurora. “Why do you think you got stuck with me if the Lockwoods pulled you to the theater?”
Before Aurora could open her mouth, Lilly chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious?” She gestured between them, like her point was proven.
Gia’s heart skipped. It was what she’d been thinking. “But Aurora and I couldn’t have had a connection then. We didn’t know each other when I walked into the theater.” She glanced at Aurora. “I didn’t even believe you were real.”
“I won’t say it’s a fated connection between our souls.” Aurora laughed at the prospect. “As far as I know, that kind of thing doesn’t exist. But I also don’t believe it’s a coincidence my soul wouldn’t leave your side.”
Gia couldn’t find it in herself to argue. “I like the sound of our souls being drawn together.”
It was easy to believe they were meant for each other. No one else would understand Gia the way Aurora did. No one would make her feel safe enough to open up so completely. And with everything out of the way, they could enjoy each other. Enjoy life. Make it whatever they wanted it to be.
“I’m going to keep the theater,” Gia said as if the others had been waiting impatiently for her decision, even though they hadn’t even brought it up. “I want to open it again. Get shows running and start up the old movie screenings. Who in the coven should I talk to?”
Lilly clapped her hands together. “I’ll give Maya your number.”
Aurora’s smile was soft. “Are you sure you want to keep it? You can do anything you want. Whatever you dreamed of. The coven can look after Spotlight for you.”
Lilly nodded. “That’s totally an option.”
Gia’s smile grew wider. “I don’t have any unrealized dreams weighing me down. I want to be a part of the coven. Be a part of a group that helps people. Have a community. And if runningthe theater turns out not to be for me, I’ll figure something out. After I give it a try.”
“I’ll help.” Aurora squeezed her tight.
Gia ran a hand through Aurora’s hair, treasuring each silken strand. “Is that what you want to do?”
“For now.” Aurora’s gaze turned distant. “I want to work within the coven. Help out. I’ve never thought about a career before, and I don’t think there’s anything I’d like to do in the human world, but who knows? Maybe I’ll want to open a coffee shop or something.” She laughed.
Lilly stayed for hours, catching Gia up on all things Lockwood. Gia had hoped to have time alone with Aurora, but she didn’t begrudge Lilly’s presence. Making friends within the coven was something she was looking forward to almost as much as going on her first official date.
And Lilly was far more likeable than Viv.
Lilly had brought a bag with her laptop, and after they’d exhausted the coven gossip, she suggested they watch a movie.
“Sounds perfect.” Gia heaved herself off the couch. “Let me close the curtain.”
“I might fall asleep,” Aurora warned. She’d already curled beneath a blanket and didn’t look like she’d be moving any time soon.
Lilly clicked around on the computer. “Hmm, relaxing vibes, let’s see...”
Gia grabbed the curtain and froze. Marc was standing outside on the sidewalk.
“What is it?” Aurora sat up, fully alert.
“It’s my brother.”
She hurried to Gia’s side, their arms brushing. “Do you want to talk to him?”
“Is it safe?” Lilly asked.
“I’m not worried about Marc. I need to findout exactly what Franco did to his mind. The fact he hasn’t fled the city is surprising.” She’d guessed he’d be on a flight to Ashton Lakes. “I’m going to go talk to him.”
