We shake hands, and hers is firm and controlled, with none of the warmth you’d expect.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I say.
“Mackenzie mentioned you’ve been renovating some of the cottages on the property,” Sloane says smoothly. “If you ever need professional help, we’d love to discuss options. We specialize in historic properties.”
“Oh wow,” I say. “I was actually thinking about tacking on another sunroom off the library. I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell her, far more enthused than I meant to. But it’s true. The library has practically been begging for a sunroom. How I’d love to curl up in a sunbeam and read a book in there. I know my guests would love it, too.
“Oh, you should!” Tamsin jumps in, a little too enthusiastically. “Sloane and Travis did this amazing job on?—”
“Sloane, did you say?” Georgie appears at my elbow like a hurricane in a pink flamingo kaftan. “That’s a lovely name. My second husband was named Sloan. Different spelling,though. He was a podiatrist. Terrible with money but excellent with feet, if you know what I mean.” She waggles her brows and I can’t help but cringe.
I watch Sloane’s polite smile freeze in place, not quite sure what to make of this frazzled granny with an attitude.
That’s a common response when it comes to Georgie.
Mom sidles up on my other side and tries to pull her unfiltered bestie out of our orbit but to no avail.
“Are you girls from the same sorority?” Georgie goes on. “You all have that look.”
“What look?” Brittany asks, genuinely curious.
“Expensive,” Georgie says with a cantankerous edge to her voice like that was the zinger she was looking to sling all night.
Or at least I hope that was the worst of it.
“Also, possibly pregnant,” she adds.
And just like that, I’m wrong.
Mom and I groan while Mackenzie and her friends suck in a collective breath.
“Are any of you with child?” Georgie strikes again. “Which one of you witches has got a mini coven brewing in your bellies?”
“None of us are with child, you old bat,” Mackenzie growls.
“Oh good,” Georgie says brightly. “Then you’re all just bloated from the appetizers. Happens to me, too. Salt does terrible things after sixty.”
“None of us are sixty,” Blaire snaps like it were a personal attack.
Come to think of it, they all look ready to weaponizetheir manicures if need be.
Good grief. This is off to a rough start. But on the bright side, at least they’re all still breathing. Although the night is still young.
Mom physically drags Georgie back a step like she’s a bouncer. “Why don’t we go refresh our drinks?”
“I’m not thirsty,” Georgie squawks.
“You are now,” Mom hisses.
Brittany’s laugh rings out, high and sharp. “Oh my goodness, Mackenzie, your family is adorable. I’m so glad I didn’t marry into whatever situation this is.”
Mackenzie tenses beside me.Say one more thing. I dare you.
Tamsin clears her throat. “Britt, maybe dial it back a notch? We just got here.”
“Dial what back?” Brittany turns to her with wide, innocent eyes. “I’m being nice.”Believe me, witches, this is me being restrained.She bleeds a dark smile with the thought.
“You’re being you,” Tamsin mutters. “Which is the opposite of nice.”
