I try, but fail, to contain my ridiculous grin. “What about my summer sunshine? You don’t mind that I’m forcing joy upon you?”
He slides his hands into his trouser pockets, his subtle smile becoming an equally subtle smirk. “Manipulate me all you want.”
I shiver, liking that answer too much. “You’re right—we should probably go.”
He nods.
“I’m going to…” I walk backward, accidentally bumping into the kitchen island. “Finish my hair. You can wait here, if you like. Or in the living room. Or outside, if that’s more comfortable.” I’m starting to babble. “I’ll be right back.”
He glances at the time on the oven display. “Hurry, or we’ll be late.”
“Yes. I’m going now.”
Before I can make a fool of myself, I dart off to my aunt’s ultra-feminine, rose-covered bathroom. When I see my reflection in the gilded mirror, I nearly gasp.
Sparkles swirl in the air around me like a cloud of glittering gnats.
I look like an animated fairy in a children’s movie.
Pressing my hands to my face, I laugh quietly. Then I take a deep breath and try to salvage my curling mess of hair.
Chapter 15
A Bad Time to Sparkle
Ash leads me into Town Hall’s meeting room. It’s to the left of the main space, and there are already lots of people here—most of whom I haven’t met.
But they all watch me like they know whoIam, and it doesn’t escape anyone’s notice that I’m arriving with Ash.
Ryder waves and then dramatically gestures to the empty space on the bench next to him.
Ash rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t look particularly concerned. “I’ll meet you after the meeting,” he says, grazing his hand over mine as we part.
The touch might have been an accident, but the rogue butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach don’t care. I fight them, begging them to stay still. The last thing I need is to glitter in front of all these people.
“Hi,” a woman greets me before I can make my way to the bench to join Ryder. Her hair is a warm, coppery red, and she has pretty freckles across the bridge of her nose. “I’m Cosette. I own the yarn store that’s not too far from your tea shop.”
I’d know she was an autumn pixie even if Marshall hadn’t told me. Her magic is gentle but hot—like a crackling campfire.It feels so much like my mother’s, I’m struck with an unexpected bout of homesickness.
“I’m Kit,” I answer.
“I’m glad you’re reopening your shop.” She glances toward the concession table as if wishing tea were an option right now. “Do you think you’ll keep ordering the chocolate mint your aunt always kept in stock? It’s my favorite.”
“I imagine I will.”
Thankfully, Laverna kept good supply records.
“Do you knit?” She narrows her eyes as she adds, “Orquilt?”
This is definitely a test.
“Neither,” I say. “But my mother crochets.”
Apparently, that’s enough to pass her test, and her smile returns. “You’ll have to bring her down to the store sometime.”
“I’ll be sure to drop by when she visits,” I promise, trying not to laugh when Ryder impatiently waves me over.
Giving the elf a wistful look, she sighs. “You’re being summoned.”
