“I went out to visit Calypso Cafaro recently, and she mentioned that you had been out there.”
“Isn’t she amazing? But, Lily, shouldn’t we bring the cupcakes out for everyone and join the party?”
“Soon,” I said, deliberately taking my time as I arranged the cupcakes on a painted ceramic platter. As far as I could tell, I thought Wind Spirit was telling me the truth, but I was hesitant to trust my dulled senses. “Calypso mentioned you knew a lot about glamours.”
Wind Spirit looked away and blushed again. “I’ve been reading up on them. But no matter how hard I try, I haven’t been able to manage much.”
“Why would you want to cast a glamour?”
She shrugged. “I know it’s silly. The coven sisters always tell me I’m beautiful, just as I am. But I’ve always wanted to be... lithe—d’you know what I mean?I’m short and not exactly petite. I’ve always wanted to be sort of elfin, for want of a better word. I know it’s foolish.”
“Bronwyn tells me you’re an expert in a martial art.”
“It’s calledeskrima,” she said with a nod. “I practically grew up in my dad’s studio. I’ve known how to fight since before I can remember. I’m strong, but not...”
“Elfin,” I said. “I get it.”
“It makes it hard to fit into your vintage inventory. I’ll tell you that much. Anyway, the glamour thing might be silly, but I thought maybe I could make people see me in a different light, somehow.”
“Well, I agree with your coven sisters—I think you’re beautiful just as you are. And I think being strong and skilled ineskrimais more impressive than being thin, or even elfin.”
She smiled. Beyond the brocade curtains, the noise was ratcheting up. There was the usual chatter and music of a party, with the occasional raised voice as well. Wind Spirit looked longingly toward the curtains, as though anxious to join the party.
“I suppose we should be getting back,” I said. “Let’s bring some fruit with us.”
I picked up an orange and tossed it to her. She caught it with her right hand. So much for that theory.
“Lily, are you sure everything is all right?” she asked curiously.
“Yes, Wind Spirit. It’s fine. Sorry.... I just thought we should get to know each other better. Let’s go join the party. Do you happen to know what time it is?”
She took her phone out of her pocket and checked the display. “Almost eleven twenty.”
“I guess no one wears a watch anymore,” I said.
“I know I don’t,” she said with a laugh. “Want me to bring the cupcakes with us or save them for later?”
I hesitated. I hadn’t felt anything from the little cakes,and I truly couldn’t imagine Renee would ruin her reputation by putting anything frightening in this batter for such a public event. Still...
“Let’s hold on to them for later,” I said. “Just so people don’t pass up the home-baked items in favor of Renee’s cupcakes. We wouldn’t want anyone to get their feelings hurt. And besides, who would eat fruit if they could have one of Renee’s cupcakes? We’ll bring them out when the food runs low.”
Wind Spirit looked disappointed, but agreed. She grabbed the bowl of fruit, clearly unconvinced it was an adequate substitute for Renee’s elaborately frosted cupcakes.
“Lily!”
I ducked through the curtains as soon as I heard someone scream my name.
Out on the shop floor, I discovered all hell had broken loose.
Chapter 28
“What is going on?” I asked Bronwyn as she approached.
“The-there are bugs!”
Dozens of silverfish scurried around the crowded shop floor, light glinting off their little writhing bodies.
“Ew!” Starr cried out, and she and her foster daughters laughed and tried to step on them, as though it were a game. I heard one of them starting to sing “La Cucaracha” as she stomped.
