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“Say, I might be a tiny bit late to the shop today,” she said after a moment. “I have a Women’s Business Council meeting and it might go long. You don’t mind?”
Bo grunted derisively and slapped the towel over his shoulder.
“I’ve got you covered,” Dale said. “Should I put out the cookies?”
Willow wasn’t sure how comfortable she was with Dale going into the kitchen while she wasn’t there to make sure no plates were floating unexplainably.
“No thanks. I’ll take care of it when I get there.”
“I’ll get your papers to you as soon as I can,” said Bo before shouting over her head, “Your Denver omelet is coming, lady. This ain’t Denny’s.”
Then he gave Willow an apologetic grimace. “I better quit yappin’ so these people can eat and get outta my diner.”
Willow only smiled at him, but inside she mused how Bo would make an even grumpier ghost than Montgomery. He’d be the kind to throw plates.
After her meal, she biked over to Nadine’s house for the Women’s Business Council meeting.
The same luxury cars sat in the driveway, but this time, she was a little less impressed, and a little more indifferent.
The other members were already there, making her wonder if they always showed up extra early. Rowena had brought cranberry brie puff pastry tarts, and Jewels thought it was appropriate to bring champagne for no other reason than it was probably happy hour in Paris. Willow didn’t care to do the math on that one.
“I don’t think you told me what kind of work you’re in, Jewels,” Willow said, sipping from her glass. It was pretty good champagne.
“I’m a travel agent,” Jewels answered with no further explanation before taking a giant bite of pastry.
“That’s cool,” Willow replied warmly, although a little confused. “I didn’t realize people still used travel agents.”
“Oh, it’s a huge industry. I cater to corporations and filthy rich people who can’t be bothered to book their own travel.”
“Everyone knows, if you want a penthouse suite with a view, you call Jewels,” Astrid said.
“Jewels got each of us our own over-water bungalows in Bora Bora for my birthday,” added Daria. “Maybe you’d like to join us for our next jaunt.”
“That sounds amazing,” Willow said. She was beginning to appreciate the perks of signing up for the Women’s Business Council membership. Esme always said it pays to know the right people.
“Now, on to our first order of business,” Nadine announced. “Willow, I told the others before you arrived—we’re getting together here at my house before the Harvest Festival. We’ll meet right before sunset to give us plenty of time. And don’t worry about your booth. Everything will be set up for you.”
“Okay,” Willow agreed. “I was already planning on closing the shop early.”
“You might consider not opening at all that day,” Nadine said. “Nobody shops on Halloween. Oh, and unfortunately, I’ll have to ask you to come alone. What happens in the MWBC stays in the MWBC.”
“MWBC?”
Astrid explained. “Mysthaven Women’s Business Council, dear.”
“It’s just that I have gifts for you all, and we’re a tight knit group,” Nadine said. “Just in case you were thinking of bringing the young man who works for you.”
“Oh no, he wouldn’t want to come,” said Willow. “I’ll be flying solo. Well, not literally flying, obviously.”
No broom travel Willow, thank you very much.
“Alright. That’s good,” said Nadine. “How is business going for you so far?”
“Oh, it’s amazing. A few hiccups, but nothing I can’t handle.”
“What kind of hiccups?” Rowena questioned.
A ghost, for one thing. But Willow didn’t want that morsel of information to get around.
