Careful What You Witch For Read Free Page A

best of things.”
    “Is that so wrong?”
    “It’s just not life,” Thistle said.
    Bay put a hand on her arm, stilling her. “Leave her alone.”
    “I didn’t do anything,” Thistle protested.
    “You’re about to,” Bay said. “It’s supposed to be a fun weekend. Can’t we just all … I don’t know … ignore one another?”
    “I always want to ignore you,” Thistle said, lowering her head.
    Her boyfriend, Marcus, flicked the ridge of her ear. “Stop being mean to Clove.”
    “I’m not being mean to Clove,” Thistle protested. “I wasn’t even talking to her.”
    “Stop being mean to Bay, too,” Marcus chided. He was easygoing and amiable. He rarely argued with Thistle, or called her on her crap. He was a calming influence in her life. When he did make his opinion known, more often than not, Thistle listened.
    “Fine,” she grumbled, lifting her head again. “I apologize for my bad mood,” she said. “I just wasn’t expecting you.”
    I was stunned by the apology.
    “Have you been possessed?” Bay asked, grabbing Landon’s hand and taking the proffered key from my father as she turned toward the stairs. “You never say you’re sorry.”
    “I say I’m sorry,” Thistle argued.
    “No, you don’t.”
    “Bay,” Landon warned, grabbing the bag from the floor and following her toward the stairs. “Don’t poke the blue-haired bear.”
    “Yeah, listen to Landon,” Thistle said. “No one is going to be poking me this weekend.”
    Marcus’ face fell, causing Thistle to give in. “Except you.” He broke into a wide grin; that is until Uncle Teddy – Thistle’s father – fixed him with a dark look from the hallway. I had no idea where he’d appeared from, or when he’d gotten there.
    “Oh hey, Dad,” Thistle said, not embarrassed in the least. “We’re going upstairs to get settled. We’ll be down in time for drinks.”
    Uncle Teddy didn’t look thrilled with Thistle’s flippant attitude. “I … .”
    “See you in a few,” Thistle said, ignoring the flush creeping up her father’s neck.
    I risked a look at Sam once Bay and Thistle had disappeared. I could still hear them arguing as they made their ascent. “It’s still going to be fun,” I said.
    Sam’s smile was watery. “Oh, I have no doubt.”
     
    “SO, WE’RE really doing a séance?”
    Dinner had been divine. My father and uncles had opted to hire kitchen staff from the nearby culinary school, and they’d earned their money tonight. Between a delicious roast, fresh vegetables, and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert, the assembled guests seemed to be enjoying their stay. I was happy for my father – he’d worked hard for this, and he deserved some accolades. Plus, as long as the inn was a success, he would stay in town. That was a win for me – and my two cousins, even if they weren’t ready to admit it yet.
    The woman who had asked the question was a reporter for Michigan Travel magazine. She introduced herself as Clara Hamilton. She was in her forties, and attractive (something that hadn’t escaped Uncle Jack’s attention, if his constant ministrations to Clara’s needs were any indication).
    “We are,” I said, smiling widely as I pointed to the round table in the game room. My father had gone all out, even purchasing an antique crystal ball to place at the center of the table.
    “Are you a witch?” Clara asked me pointedly.
    I swallowed hard, unsure how to answer. For years, we’d hidden our magical gifts. Once Hemlock Cove rebranded itself as a magical destination, admitting you were a witch wasn’t frowned upon – unless you were an actual witch. Most of the townsfolk knew there was something off about our family, but they pretended otherwise. That’s the way we liked it.
    “Of course she’s a witch,” Thistle said, stepping forward. “This is a witch town. You can’t have a witch town without real witches.” The smile she sent the assembled guests was enigmatic. I knew she was