Page 46 of Spell Ya Later

Despite the closeness, her shoulders are stiff. She doesn’t fully surrender to the hug.

She pulls back; her eyes trail me from head to toe. “Did you spend the night with Noah?”

Bloodhound. A freakin’ magical bloodhound.

“He slept over,” I admit. There’s no point in lying, she’ll sniff it out. “But nothing happened.”

“I believe you. Let’s go. You can tell me about it when we sit down.” She reaches for my hand, and we link fingers to walk to the restaurant.

Early Start Diner is right across the street from Grandma’s shop and it’s our favorite breakfast place. It’s an open room, a counter with bar stools separating the dining area from the kitchen. It’s surprisingly rustic—like we’re sitting in a country house kitchen waiting for our entire family to eat breakfast together.

We’re seated at a table by the window, looking out at the village gazebo and Grandma’s shop. The sunlight streams in, lighting up the wooden table and reflecting off the glass cups.

“So he slept over and you didn’t fuck him? Whose decision was that?” Laura asks when the waitress leaves with our orders.

I’m so unused to being the one in the hot seat. Laura is usually the one with the boyfriend, and I’m asking the questions. “I’m pretty sure you didn’t invite me to lunch to talk about my lack of sex.”

“Excuse me for trying to bond first.” Something is happening in that head of hers and I still don’t know if she’s ready to share.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing!” She snaps, refusing to meet my gaze. She picks at her nails instead.

I lift a brow at her, giving her theI don’t believe youface.

She exhales. “Things have been different since you left. I just wanted to spend some time with you.”

I’ve been so focused on me and figuring out my shit that I’ve left Laura in the dust.

I’ve always prioritized her, and while I need to get a better balance on that, I can’t abandon her in the process.

Having a life is hard.

“I know, and I’m sorry for that. I want to spend time with you, too.” I reach my hand out, but she doesn’t take it.

“So, uh.” She takes a sip of orange juice. “Why didn’t you fuck him?”

“Laura!”

“What?!”

At least she’s acting more like herself. That doesn’t mean I want to talk about sex with her though. “Did you check out Salem? The witchy app store?”

“Duh.” She gives a skeptical squint in that I-know-what-you’re-trying-to-do-and-I’ll-allow-it-for-now way. “There’s two dating apps I found. Meow and Lock & Key. Meow seems to be more hook-up based, while Lock & Key is more serious.”

I would bet the whole ten dollars in my bank account that she’s only on Meow.

She flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’m on Meow, of course.”

Knew it.

“Any viable candidates?” I ask.

Before she can answer, a beautiful blueberry lemon muffin, scrambled eggs, and a bowl of fruit are placed in front of me by the server. I am in heaven. The waitress also places a fruit bowl and cinnamon sugar oatmeal in front of Laura.

“Turns out that, magical or not, dating is a mess. Lots of fuckboys, but considering I’m not looking for a husband I don’t really care.”

I nod, stuffing egg in my mouth.