Page 9 of Spell Ya Later

Oh.

Maybe I can do this, maybe I’m meant to do this. My eyes sting as I take in what I’ve done. I’ve never felt like this. Like I’m finally doing something with my life, not just stuck in the rut my mother forced me into. Controlled me into. Manipulated me into.

I’m finally someone.

“Customer,” Grandma says, right before the bell above the door rings.

I’m distracted by customers for the rest of the afternoon, but the sense of pride never leaves me as I help each person.

“Do you teach your art class tomorrow? That’s Saturdays and Wednesdays, correct?” Grandma asks as we close the shop at the end of the day.

A slight smile graces my lips. “Yes.” My classes have been my only opportunity to get out into the world. My only connection to life around me. I suspect the only reason my mother let me teach them was because they didn’t pay me. No money, no independence.

She nods. “You can have Saturdays and Wednesdays off, then. We’re closed Sundays as well. I know your class is only an hour or so on those days, but it’s good to have time off. And tomorrow we can discuss a training schedule. It’s best you get started with magic quickly if that is the path you’re going to take.”

“Can I...” Deep breath. “Can I takeHousehold Spellswith me tonight?”

Grandma clicks her tongue, unable to hide her slight smile. “While I don’t want you getting into the habit of taking things out of the shop and leaving them upstairs, I’ll make an exception tonight.”

“Sounds good. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

“I would do anything for you, your sister, and your mother. I know that I don’t particularly help with reducing tensions in our family...”

I raise a brow.

“Hush. I have my own reasons for my actions. One day I’ll have to get over my own issues and act like an adult, I suppose. But, not today.” She laughs.

I hug her tightly, pretending I’m not ridiculously intrigued by what she just said. I’m not opening that can of worms.

Not tonight.

Chapter 4

Bebe

The moment my key turns in the front door of my apartment, I’m hit with a wave of belonging. Maybe it’s because my stuff was magically arranged just so, or because it’s close to the shop, but this place ismine. There are even fluffy blankets.

Fluffy blankets!

I don’t know exactly where they came from, but I can’t find the power to care.

I wander into the living room, still marveling that this place belongs to me. The exposed brick wall, the comfy cream-colored couch, it’s all mine.

I pullHousehold Spellsout of my bag and place it on the coffee table for future perusal. I plan to spend all night wrapped up with a cup of decaf and this book.

Ring, ring.

Where did I leave my phone...? I pat around my jeans, over the couch cushions, and finally find it tucked underneath the spellbook.

Laura? I didn’t expect her to reach out this quickly after I left.

Oh, wait. I promised her I’d go out tonight. I completely forgot! Crud.

“Hey sis,” I say, flopping onto the couch. Maybe she forgot and I can have a date with my fluffy blanket after all.

“Are you ready?” Laura replies. The sound of her flicking through clothes hangers filters through the phone. Nope, she definitely didn’t forget.

I take a deep breath. “Today was my first day working at Grandma’s shop. I just got home.”