Page 122 of Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic

My immediate thought is Merry, because I’m seeing her tonight.

But my second thought is that I’m not seeing Merry until eight.

“What time?”

“Now.”

I look at the clock. Four twelve.

“I can stay for one.”

Luis grins. “Look at you.”

“Please don’t make me regret this.”

“I was going to say that it’s nice that you're joining us!” He laughs, and his whole body shakes as he walks to the back to grab his things.

One drink becomes two.

We sit around a table that’s slightly too small for six people, and complain endlessly and in circles about the same customers, our schedules, and the new blender everyone hates. The girl who does most of the closing shifts, Meredith, orders fries for the table. Luis tells a story I’ve heard at least thrice before and somehow makes it longer and more embellished this time.

At seven, I realize I haven’t thought about the time in almost an hour.

The realization comes with an old instinct beneath it, something that tells me that I should feel guilty.

Because I have plans and someone is waiting for me.

Except Merry isn’t waiting for me, not yet at least.

I pick up my phone anyway.

Me

Went for drinks with some people from work. I might be a little late tonight.

Her response comes while I’m putting the phone down.

Merry

Take your time

Then:

Merry

I’m currently losing a fight with eyeliner so this benefits everyone.

I smile.

Flora

Should I be worried?

Merry

Deeply

I put my phone face down on the table and steal another fry.