Home > Witch Please (Fix-It Witches #1)(9)

Witch Please (Fix-It Witches #1)(9)
Author: Ann Aguirre

   At forty-two, Susan was only ten years older than Titus. She had a couple of teenagers from a previous marriage, but he had no idea they were even thinking about…this. His silence went on too long.

   “You there?” Dad prompted.

   Finally, he said, “Congratulations,” because that was the polite response and he’d been raised to react that way, even when anger was about to blow out the back of his head.

   Luckily, his dad was too drunk on delight to notice Titus’s lack of enthusiasm. “It’s such a surprise! We weren’t even trying. In fact, funny story, Susan went in because she thought maybe it was perimenopause and bam! The doctor tells us that we’re two months along. She’s due around Valentine’s Day, if you can believe it. Both Susan and I are hoping for a little girl. She’s already picked a name, Aubrey, and I guess it can go either way. That’s supposed to be popular these days. That gender-neutral thing. Or is it nonbinary? I’m too old to keep up with this stuff, but I’m trying.”

   His dad was fifty-seven. Having a kid. Starting over.

   Maybe Titus should be happy for him, but he couldn’t bring himself to say the right words. He held silent, listening. Seething. Didn’t matter since the old man kept talking.

   “Anyway, you and Maya have to come for the holidays this year. Lucy and Jared want to see their older brother and sister.”

   Bullshit. Susan’s kids didn’t consider Titus and Maya family. In fact, he’d caught Jared hitting on Maya the last time everyone got together. God, this sucks. She’ll be heartbroken. Maya would certainly take the whole “I hope it’s a girl” as a sign that she was being replaced. I have to tell her before Dad calls.

   “Uh-huh,” he said, the most evasive response possible. “Look, I was about to get in my car. We’ll talk more later, okay? My best to Susan and the family.” Those words stuck in his throat, tasted like ash on the way out.

   Without waiting for a reply, he tapped the screen to end the call and sprinted back to the bakery. When he burst through the front door, Maya was already picking up her phone. That asshole. Unlike his, her smile was real at first when she heard Dad’s voice, but as she listened, the smile faded, and soon there were silent tears standing in her eyes.

   Titus closed his briefly; then he signaled for her to hang up with a curt gesture. But she listened to whatever crap Dad was spouting for another five minutes. Finally she said in a too-soft voice, “Okay, but it’s time to lock up, and I have to get to the bank before it closes.”

   As she rounded the counter, Titus flipped the sign to closed and turned the bolt. Maya was full-on crying when she got to him, and he wrapped his arms around her, wishing he could punch his dad in the face. Not filial, definitely not polite. But the bastard deserved it. He patted her back the way he did Doris’s, but Maya didn’t seem to mind.

   “Sorry. I should’ve gotten here faster.”

   “That’s why you ran in like your shoes were on fire? Trying to break the news first.”

   “Yeah.”

   She let out a shuddering sigh and stepped back to wipe a hand across her face. “You’re a good brother. I’m glad I did you that favor.”

   “What favor?”

   “Never mind. I think…I don’t feel like going out tonight after all. If you don’t already have plans, let’s make dinner together at home. It’s been a while, and it seems like…” She let out a shaky breath and bit her lip.

   “What?” he prompted gently.

   “You’re the only family I have left.”

   Smiling, he tousled her hair, knowing it would irritate her, but he also took care not to rumple her style too much. “I’m thinking…pizza tonight. With my famous homemade crust, six types of cheese, and your choice of toppings. What do you say?”

   Despite the evidence of recent tears, her smile brightened to a level he’d call blissful. “You’re the best.”

 

 

Chapter 4


   Danica’s cell phone rang as she opened the front door.

   Margie Bower always arrived first, and she held a plate of pimento cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Danica waved the other witch inside, taking the call on the porch. “Gram, is everything okay?”

   She heard furniture being dragged in the background as her grandmother replied, “Fine, darling. I wish I could attend your meeting tonight, but Gladys has something special in mind for the Lughnasadh, and we’re having our own get-together.”

   On Gram’s end, someone called, “Angelica, where do you want the chocolate fountain? The ice sculpture is melting. Can you look for Gladys? She needs to cast a chilling spell on it.”

   Danica grinned. “Sounds like fun. Remember, if you need it, I’ve got bail money.”

   Her grandmother laughed. “Understood, and I appreciate it. Right back at you…and I won’t even tell your mother.”

   Danica laughed as she was meant to, as Gram enjoyed being part of her circle of trust, enjoying confidences she didn’t even share with her own mom. “I feel safer already.”

   Then came the probable purpose for the call. “By the way, I’ve flagged two excellent prospects for you on Bindr. Check your email, all right?”

   She stifled a sigh. “Yes, Gram.”

   “Talk to you soon, my dear!”

   As Danica disconnected, Leanne Vanderpol climbed the front steps carrying a box of wine—unsurprising, as she didn’t cook. Danica followed Leanne into the house, mildly annoyed that she couldn’t have one night with her coven sisters without Gram nagging about Bindr. Soon after, Vanessa Jackson and Ethel Murray came together, as Vanessa was Ethel’s ride. The older woman didn’t drive, but she did bake delicious mini quiches. Vanessa contributed a Greek salad to the potluck, and as Danica arranged the food on the kitchen island, the last two members dashed in. Priya Banik and Kerry Quarles were inseparable, as they had been dating for the last four months and were talking about moving in together.

   Once everyone had exchanged greetings, filled their plates, and settled in the living room, Danica held up a hand for attention. Gradually, the separate conversations quieted.

   “You’ve gathered us here to thank us for our support, and you’d like to announce your candidacy,” Margie joked.

   “Run for mayor,” said Leanne. “Then I can work for you instead of that asshole.”

   Leanne did PR work for St. Claire, though her official title was director of communications, and she was damn good at her job. If Danica was seriously considering getting involved in politics, she’d want Leanne on her team.

   “We haven’t even opened the wine yet, and you’re already fierce,” Clem said to Leanne.

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