Chapter 8 Faye #3
“Thank you, I desperately need it.” Lucy happily took the cup. “To the door, I added an extra layer of protection against vampires, but let’s keep that between us. Technically, I’m not supposed to ward against classes of creatures.”
“I don’t want you to break coven law. You’ve already done enough,” Faye protested.
“What’s the point of being the High Priestess if I don’t get to abuse my power occasionally?” Lucy winked. “Just think of it as precautionary. After you settle in, if there isn’t a need for the extra protections, I can always strip it back.”
“Thank you.” Faye was glad there was an option to alter it as needed. “I wanted to do this on my own. I should’ve known that news would travel fast when I went to Grams.”
“Grams loves you. We all do. We’re only offering a helping hand. This is still all you,” Lucy reassured her, still carefully not mentioning Ian.
“Well, I still need to pay you for your services. I’ve popped some fresh muffins in with the pie for you and Rosie on the house.
I couldn’t send you to the library without something for Rosie.
The last thing you want to deal with first thing in the morning is a hangry werewolf,” Faye said, nudging the bag filled with baked goods towards her.
Lucy held her purse like she wanted to argue, but Faye shook her head, refusing to take any money.
“I’d never say no to your treats! Rosie will probably snaffle them all when I’m down in the vault.
I’ll have to hide one for myself,” Lucy joked, putting her purse in her bag.
It was common knowledge how insatiable werewolves were.
Rosie had always been sneaking snacks when they were all in school.
It was nice to know some things hadn’t changed.
“Speaking of not wanting to deal with a cranky Rosie, I had better get to the library.” Lucy picked up the bag and her to-go cup.
“And I’d better open up before customers start busting down the door for their caffeine fix,” Faye said.
“Talk soon?” Lucy asked by the door.
Faye nodded, realising this was the longest they had talked in years.
Opening the door, Lucy hesitated. Faye thought she wanted to say something – a look she had grown familiar with over the years – but she left without speaking further.
Faye watched the door close behind her. Before contacting her friends, she’d wanted to ensure Ian was out of her life for their safety.
However, Grams had already ripped off the band-aid in telling Lucy about her leaving, so she didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away.
“Lucy?” she called, following her out into the street.
“Everything okay?” Lucy turned, looking concerned.
“Is that invite to brunch on Sunday still on the table?”
It had been months since the initial invitation, but she hoped it was still valid.
So many times, Faye had stood outside the Dragon’s Inn and wanted to go inside, but she always felt too ashamed to face them.
She couldn’t hide her pain from the two people who knew her best – but this time would be different. She was putting her shame behind her.
“Always. Dragon’s Inn. 1 o’clock?” Lucy beamed. “I must warn you that Rosie might start howling after the second round of mimosas. She’s been a bit of a Betty buzzkill since her boyfriend—”
“Emerson, right?” Faye confirmed, having seen them around town.
Lucy nodded. “He had to go back to the Vatican with a new grimoire we were translating together, but he’s been delayed, and I’ve never seen Rosie so anxious about a guy before.”
Faye missed hearing about their lives. She had been out of the loop for too long.
She wanted to hear about their loves and losses and be there for them.
She’d thought she was daring in dating a vampire, but a werewolf dating a member of the Order, even if he was a professor and not a hunter, was still dancing a dangerous line.
Faye could only hope her friend had better luck in choosing men than she had.
“I can’t wait to hear more about him. I’ve missed out on so much,” she said, teary-eyed. Hopefully Lucy would blame it on the morning glare.
“We’ve all the time in the world to catch up. There’s no need to rush,” Lucy said, clearly afraid of frightening her off with too much too soon.
“Still, I can’t wait!” Faye hadn’t left Ian yet, yet even a glimpse of the life she could have without him filled her with a terrifying hope that twisted her stomach in knots.
She started to walk back to the café when Lucy hugged her from behind. She could smell her friend’s vanilla perfume.
“What’s that for?” Faye chuckled.
“Sorry!” Lucy released her. “I’m just excited for brunch.” Lucy wasn’t the only one teary-eyed. Clearly, it wasn’t just Faye who had missed their friendship.
“You should get those muffins to Rosie while they’re still warm,” Faye said, not wanting to start blubbering on the street.
“Right, the werewolf must be fed. Can’t forget my priorities,” Lucy said, swinging the bag gently as she started walking towards the library.
Faye made sure she crossed the street safely, since she kept glancing back at her as though afraid Faye would disappear if she didn’t keep her eyes on her.
Faye wasn’t going anywhere; this was her home and her family, and no one would make her forget that again.