Chapter 20 #3
“And I can bring baked goods for us to enjoy while we talk,” Max says gleefully.
“We should invite Cumar,” I say, really warming to this plan. “He and I often have enjoyable conversations about new romances we discover. We could even meet up at his coffee shop sometimes.”
“That’s brilliant,” Max says, practically bouncing on his toes. “And it’ll be so nice to have a special time for us to all geek out together to look forward to!”
I turn to Skylar. “See, I told you, you’re super smart. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful idea.”
He runs a hand through his hair and gives me an embarrassed smile. “It’s cool. But since I came up with the club idea, I should get a free invite to join, don’t you think?”
I beam at him. “Consider yourself a founding member, sweetheart.”
Rowan doesn’t seem to hear any of us, he’s so focused on what he’s doing. Once he’s satisfied with his work, he rests a hand on his familiar’s neck and levers himself back up with a wince.
I notice Baxter watching and frowning with that obvious concern of his.
Yes, Rowan coming here is ultimately going to be a good thing—not just for our town, but for him and for Baxter. I’m sure of it. If nothing else, they clearly need some kind of closure on their past.
Rowan closes his eyes and begins chanting in a language I don’t understand.
The runes glow a bluish white, pulsing softly until his chanting ends, then fading back to normal.
Our mage-for-hire opens his eyes, and for the first time, I notice lines of exhaustion on his face.
I suspect whatever happened in his most recent case, it was perhaps even more serious than he let on.
Okay, Baxter’s getting a bundt cake and I’ll be making Rowan my chicken noodle soup. Classic comfort food for whatever ails you.
“That will hold it for now,” Rowan says.
“Astraea’s previous patch is pretty solid.
Building on what we already have in place, I’ve simply upped the magical ante.
Now, if someone or something tries to push back against the safeguards in place, they’ll find themselves on the front end of a nasty rebound spell. ”
Akram appears with a cold bottle of water, handing it to Rowan.
The mage takes it eagerly. “Thanks, man.”
“I appreciate your hard work. The sooner we can get my bar open again, the better,” Akram says.
Rowan leans on Angelica as he moves back to take a seat on one of the bar stools. He sips his water and sighs. “Before I go any farther here, I’d like to check out the node itself.” He gives Akram a smile. “But I promise I will get back to this very soon.”
Akram nods.
“Baxter and I will take you there,” Astraea says. She gives the rest of us an apologetic look. “I’m afraid the node’s location is something only a select few can be privy to. I hope you all understand, but it’s for everyone’s safety.”
None of us object. Who are we to question a celestial goddess, after all? Besides, none of us have magical abilities that can be of any assistance.
After they depart, Akram starts closing up the bar again.
“We good for the event at my salon?” Skylar asks him.
“I’m all set. Thank you again for proposing this plan. Who knows how long it will be before the bar is up and running again.”
“If you need any help until then, just let me know,” I offer. “You’re always welcome to stay at the B&B or come by for meals until the bar can reopen.”
He smiles and inclines his head. “Thank you, Hal. I checked with Astraea, and she’s sure I’m perfectly fine in my home in the back.”
“This has been a blast, but it’s almost time for me to pick the kids up from school.
Skylar, I’ll text you about our next hellhound playdate.
Toodles, friends!” Max announces before hurrying off in a colorful flourish of fabric, Waffles now being dragged by him.
He still seems a bit overcome by Angelica’s appearance into his world.
“I’m glad Rowan’s back,” Sylvia says as she steps outside with me, Skylar, and Kassiel. Elvira immediately starts sniffing at the tree planted in front of the bar.
“Indeed. A mage is a valuable addition for many reasons. We ought to see if we can convince him to stay permanently,” Kassiel says.
I can’t help but quietly agree. However, we’ll have to see how things play out.
Kassiel and Sylvia say their goodbyes, each heading in the direction of their businesses.
“I’ve gotta stop in at the salon for a few hours,” Skylar tells me when it’s just the two of us again, “but I’ll be back for dinner.
” He gives me a lopsided grin. “What do you say to dinner and a movie at home tonight? I think it’s about time I introduced you to an old episode of Elvira’s Movie Macabre. ”
I beam at him. “That sounds wonderful, but leave dinner to me. Any special requests?”
He reaches up and cups my face in his hands, giving me warm tingles all over. “Everything you make is phenomenal, and I’m happy with anything you want to make for us to share.”
I bite my bottom lip. “Tonight is one of my scheduled deliveries for some of the elderly folks on our block. Would you want to help me bring them food before we enjoy our own meal?”
To my surprise, he wraps his arms around me in a fierce hug, which I return happily.
“I’d be honored to help.”
I swallow. “Really?”
He tilts his head back and looks up at me. “Really. Hal, you don’t know how much you inspire me. You make me want to give back to this town and its people too. That’s all part of what makes you so fucking amazing.”
Butterflies dance happily in my stomach. “I promise it will be fun.”
His eyes soften. “Everything with you is fun.”
By the Light, I love this man.
We stay like that for a minute until at last he clears his throat and lets go of me, then steps back and runs a hand through his hair. “Right, so I’ll be home by five. Does that work?”
I nod my head vigorously. “I’ll be waiting.”
I practically float as Elvira and I make our way home, already eagerly planning out a special meal for me and Skylar and some of our neighbors. At this moment, I don’t think life can get any better than this.