Chapter 5
We left Cannon Hill with the Tiffany lamp, a blue Lalique vase I’d earmarked as a gift for myself, Harper’s cocktail shaker and vintage glasses, and a collection of old music records for Reina.
The wheelbarrow had stayed behind, but only temporarily.
Ange had arranged for it to go out to Bert’s Antiques' Barn after the fair closed tomorrow night.
We rolled down all the windows on our drive back, only to close them when the cold wind whistled past us. No point in risking a chill. Being young at heart would have to do for us.
Ange dropped Harper and Reina off first. The Blue Moon parking lot had only a couple of spaces left, not surprising for a Saturday night.
“Do you want to come in for dinner?” Harper asked.
Ange and I both declined. “The dogs are waiting for me, and Nick promised to take care of the cooking,” she said.
“He almost deserves you,” Harper said approvingly.
“He sure does,” I agreed.
“What about you, Bex?” Reina lifted her and Harper’s stuff out of the trunk.
“Thanks, but Cosmo will be waiting.”
With a wave, we drove off.
“You spoil that cat. If you want to, you can also eat with us. Nick’s an excellent chef when he tries.” Ange gave me a shrewd glance. “Of course, I totally understand if you don’t want to risk having to talk about how weird it is to be sucked into Rick’s orbit again.”
“I was never completely out of it, because we’re both putting our daughter first, and there’s nothing to talk about. I realized that I just don’t care. I wish him and Candice well, and the more money they earn the more they can spend on my services.”
“That’s my girl. And if you feel a wobble coming on or anything, my door’s open day and night. Well, not actually open, but you know what I mean.”
We drove the short remaining way in companionable silence. Ange saw me to the door, carrying the vase for me. “Love you.”
“I love you guys too. Crazy coven forever.”
I deposited my vase in the library when I spotted Cosmo curled up in his basket by the checkout desk. Why was he down here instead of upstairs, in our apartment? I crept closer, fervently hoping his choice of sleeping spot had nothing to do with the secret lair hidden behind a bookcase.
He opened one eye. “Welcome back.”
I rubbed his head. “I missed you too.”
“That’s a lie, but I appreciate the sentiment.” He rose and stretched his back. “I’m hungry.”
“Didn’t I leave you enough food? Or has Ms. Vine forgotten to feed you?” Granted, I’d been gone for less than 36 hours, but Cosmo should not have been subjected to cruel neglect, which according to universal cat standards began with insufficient treats.
“Don’t worry, she tried her best. It wasn’t the same without you, that’s all.” He sounded almost embarrassed to admit it.
“Then we have to feed you asap,” I said. “How about a fresh chicken breast fillet, cut into strips?”
He jumped out of the basket and raced up the stairs.
I followed at a safer pace, considering I carried my bag.
While Cosmo and I shared the chicken breast fillet (he had only the meat while I grilled my share together with bell peppers), I told him about my trip, and the surprise meeting with Candice.
“You look smug,” he said.
“It was nice to get a real feeling of closure. I don’t know. It might have been different if they’d both been there together, but like you said, I got you instead, which is a lot better than being stuck in a dead marriage. Now, how about you? What have you divined about my substitute?”
He wiped his whiskers and licked his paw.
“You must have found out something,” I said, bewildered.
“I think you should talk to her yourself.”
“So, she is a witch? Or something like it?”
“A real witch, no. Something like it, yes. That’s all I can tell you.” He inspected his paw and gave it another good lick.
I decided to let it go. Either he had no deeper insight, which was unlikely but would explain why he acted coy, or worming the truth out of Ms. Vine was supposed to teach me yet another lesson. My carefree time off had definitely come to an end.