Chapter Four
Chapter Four
L eaves fluttered around Sirena like dizzy fireflies from the nearly bare trees. The mixture of cinnamon sugar blended in with fresh cut grass and buttered popcorn. She brought her hand up to her mouth to stifle her giddy laughter. This second chance was real, and it was hers for the making. Would it be too much if I twirled right here? No. She’d save the twirling for later when she figured out what she was going to do this time around. Callie went off to buy her pumpkins in the Farmers Square, while Sirena scanned the food and game booths, twisting her braids in her fingers. She had a taste for something, but she didn’t know what would satisfy her appetite. Last time around, she turned down attending the weekly Harvest Festival with her sisters to pick up an extra shift at Night Sky Bistro. Now she had the entire day to just chill out and relax. Sirena lingered by a carnival booth as she realized a sad truth.
She hadn’t taken a day off in almost two years. How did she have fun again?
A carnival barker with clipped brown hair, dressed in a screen-printed crop top and a pair of worn overalls, called out to Sirena from his balloon-pop booth.
Stuffed animals dangled above guests to tempt luck and win a prize.
“Hey there, pretty lady! Step right up! Let your man win you something nice.”
Sirena grumbled. Did she really want to explain to a random stranger that she was living a very single life? A teasing yet persistent look entered the barker’s eyes. This man was determined to make some money from her.
“Oh, who will step up and win this pretty lady a prize?!” he bellowed.
The festival attendees swiveled to watch the amusing exchange.
“I’m good,” she said, raising her voice.
“Come on, now. You’re pretty for a big girl. You’re telling me you can’t get a date?” he mocked.
Sirena froze. Oh no he didn’t. Watch out. She was going to toss this man into the dunk tank. She tensed up and tightened her fists once she heard the false disbelief in the word “you.” Yes, how could anyone date a woman like her? Stars forbid that she’d attract any attention and take up any space. Sirena had been a big girl ever since she was a little girl, which meant for some people they could comment freely about her size without feeling an ounce of shame. Anger sprinted through her bloodstream as she recalled all the careless words strangers and sometimes so-called friends would say to her.
You have such a pretty face.
A man would have so much fun with a thick chick like you.
Of course you can cook well. You look like you enjoy a good meal. Look at you.
Yes. Look at her.
That’s why Sirena wore the brightest clothes and didn’t shrink away from comments or judgments about her body. She showed off her full cleavage and rounded curves without shame. Sirena stared at this carnival worker, not willing to hide from his gaze. His eyes assessed her as if he was sizing her up and figuring out the best approach to weaken her defenses.
No. She was going to make sure he’d remember her.
Sirena opened her mouth to shut him down when Gus Dearworth appeared by her side.
He stood close enough that a person might assume that they were on a date, but far enough that he wasn’t crowding her.
“Hey, chef,” he said smoothly. “Sorry I’m late.”
He offered her a comforting smile. The tension eased away from her body, and she felt relief.
She unclenched her fists and managed to give him a small, guarded smile. “Hey.”
Sirena became acutely conscious of his physique. He was taller than her by a few inches, and his body had some weight to it, but there was a sense of athletic grace about him. Gus could easily be at home on a football field as well as in a lecture hall. His medium-brown skin had a glow, as if he carried a personal spotlight. He, with his curly dark hair and clipped beard, was of course handsome, but there was something else about him that drew her attention. Sirena studied his outfit and held back an amused chuckle. Gus was dressed like a stuffy history professor or a museum docent on vacation, wearing a sweater-vest over a button-down shirt and corduroy pants.
He was wearing rainbow tweed. Did he just come from an academic conference?
She had to admit that the fabric looked good on him. His cologne wafted around her head. Her kitchen witch super-nose was on high alert. She sighed softly. Today he smelled like a brand-new book—dried ink, fresh paper, and the crispness of a fall apple.
Sirena faced the booth. Stop sniffing the magician.
“I see we have a champion for the lady,” the barker said with a hint of dare.
“Yes,” Gus said. “I love a challenge.”
She lowered her voice so only he could hear. “You don’t have to do this—it’s a hustle.” In all her years in the Grove, Sirena hadn’t seen anyone win a prize better than a cheap key chain at the balloon pop. She suspected that there was a confusion enchantment hidden in the booth, making hands and eyes unsteady so that players would lose the game.
“Watch me,” he said, giving her a self-confident wink. Gus placed his money down and picked up the five darts the barker gave him. The barker scooped up the cash and pointed to the board, where the half-inflated balloons were taped up in a square pattern.
“Hit three balloons and win a small prize, hit four balloons and get a medium prize, and hit five and you get your choice of prize—including the jumbo.”
Gus moved closer to the throw line and squared up to the booth.
Sirena clapped loudly, trying to encourage him. He aimed, threw the dart, and missed the balloon. She whooped. He was probably anxious. Gus tried again and missed his mark. A crowd was starting to gather to watch the unfolding scene. Sirena’s face burned. No matter what, she wasn’t leaving his side. There was a good chance she might have to buy him a “you tried your best” ice cream after this adventure.
The barker let out a mock sigh of regret. “Nerves getting to you?”
Gus frowned, then gestured to Sirena with his chin. He lowered his eyes and toed the dirt with his shoes, trying his best to look uneasy.
“I’m sorry. I must be distracted. It’s our first date.”
He made his eyes wide and big, trying his best to look like a besotted teenager. Sirena bit back a smile. Give this man a Daytime Emmy, because he was acting his behind off.
The barker glanced from Sirena to Gus.
He scratched his slender chin. “You know what? I’ll give you two darts for free since it’s your special night. Now you’re back to five. Do your best.”
The barker rolled his tongue in his mouth, as if tasting all the money he could make off a seemingly lovestruck Gus. Sirena, worried and annoyed, placed a light hand on his forearm. If she had to, she was ready to drag him away from the booth and buy him a double scoop of cookie dough ice cream. She’d had enough of hustlers in her life, and she didn’t want him to lose any more money to this rigged game.
Gus peered at her. He reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’ve got this.”
Her skin tingled from his touch. The pulse of his natural magic felt like touching a warm bowl, inviting and familiar. There was a thread of confidence in his voice that eased her worry. For a second, his words and touch made her feel safe. She let her hand fall away.
Gus scooped up the darts. All the tension left his body. He stepped back, giving his body enough room to move. The darts in his hands sparkled with an energetic red glow.
Oh. Things just got real.
“It helps to look at what you want to win,” the barker suggested with a hint of smugness.
“You’re right. I should focus on what I want,” Gus said.
He turned toward Sirena, palmed the darts in his hand, and released them one by one. A deliberate, suggestive smile grew on Gus’s face as his darts found their mark, each successful hit sending a resounding pop into the air. He didn’t even bother to peek at the balloon board. Everything within her lit up like an electric carnival game, and Sirena became instantly aware of what was happening. An expression of self-satisfied delight glimmered in his lovely eyes.
This performance was only for her and her alone. He wanted to thrill her.
What did everyone say around town? A Dearworth magician will leave you speechless.
She forced herself to talk. “How did you do that?”
“Magic,” he said, with a hint of triumph.
Oh. My. She was enthralled by what she saw, a magician standing in his power and not standing down. He had that spark about him, the intensity that made everyone around him pay attention. The gathering crowd watched Gus Dearworth with impressed grins and ogling stares. He was born to be a performer. It’s in his blood.
No one would scare Gus with a clown. No one would try to prank him.
No one would forget his name. I want that spark.
Sirena tore her eyes away from Gus, unable to take the power of his stare. The barker glared at Gus with a begrudging look of respect before directing his attention toward Sirena.
“Pick your prize,” he grumbled. “You can have anything you want, pretty lady.”
Sirena bit the inside of her cheek and flicked a quick glance at Gus. I want him.
Nope. He wasn’t up for grabs—at least not yet. This time was her second chance to change her fate. She couldn’t let herself get caught up in his charms until she figured out how she was going to use this entire redo. She’d heard the low-key rumors about Gus Dearworth, the magician who stole the hearts and panties of countless Grove creatures and folks.
Sirena’s panties wouldn’t be stolen, thank you very much.
She searched the collection of plush prizes swinging in the booth. A small phoenix with red, gold, and crimson feathers dangled off a hook. She perked up. What did the family spellbook say about phoenixes? The bird, a symbol of rebirth, could live for over five hundred years before setting itself on fire. But it was reborn from the ashes to start its next life. Okay, she didn’t believe in signs, but she knew how to recognize them—how could she not see that this gift was meant to be? She’d given her previous wish to the fire, but she could start again. She could allow herself to wish again.
Sirena pointed to the plushie. The barker furrowed his brow, as if expecting her to pick the biggest prize he had. “You sure?”
She nodded. The barker delivered the prize to her waiting hands.
Gus stood close to Sirena, his attention squarely on the barker.
“I hope everyone had as much fun as I did,” he said, hitting each word empathically, as if trying to convey a hidden meaning. Sirena glanced back and forth between the two men, picking up major mess-around-and-find-out energy coming from Gus.
The barker’s eyes widened a fraction, but he gave a blunt nod. “You and your lady have a good time.”
Gus dropped twenty dollars into the barker’s hand, then guided Sirena away from the booth. Together, Sirena walked in step with Gus, not wanting to break the moment between him. What were the odds that she would run into Gus Dearworth today of all days. Sirena saw Gus around the Grove, but they kept a friendly distance from each other. She had no reason to hang out at the historical society and Gus didn’t seem interested in culinary things.
She peeked at him, realizing that Gus was looking at her with a curious stare.
“What’s its name?” Gus glanced at the plushie.
“Her name’s Ember,” she said.
“Why not Spark?” he joked. “Or Ash?”
“She’s my phoenix, so I get to name her.” Sirena played with one of Ember’s wings, making it flap in Gus’s direction. He smiled and inclined his head in her direction.
“Thanks for helping me out back there,” she said.
“You helped me out. I needed a reason to approach the booth. You were the right person at the right time.”
Ah. Sirena felt something was off between Gus and the barker. Her stomach knotted. Was he using her to hustle a stranger? She didn’t like being used by anyone for their own game.
She tucked Ember into her tote bag, then faced Gus. “Do you make it a habit to hustle carnivals, Mr. Dearworth?”
He lifted a single brow.
“No, chef. I make it a habit to test out prize booths that don’t follow festival rules,” Gus corrected. “We’ve got several complaints about that booth today. No charms, no spells. That’s the rule. There’s nothing wrong with having a challenge, but we got to give people a chance to win. I figured I’d gently remind him our festival is about fun.”
Sirena bobbed her head, hearing his words. “You’re literally the fun patrol.”
“I like rules,” he said.
“I get it. You didn’t use any charms or spells back there?” she inquired.
“No, that trick was all me.” His voice was a whisper that roamed over her skin. “I have moves you couldn’t even imagine.”
Oh, Dearworth, you don’t know my imagination.
“I can imagine what amazing things you’re capable of doing,” Sirena admitted.
Something dangerous flashed over his face, as if she had opened a secret door and unleashed a powerful being from a hidden place. Like a sleeping giant crawling out of a cave and waking up to see the world.
“Have dinner with me.” His voice was almost unrecognizable.
She hesitated. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why? I’m harmless,” he said.
Sirena scoffed. “I’m not.”
An easy smile played on the corners of his mouth.
“Well, I’m pretty good at bad decisions,” Sirena said.
“Okay,” Gus said. “Then let fate decide.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a half-dollar coin. Déjà vu. She examined it. Surprise skittered through her once she saw the face. This one was different from the one on Halloween night; this one had a profile of a woman with two faces.
“Heads, you have lunch with me now,” he offered. “Tails, you give me your phone number so I can call you later.”
“Tell me where we’re having lunch. I might not be dressed for it.”
When a witch went on a date with a magician, she had to bring the sparkle.
“Trust me. You’re dressed perfectly.” Gus let his eyes roam over her body. She grew heated underneath her cardigan and fought the urge to fan her face.
“Will you take me to Mimi’s Diner?”
Mimi’s had the best diner food in town, and Sirena loved going there for their hashbrowns.
“If you want.” He tossed the coin in the air. Sirena watched as it flipped.
Gus reached up, caught it, and brought it to the back of his hand.
“Call it.” He covered the coin and met her eyes. Her heart squeezed.
“Heads,” she whispered a little breathlessly.
Flirting with Gus Dearworth was fine; it was enjoyable, like a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. But going out with and liking was a whole different and treacherous matter. A man like him, with his effortless magic and charm, would make her forget all her promises and goals.
Sirena reached out and covered the coin with her hand. “Wait.”
She glanced down at their intertwined hands. Cherry-red sparks, like a surge of high voltage, lit up their fingers. Anticipation darted over her skin, and Sirena’s mind skipped a little from his contact. Sirena forced herself to look at Gus. He stood there by the cotton candy machine, and the air around him filled with spun sugar. The man was a whole treat she couldn’t enjoy just yet. She’d just gotten a second chance; she didn’t want to waste it until she had a plan for her life. Also, she couldn’t forget about seeing Gus on Halloween holding that ring box. He didn’t seem the type to flirt when his heart belonged to another woman, but someone else was out there waiting and wishing for him.
Gus stared at her, waiting for a response.
“I have plans,” she said. “I can’t go with you.”
Yet , her heart added. A cold sense of disappointment went through her body.
A realization came to her. She was always giving up what gave her fun and joy for the sake of work. But maybe this time around, she’d reconsider letting more joy into her life. Something kind sparkled in his eyes.
He slipped the coin into her palm. “I get it. No worries. Keep it for next time.”
His full mouth curved up into a clever smile. Gus gave her a deep stage bow, spun on his heel, and walked away. She watched him stroll off through the crowd until he disappeared, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Sirena studied the coin in her hand and gasped.
He’d given her his magician’s piece, the one used for bets and challenges. It was a two-headed coin. It was the tool that you used when you wanted to bend fate your way. She pressed it into her palm, and the remaining Dearworth magic in the coin prickled her skin. Her disappointment morphed into pure astonishment. When Sirena and her family had gathered in their living room to make their wishes, she’d hesitated as she thought about what she wanted.
She had written down two wishes but debated about which one to give to the fire and complete the spell. Sirena eventually wrote down the right wish, the one that didn’t appeal to her heart but to her head. But two years later, she couldn’t help but wonder, had she picked the wrong one?