Chapter 80
JASPER
I’ve been preparing for my confrontation with Maggie for years, intent on reclaiming my family home. Some scoff at the idea that Maggie is a witch, but I have good reason to know how true it is.
But it wasn’t Maggie who opened the door to me earlier.
No, it was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed goddess.
Her name suited her—Goldie.
Her scent, floral with a hint of vanilla, wrapped around me as I followed her up the stairs.
She was… captivating.
And she’s agreed to meet me at the Hex & Hearth in an hour. My stomach flips with anticipation at seeing her again.
But first, I need to check in with my vendors.
Some of them are older and appreciate a helping hand when it’s time to pack up for the day.
They come every morning with their goods for my farmers’ market.
Trade is brisk, with the market now the go-to place for families too.
Unlike Maggie’s shop, Old Pointe Produce which is rarely open and looks abandoned
The fruit and veg Maggie used to sell in her shop, , she now gets from my farmer’s market.
I always make sure a supply is put aside for her—I don’t know why, but I’ve done it ever since I came here.
She wobbles in with her shopping trolley as support, reminding me of a Weeble toy that rocks from side to side.
After collecting her supplies, she sweeps out again, never once offering to pay.
Once I’m done at the market, I head home to my cottage to get ready. I take care over my appearance, choosing a white shirt and dark denims, wanting to impress Goldie. I add a splash of bergamot cologne and check myself in the hall mirror one last time before I leave for the Hex.
The watchful Rowan and the ever elegant Elara are already inside. Though their history is unknown, patrons trust they will receive what they need upon entering.
Rowan slides a cocktail toward me with a knowing smile as I reach the bar. “This is for the young lady you’re meeting here.”
I shake my head and shoot him a grin. I have no idea how he knows, but as usual, I don’t ask. I have my secrets, and I’m happy to let others have theirs.
Goldie arrives precisely at 7 p.m. Her golden-blonde hair is braided tonight, though strands burst from its band, making her name seem perfectly fitting.
Her big blue eyes dart around the room, presumably searching for me.
She looks very cute in her red-and-white striped top, white linen cut-off trousers, and sandals.
The moment she spots me, her expression shifts—relief, maybe, or something softer.
I watch her cross the room and feel the strange, specific helplessness of a man realizing his well-laid plans are in serious trouble.
I told myself this was a practical meeting.
That I needed her on my side for Maggie’s sake.
That my interest in Goldie was incidental and entirely manageable.
I revise that assessment as she reaches the bar.
“Hi,” she says breathlessly. “Maggie doesn’t know I’m here, so I can’t be too long.”
“Thank you for coming tonight. Here.” I slide the cocktail toward her.
Her face lights up. “Elderflower Kiss cocktail?” She takes a sip. “Thank you so much. This is my favorite, and delicious.”
Rowan serves me a double old-fashioned, which is exactly what I need tonight.
“Do you always come here, not to the tavern?” she asks.
“This place is pretty weird, but so cool. I come occasionally as it’s so close to work.”
“Shall we sit over there?” I ask, spying a table for two in a private nook.
As we move to the table, I notice a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and navy eyes. She’s sitting alone at a table, just people-watching. She reminds me of someone, but I can’t place her.
Mentally shrugging, I sit at the table and focus on Goldie. Even though I’ve run through what I’m going to say many times, my thoughts scatter as I look into her blue eyes.
“So, tell me what all this is all about?” Goldie smiles wryly. “Maggie is about ready to hex you out of existence.”
I try to gather my thoughts, but my brain isn’t cooperating. I watch as Goldie wraps her plump lips around her straw and sips her cocktail. This woman is exquisite, causing a reaction that makes me shift uncomfortably as my body swells. I want to lean over the table, cup her face, and kiss her.
I rein in those heated thoughts. I hardly know her. I only met her a few hours ago.
I know I need to be careful with my answer. I can’t criticize Maggie if I want to get Goldie on my side.
Taking a large gulp of my drink, I launch into my speech. “Did Maggie tell you that I have a family connection to her house?”
Goldie shakes her head. “She hasn’t mentioned you at all before today.”
I take another gulp of my drink. “My family lived in the house before Maggie. When I came out of the military, I went into property development in New York. I came here to look at the old house, and I remembered how much I loved staying in Driftwood Pointe Harbor. I established the farmers’ market because I saw the need for somewhere for people to get local produce.
And I knew Maggie was struggling, so I offered to buy the house from her. ”
Goldie purses her lips thoughtfully. “Go on.”
“She’s not as young as she was, and I thought she might prefer a smaller property without the responsibility of the shop.”
“She likes it there. She can see everything that goes on from her window.”
I nod. “I know, but the place is literally falling apart. I’m sure you’ve noticed. It’s not a healthy environment for Maggie. The back wall is one good storm away from collapsing.”
“I can’t argue with you there.” Goldie sighs. “My mom and dad have tried many times to get her to move closer to them. She always says no. We worry about her living alone, especially with those steep stairs in the house.”
“How old is she?”
“Early eighties, maybe.” She shrugs. “Nobody knows for sure. Maggie is secretive.”
“I know change is hard, but I think it would be good for her. She could use the money from the sale of the house to buy something smaller without stairs. Maybe even take a vacation. Live out her remaining years in comfort. I’m not trying to cheat her.
I’m a developer, yes, but I’m fair, and my reputation is important to me. ”
I pull some papers from my jacket pocket and hand them to Goldie. “These are the details of a nearby house, which was sold recently. The house was in much better condition than Maggie’s.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s not a question of monetary value,” Goldie observes, studying the paperwork.
I nod. “I get it. But I wanted to explain the reasoning behind my offer. As you saw earlier, Maggie gets very upset at the mere mention of selling.”
Goldie hands the papers back to me and stands. “I appreciate you telling me. I’m guessing you’d like me to influence Maggie into selling, but that’s not my place, sorry.”
“Wait, will I see you again? How long are you staying?”
“A few days at most. I needed a break from things at home.”
Her words spark my curiosity. “Will you come out for another drink with me while you’re here?”
Goldie laughs softly. “I don’t think Maggie would appreciate me socializing with her sworn enemy.” She lifts a hand. “See you around, Jasper.”
With that, she’s gone.
Well, this isn’t going according to plan.
I may have just discovered the one thing I want more than Maggie’s house.
And she has blonde hair and blue eyes.