Spells (Bayou Magic 2)

“Yes, ma’am.”

She and Lucien get into his car and leave, and the rest of us pile into Daphne’s vehicle. She peels out of the driveway, getting us out of the bayou as quickly as possible.

“I’m so sorry, girls,” Mama says. Her voice and hands are shaking. “I saw little snippets, little flashes of time while we were in there. Things that I did to you, said to you. Made you endure. And I’m horrified that you were treated that way. It’s my job to protect you. I would never have let anyone else treat you that way, but it came from me. I’ll never be able to forgive myself.”

“Mom, it’s not your fault.” The words are from me. “We survived it. We’re happy, productive, healthy women.”

“I’m so grateful. Did you see your father?”

We’re silent as we stare at Mama in the front seat. “Did you see him?” Brielle asks.

“I did. And he wasn’t happy to see me.”

“Mama, are you a medium?” Daphne asks.

“Of course.” Mama brushes her fingers through her hair. “Before I go home, I’d like to see Millie’s café, if you don’t mind. Daphne, I’ll have a look at your shop the next time we’re out, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure thing,” Daphne says.

There is so much we need to talk about. I’ll tell my sisters we need to get together tomorrow.

The rest of the ride into the city is quiet as we’re all lost in thought. I breathe a sigh of relief when Daphne parks in front of Witches Brew.

This is my familiar place, my home, my safety.

We walk through it with Mama, who seems genuinely delighted by everything I’ve done. She sips her white chocolate mocha and sits on one of the purple sofas, looking around.

“I’m so proud of you, Millicent. This is a beautiful place, and I can see why it’s a success.”

“Thank you.”

“I saw the potions on your board.” I steel myself against the incoming criticism, but Mama just grins. “I could teach you the recipe for a little potion for healing, in case someone comes in with a headache or a sprained ankle. That sort of thing.”

I blink rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay. This is exactly what I’ve longed for all of my life.

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

She nods happily and takes another look around my reading nook. “You have two little girls who hang around here, don’t you?”

Brielle lets out a surprised laugh, and I can’t help but join her. “Yeah, I hear I do. Brielle and Lucien see them, too.”

“You don’t?” Mama asks.

“No, because I have shields in place to block spirits. I inherently read their thoughts, and it’s too dangerous for me.”

Mama nods. “I understand. I’m glad you have your shields. Well, we should probably be going.”

We walk to the front of the café, and I wave at Esme, who’s manning the counter for me today.

When we step outside, I almost run right into Dahlia. “Whoa! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“I was just coming over for an afternoon caffeine hit,” she says with a laugh. “Oh, hello.”

“Mama, this is Dahlia. Dahlia, this is my mom, Ruth.”

Dahlia reaches out to shake Mama’s hand, but Mom doesn’t take it. “Are you Dahlia Bergeron?”

“That’s right,” Dahlia says.

“Your family was part of the dark coven.”

“Yes, most still are, but that wasn’t for me. I’ve been working with Lucien as an apprentice so I can join his coven.”

“Oh. Well, how nice.” Mama walks around Dahlia as if she’s wary of her. “I’d like to go home now, please.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dahlia says with a wave, but Mama doesn’t reply. She steps into Daphne’s car and doesn’t give us another glance as the two drive away.

“She’s had a busy day,” Brielle adds. “She’ll need some rest tonight.”

“I put a potion in her coffee,” I reply. “It’ll help her sleep and calm her mind.”

“Good.”

“Well, I’d better be off,” Dahlia says and crosses the street, headed back to her shop.

“I have to go home and take a nap before my date tonight.” I glance over at Brielle, who’s grinning at me. “What?”

“We always knew Lucien was for you, but you were too stubborn to admit it.”

“It’s one date.”

“Right.”Chapter TenMillie“I can’t believe I tried on nine dresses,” I say as I blow out a breath and perch on the edge of my bed where Sanguine sits, watching with judgy, mismatched eyes. “I know, it’s ridiculous. But it’s our first date. Well, in this lifetime, anyway. And I want to look nice.”

I’m in my underwear now, a matching black bra and panty set, and I’ve hung two of the dresses side by side so I can sit and ponder which one I like best for the occasion.

“I might not come home tonight,” I inform my familiar. It’s been wonderful having Sanguine with me. A witch without a familiar is a sad thing. A companion to help with magic, and I’ve always loved having a little friend around. Sanguine has settled in seamlessly. It’s as if she’s belonged here all along.