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ada

W orking with kids has a way of humbling you.

No amount of experience or college classes will prepare you for the absolute chaos of elementary aged children. One moment you feel like you have everything under control, and the next you have a class of third graders throwing globs of clay at each other because it “seemed like fun.” I spent my entire lunch period scraping chunks of thick wet clay off of the art room walls and tables.

The gym teacher would be proud, at least. Some of the kids really had good aim.

A cool breeze sweeps through the trees on my walk home from work, causing leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow to dance around me. There’s something transformative about this time of year. I wish I had my sketchbook and pencils with me to capture this serene moment.

Stopping at the small grocery store down the street from my house, I pick up all of the ingredients I’ll need to make my favorite comfort meal: chicken and dumplings. The recipe was my Granny’s, and it always helps me to feel closer to her whenever I make it. I really could use one of her warm hugs after the day I just had.

I finally make it home and close the door behind me, letting out a sigh of relief. Placing the groceries on the kitchen counter, I quickly change into comfy clothes and get to work on dinner. The comforting and familiar fragrance of the rich chicken and dumplings fill my house.

Rue walks in the front door just as I begin plating up our dinner. She and I are long past the days of ringing doorbells or knocking.

“Oh no, chicken and dumplings? What happened at work? Did the little demons not behave themselves?” she asks, taking a seat at the table.

“Rue, they’re children, not demons,” I reply, placing her plate down and taking my seat across from her.

“Yeah, well I beg to differ,” she responds. At least she called them demons today instead of her typical crotch goblins .

“To be honest, demons might be the most accurate description for them today. Long story short, clay went flying everywhere. And I mean everywhere .”

The chicken and dumplings are scorching hot, so I blow on it before taking a bite. Yep, Granny’s recipes make everything better.

“Oh shit! That’s rough, babe. Tomorrow will be better, and if it isn’t, I can always make you a potion to force the little dears to behave.” I laugh at her offer. She always knows how to make me feel better. She takes a bite of her food and her eyes dramatically roll back in her head. “Dammit, this is so good.”

“How was work for you today?” I ask in between bites.

“As boring as ever. I keep trying to ask for more responsibility within the coven, but she denies me every time.” The disappointment seeps through her words.

Rue has been trying to convince her mother, Angeline, to let her take on more of a leadership role. Each time she’s told, not just yet , or, when you’re ready . The tension this creates between the two of them can at times become explosive. Trust me, there is nothing more frightening than two pissed off witches.

Getting up from my chair, I cross the room and wrap her in a tight hug. She quickly returns it, and it’s clear we both needed this.

We finish dinner and head to the living room to watch our favorite trash reality TV. Housewives behaving badly and warm chocolate chip cookies is exactly what we need right now.

“You won't believe who stopped by the shop today…” Rue trails off.

Pulling my attention from the show, I turn on the couch to face her. She tosses me a cookie before continuing.

“Theo and Ulgan.”

My ears perk up at the mention of his name. I take a bite out of the cookie and wait for her to spill the tea.

“I may or may not have overheard your big green hunk mentioning how he wants to upgrade the bakery, and he's thinking about having an artist create a mural to liven the place up.” Why does she have a weird grin on her face?

Suddenly, as if by magic, my phone alerts me of a new text message. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. “You didn’t.” My voice filled with panic.

“Oh yes I did, my dear Ada. You can thank me later,” Rue replies in an annoyingly musical tone.

Unknown number

Hi Ada, it's Ulgan from Blissful Bites. Sorry to message you so late, but Rue mentioned that you might be able to help me with a project at the bakery.

I scream and throw my phone to her. She looks over the message and grins, tossing the phone back to me. Interfering witch!

“That’s my cue to leave. Respond to him, babe. You don’t want to keep your dream man waiting.” She winks at me, grabs her coat, and leaves.

Glancing back at my phone, I pick it up and message him back. Play it cool, Ada!

Ada

Hi Ulgan! What kind of project did you have in mind?

Ulgan

The bakery hasn't been updated since my mom opened it back in the 90s. I was wondering if you might be interested in painting some art in the shop to bring some new life and color to it.

My imagination already goes wild with ideas for the space. Larger than life depictions of all of their yummy offerings and the ingredients used to make them would look perfect. I haven’t had the time to do much art for myself recently, so this could be the perfect opportunity. Running into my bedroom, I grab my sketchbook and tools to put my ideas down on paper.

Before I can respond, another message comes through.

Ulgan

I loved the mural you created at the school over the summer. The town is lucky to have you.

My cheeks heat up, and a comforting warmth fills my chest. The mural at the school had been a labor of love. Each day, students visited me in the summer before school started to help me with different sections of the mural. It became a big community event, and the end result still brings a smile to my face each time I walk past it.

Ada

Thank you, I’m glad you like it. It was something I’ve always wanted to do, and I couldn’t believe how wonderful the town was during the process. I would love to create something for the bakery!

Ulgan

That’s awesome! Would you be available to do the artwork this weekend? I could mark off an area for you to work uninterrupted where the town can still see you work. You would have complete creative freedom, of course.

Ada

Not going to lie, I’ve already pulled my sketchbook out and have an idea, haha.

I take a picture and send it to him.

Ulgan

I knew you were talented, but it looks incredible. Ada, I really appreciate that you’re doing this. When you get a chance, send me a list of supplies you’ll need and I’ll make sure that you have them. Also, how much do you usually charge for one of your murals? I’ll pay you, of course.

Ada

Oh no, don’t worry about it! I can take care of everything. No need to pay me.

Ulgan

Ada.

I can take care of everything that you will need.

Everything? My face begins to flush at his words.

Ulgan

Send over the list, Sunshine. Also, if you won’t accept money for your time, will you accept baked goods and coffee?

Sunshine ? My core clenches at that. It gives me a small thrill that he's chosen such an adorable nickname for me. Is he flirting with me right now?

Ada

Well, I never turn down coffee... You’ve got yourself a deal.

Ulgan

Great! I’ll see you around 8 on Saturday?

Ada

I’ll be there

Ulgan

Good night, Ada

I snuggle back down into the couch, hugging my phone to my chest. I’m probably making too big of a deal out of this, and it’s all just a job. My happiness at hearing from him has now morphed into caution. Maybe Saturday will shed more light on the situation?

It certainly couldn’t make me more confused. Right?

I pull the blanket off the back of the couch, and settle in to read before bed. A little late night smut always puts me in a better mood.