Page 22 of Magical Melee

I laughed and shook my head, sitting on the bed across from her. “Well, I’d like to think if it was something like that, hewould have just done it already.” I grinned. “You know, the old-fashioned way. In person? The two times he’s seen me.”

She slid off the bed and went to my purse where the corner of the envelope poked up, pulled it out, and handed it to me.

“Can you just open it for me? I’m dying of curiosity.”

I grinned and pretended to tear it very slowly.

“You’re the worst.”

I chuckled, finally opening the envelope, and peeked inside to see a photograph. Cocking my head slightly, my fingers touched the old picture, and I slid it out.

My heart froze when I saw my dad holding me tight with Stella, the tea shop owner, behind us. Keegan was kneeling next to Nova.

I stared in disbelief as my fingers trembled, and I saw us all standing outside the tea shop.

“Maeve, is everything okay?”

My eyes met hers, and I nodded slowly. “I guess Ihavebeen here before.”

She scooted off her bed and sat next to me. A little gasp erupted from her lips when she saw the photo in my hand.

“Maeve,” she said softly. “Is that your dad and you?”

I nodded slowly, letting the memory wash over me.

My gap-toothed smile beamed in the photo with my hands wrapped around my dad’s forehead as he held me on his shoulders A plaid dress stuck to me like I’d had a hard day of playing, and my black leggings twisted near the ankles. My wild and unruly hair had been pulled back by a lopsided purple ribbon.

I remembered that smile and the feeling of safety and joy in his arms.

But the backdrop struck me the most.

There was no doubt about it.

Behind us stood the cobblestone paths, tall iron streetlamps, and quaint little storefronts of Stonewick Village. We were definitely in front of the tea shop.

Not only had I been here before. It appeared I had been quite at home.

Familiarity washed over me as I stared at the photo, and glimpses of me running down the sidewalks with Keegan by my side pushed their way into my mind. Or twirling around in the tea shop until my brain went dizzy with delight.

“We used to come here all the time.” My eyes met hers. “I just didn’t remember.” I shook my head in disbelief. “I knew the tea shop felt like I’d been there before.”

“Do you think your mom took the picture?” she asked. “Is that why she’s not in it?”

“I don’t know. Maybe?” I let out a sigh. “I always got the impression we hadn’t been here. She certainly never wanted to bring me here when I was a kid.”

Skye rubbed my back and smiled. “You look like him. How old were you there, do you think?”

“Maybe five.”

“You’re cute.” She bopped my nose, and I laughed.

“I have to tell Keegan thank you for this. It’s…amazing.”

Skye nodded as I stood and walked to the window, where a cozy armchair had been tucked into the corner.

“Do you think he’s here now? I mean, he owns the place.”

Skye grinned. “Good question.”