Page 43 of Magical Melee

I took a deep breath, glancing around the tea shop and loving every second of being here. “You know, I wasn’t planning to stay. This was just supposed to be a break. But now… I can’t shake the feeling that Stonewick is where I’m meant to be.” I bit my bottom lip for a split second. “Crazy question, but are you hiring?”

“I could use a little help around here, especially on the weekends.” Stella beamed, clapping her hands together.

“Really?” I didn’t expect that response.

“And as it happens, there’s a little house for rent just on the edge of town. A bit private, close to the woods.”

I raised an eyebrow as my curiosity piqued. “A house for rent? Being close to here, it must be outlandishly expensive.”

“Oh, yes. Probably,” she said, eyes gleaming. “But I know the owner. I’ll put in a good word if you’re interested.”

“It’s definitely something to think about.” I nodded, feeling my stomach twist and turn with a mix of excitement and worry.

“Cozy, charming, and full of ‘character,’ as the realtor types say when they mean ‘needs a little love.’ But I have a feeling it would suit you just fine.”

The idea of settling in Stonewick, of making this strange little town my home, made my heart flutter with a mix of excitement and nerves. “I’d have to go back, pack up, make it official…”

“And say goodbye to all those old ghosts,” she added gently, a sympathetic understanding in her eyes. “Sometimes you have to let go of the life you thought you were going to have to make space for the one that’s waiting for you, bigger and better.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. “You’re right. And I think… I think I’m ready. I’ve been holding onto imaginary ideals for too long.”

Stella grinned, lifting her teacup in a mock toast. “That’s the spirit! And who knows, maybe this little house will turn out to be exactly what you need. The town could use another strong soul to keep things interesting.”

I clinked my cup against hers, laughing. “And maybe I’ll get some straight answers while I’m at it.”

Stella chuckled, sipping her tea. “Don’t hold your breath. This is Stonewick, and I know your type. You’re just like your dad. If you knew all the answers, you’d just be bored. But,” she added, leaning in with a gleam in her eye, “a little mystery is good for the soul. Keeps us young.”

The sweetness in her words settled over me like a soft blanket, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Stonewick was strange, frustrating, and full of secrets, but then so was I.

Chapter Eleven

I knew I’d hit bottom when I looked for the sun and only saw the moon. I’d spent all day in bed with a bag of Funyuns, a tube of Pringles, and an unsweetened tea to wash them down with.

Again, don’t judge me.

I’d had enough of that for a lifetime and beyond.

But this was my last night in my house.

My house.

Mine and Celeste’s.

I shook the crumbs of fake onion from the bag into my mouth and let out the most reverberating, moodiest groan before trudging through the narrow path to the kitchen—the tiny route flanked by heavy cardboard boxes stacked about shoulder height.

I tossed the empty bag into the trash and felt a surprising amount of hope.

Today…Err, I mean, tonight was the night of change.

For the first time in a long time, excitement charged through me. The sensation zapped into me from nowhere.

Maybe it had been the potato crisps.

Or the fact that I crawled out of bed without being prompted by my best friend.

Or because I didn’t have my husband’s judgy eyes staring at my makeup-free face or extra squish around the middle.

Either way, I was up and ready for whatever magic life wanted to throw at me.