Page 23 of Season of the Witch (Toil and Trouble #3)

The next day, Henry braced himself against a decorated tree in Siddeley’s woods and stared at the compact in his hands.

The air was crisp, the sun out for once and near blinding against all of Siddeley’s snow.

He’d cried work after lunch, needing space to think.

Tia had opted to head into town with Mina and Annaliese to shop, an unlikely trio.

He doubted it was anything but tactical, but he could be surprised.

His eyes closed involuntarily. Holy hell, could he be surprised.

Last night, after that kiss, they’d both retreated to their corners.

His head had pounded, brain disoriented from the memories dragged back from the veil.

She’d seemed similarly struck, quiet and watchful.

Who could blame her? One kiss and they’d gone up in flames.

And now he knew, it’d always been that way between them.

Little moth.

He released a sigh as the nickname whispered through him, head already aching again.

Putting that aside, he trained his eyes on the picturesque vista and pressed a thumb on the silver compact’s lid, murmuring his mom’s name.

It was two p.m. in England, which made it early morning in New Orleans, but he knew his mom would be up.

Gossip never slept, as she liked to say.

Sure enough, within seconds of opening the mirror… “Honey! It’s wonderful to hear from you. How are you? How’s Tia? You’re calling with good news, I hope.”

He looked down at the small mirror and the familiar blonde smiling widely in its reflection.

Guilt bloomed under his skin like a bruise. “Investment hasn’t been secured yet. Timing’s bad.” Yeah, nothing to do with his tiny obsession with Tia. He coughed a little. “We’re, ah, working on it.”

Maybelline clicked her tongue. “Psh. Now, when have I ever cared about that above your happiness? I’m asking about you and Tia, honey. Are things…good?”

His eyebrows lowered. Mom-dar? “Why?” he asked warily.

“Because I am your mother, Henry Charles Pearlmatter, and I want to know what’s happening in your life. And as much as your father grumbles about it, Tia is in your life right now. I for one would like to keep it that way. How’re you getting along?”

Hot lips, soft skin. How her tongue had slipped into his mouth, rubbing against his.

Heat flashed down his spine and he gritted his teeth.

“Things with Tia are fine. Good. She doesn’t hate me anymore.” Though…maybe she was just biding her time until his memories returned. The idea made him frown.

His mom made a knowing noise. “I’ve got eyes, and I can see what you’re thinking, plain as day. That woman has always been passionate about you, whether it’s love…or the other thing. People don’t lose that kind of feeling.”

“It’s the other thing that worries me,” he muttered.

Maybelline gasped. “I knew it! I knew that if you spent some time together, things would fall into place.”

Henry shook his head. “No, it’s not… We’re not together.”

Her face fell.

He shifted against the tree, blinking when snow from the branches above sprinkled on his cheeks. “I just need some advice.”

“Well, your mama gives the best advice in five counties. You want to know how to woo the woman, is that it?”

He cringed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I just… I like her.” It was freeing to admit it out loud. He did it again. “I like her, but things are complicated.”

“Why?”

He gave the compact a look. “Off the top of my head? Amnesia, exes, investment to be won…”

“Details.” She waved those away with an airy hand. “What I want to know is how she’s feeling about this. Is the cold shoulder finally turning?”

His mind returned to that kiss. Her taste. But…she hadn’t made a move. Should he? Was that weird?

Insecurity kicked hard. “She hasn’t said she’s forgiven me.”

“Women are mysterious creatures,” Maybelline said, sagely enough to make him grin. “We like our men to read between the lines. And we also like effort. Make some effort, Henry. Be bold. Be honest. Show her you want things to change.”

He kicked his foot through the snow, dragging it back. “What if she can’t separate the past from now? She’s obviously hung up on it—not that anyone seems to know why we broke up.” That had to be the key. He blew out a breath. “She’s not exactly chatty.”

His mom sighed, eyes fond even through the mirror. “I love that girl, but she can hold a grudge,” she agreed. “Stubborn enough to only see trees, instead of the forest. But things have changed. Your…situation has forced her to remember the good stuff.”

“But I don’t,” he pointed out. “What if without the mem—”

“Honey, memories shape our lives but we are who we are,” she interrupted firmly. “You are still my boy and, underneath the anger, she’s still your girl.”

He grimaced, just a little, at the phrasing. He couldn’t help it.

Her laugh sounded through the compact, loosening the knot in his belly. “You are so like your father. I had to knock some sense into his head, too. Still do. Speaking of which, he wants to say hello. Richard. Richard, talk to your son.”

Henry’s stomach knotted again, awkwardness stiffening his muscles. His dad’s face appeared, just as uncomfortable. “Henry,” he said to the mirror. Nodded.

“Dad.”

“Things are good?”

Unlike with Maybelline, Henry knew what the older man was asking. “Siddeley hasn’t picked an investment yet.”

His dad paused. “Ah.” Silence stretched. “Well, give him some time. Keep him away from Tia. That witch could blow the deal with her antics.”

Henry frowned, bristling at the implication. “Actually, Siddeley seems to like her.”

Richard blinked at the sharp tone. “Well. Good. Just keep an eye is all. I know this is uncomfortable for you but you’re, ah, doing your best, I’m sure.”

“We are.”

Richard nodded again.

“Sweet Goddess, you two are impossible,” Maybelline shouted in the background. “Work, work, work. You know, he has other interests, Richard.”

His dad’s face twisted. “This is important, May.”

“Maybe I should go,” Henry interjected, seeing a window. “I’ve got to get back anyway.”

“Yes. Fine. Keep checking in and anything we can help with, let us know.”

“Sure.”

“Bye, honey!” Maybelline hollered. “Think about what I said—be bold!”

He was under no illusions the past few days had wiped away years of resentment. If anything, Tia had only called a time-out on account of his memory loss. But Maybelline was right: this month was an opportunity. Maybe even a second chance.

Something to think about.