Page 25 of Seven Secret Spellcasters (Kitchen Witch Mysteries #7)

“T hanks for the books,” Finn said at dinner. Abigail had convinced her to join them tonight. “I don’t know who got them for me, but you hit the nail on the head with what I like.”

“We pulled them from the ones we had.” Mia glanced around the table, hoping no one would mention the library. “Glad you’re enjoying them.”

Abigail met Mia’s gaze. “Oh, and there’s one more thing. Two, actually. Thursday night, we’ll be having a private affair in the gym and reception area. I hate to ask but . . .”

Finn held up her hand. “Don’t even worry about it.

You want me to be scarce that night. Not a problem.

After dinner, I’ll just head to my room.

I’ve got some research I want to do on the culinary college in Twin.

Christina’s been telling me all about it, and I’m going to try to get in for January, at least part-time.

I’ll stay in my room and use the bathroom down the hall so I don’t bother your guests. What’s the second thing?”

Finn was the perfect houseguest. She was taking this better than Mia had expected.

She looked at Abigail and held up her hand.

She’d try to explain what was happening on Friday.

“So, the event on Friday night might be a little strange. It’s Halloween, and this group has a habit of going all out, including acting in character.

This year’s theme is witches. So they go a little over the top.

I know you’re working the event, so we didn’t want you to get freaked out. ”

“Halloween parties are always cool. One of our neighbors set up a Frankenstein lab and everything in their house one year. It took them two months to build it in their garage.” She took a bite of the sweet potato casserole that Abigail had made to go with their ham.

“We don’t want you overwhelmed. If you see something weird or you don’t understand, report it to Abigail or me, or anyone here at the table.

We’ll take care of the problem.” Mia glanced around the room, and everyone nodded.

“So the culinary program is calling to you? We were able to work around Christina’s school schedule for her hours.

I’m sure we can do the same for you if you want to keep working here. ”

“You’re kidding, right? You guys are the best. If I was working fast food, I’d be sleeping in a shelter right now, trying to figure out how I could get to work every day.

Magic Springs isn’t set up for public transportation.

” She held up her fork. “And I wouldn’t be eating like this.

You all take your food seriously. Mom wasn’t much of a cook, so I took over as soon as I could reach the stove. I’m great at making omelets.”

Grans looked at her. “Did your mother ever talk about your father? You said she mentioned he was from Magic Springs?”

“Yes, him and my real, I mean, birth mom. My mom who raised me, she and Dad got married after I was born. I guess my birth mom didn’t want a kid.

Then my dad died in a car accident when I was three, and it was only Mom and me.

” Finn looked down at her plate. “Mom did the best she could, but she was young when she married Dad. She’s still young, and her new husband is amazing. ”

“You’re pretty young yourself to be out on your own.” Mia didn’t love how pained Finn looked as she talked about her past. Usually she was so positive, she shined, especially compared to Christina’s more grumpy morning attitude.

“I graduated from high school. That’s all she needed to do for me—get me through that.

She needs a life now. Besides, I’m almost nineteen.

I’m older than she was when she had a baby and a husband.

” Finn looked around the room, daring anyone to challenge her decision to leave home.

“And I have a job, and I’m looking at school. No baby in tow for me.”

“I don’t know what I would have done at eighteen with a kid.” Christina, who was sitting next to Finn, squeezed her shoulders. “I probably would have freaked out.”

“Or lost it in your closet with your shoes.” Levi didn’t look at Christina but winced when she punched him in the shoulder. “Ouch, you need to stop taking boxing cardio.”

“Or I need to take more classes so you stop saying stupid things.” Christina sipped her wine. “I was trying to be sympathetic with Finn’s mom.”

“Poor little rich girl is getting feelings?” Levi said, then ducked. “Okay, I took that one a little too far.”

Christina shook her head. “Levi is under the impression that if you live in a nice house and have wealthy parents, you are well taken care of. Ask Mia about what shape I was in when I came to live with her. My brother drove me up and dropped me off with a hundred dollars in my pocket. I’m glad Mia had a room for me. ”

“And thank goodness she did.” Abigail smiled at the two women. “Having the two of you into my life has been an absolute joy. And you too, Finn. I didn’t raise daughters, but somehow the Goddess granted me three.”

Finn smiled, then Abigail’s words sank in. “Who’s the Goddess?”

Instead of answering, Mia tried to change the subject.

“Well, before Abigail gets all weepy and starts hugging all of us, I want to make sure we’re all on point for the next two days.

Tomorrow we’ll be doing a family dinner before the event, which will have desserts we’ll need to prepare.

Sarah Baldwin is bringing her chocolate cake and the baby. ”

As the conversation switched to all things dessert and baby, Mia met her grandmother’s gaze.

Hopefully, Finn would assume that Abigail had misspoken.

They needed to find out who Finn’s birth parents were so they could rule out any magical heritage.

But if Finn was going to be around, maybe explaining the idea of being kitchen witches wouldn’t be such a stretch for her.

And maybe also share that the house was a little haunted still.

At least she knew that her mother had adopted her.

That was one less surprise that Mia wouldn’t have to let her know.

Even as she thought it, she kicked herself. Normal people didn’t accept witches and ghosts into their realities. She had a history with Christina, and she’d known Mia was a witch for years. Her mom had thought it was just Mia being weird, which made Christina love it even more.

Then there was the matter of Christina’s adoption. When was the best time to tell a friend that her parents had lied to her for years?

* * *

Thursday morning, Mia woke to birds singing and sunshine flowing in her bedroom window. Trent had already left the room, and Mr. Darcy sat on the windowsill, watching outside. When she leaned up and tried to see what he was watching, Buddy’s face filled the window.

Mr. Darcy was becoming friends with the baby dragon too.

“Good morning, Buddy.” Mia went over and picked up the cat, stroking his gray fur.

“Hey, Mr. Darcy. Today I become official. No more training wheels. So you’re going to have to step up your game too.

I’ll let you know as soon as Grans gives me my first official assignment. We can figure it out together.”

Mr. Darcy wiggled out of her arms and ran out of the room.

“So that’s a no?” Mia called after him, laughing as she went to get ready for the day.

The smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls filled the kitchen when Mia entered the room. Abigail was alone for now. She smiled at Mia as she sat down at the table. “It’s a big day for you. I thought you might sleep in.”

“Buddy and Mr. Darcy were conversing at my window.” Mia sipped the coffee Abigail gave her. “Have you seen Trent?”

“He and Levi went for a run this morning. We have specific instructions not to leave the house and . . .”

Mia held up a hand. “Don’t take candy from strangers.”

“Well, his exact words were, ‘Don’t let strangers in the house.’ But you get the message.” Abigail handed her a plate with a huge cinnamon roll. “I took coffee, orange juice, and two rolls down to Finn already. She’s an early bird like us.”

“She’s a strong person for being so young.” Mia considered the conversation they’d had about her family last night. “I hope Grans can find some living relatives for her in town.”

“Doesn’t she have a cousin?” Abigail sat and started eating a roll.

“I thought that was an excuse to get out of the house without us feeling sorry for her?” Mia glanced at Abigail. “Have you seen this cousin?”

“A man came to get her a few nights ago in a nicer car. I figured it was her cousin.” Abigail sighed and put down her fork. “I messed up by mentioning the Goddess last night, didn’t I?”

“It’s fine. I’m sure she just thinks you’re an emotional drunk.” Mia smiled and waited for the reaction.

“I had two glasses of wine last night.” Abigail snorted. “But her thinking that may be what’s best. Anyway, I need to get baking. What do you want for dinner? It’s your special day.”

“I feel like I’m five, but I’d love your shrimp pasta. Do I get the red plate?” At home, Mia’s mom had a red plate that declared the person eating off it was special. Funny, she hadn’t thought about that plate for years.

“Oh, good idea. I’ll ask Thomas to bring ours when he comes over for dinner. Do you want him and Steve at your ceremony?” Abigail asked, her tone casual.

Mia knew the question was less than casual.

The Majors family was going to be her family if she and Trent got married.

Or when they got married. She might not like Steve so far, but maybe he had a softer side that he showed when he wasn’t trying to keep his brother out of jail. “Sure. That would be great.”

“If you added a bit more enthusiasm, I might believe you. Think of it as practicing for all the family dinners we’ll have together. And don’t worry, all my kids fight at one time or another. Not liking Steve isn’t uncommon at the table.”