Page 17 of Sweeter than Honey

“I guess it might not be a bad idea,” Damien says with a shrug. “It could be interesting for the witch covens to hear different perspectives.”

“Xia, you and I could host a broomstick-riding competition,” Amara says, gesturing toward her.

Xia sighs. “Ok, fine. But Astrid has to participate too.”

The evil witch beside her raises a tentative eyebrow. While she doesn’t appear too excited about the conference, she seems to enjoy the horrified expression on Lavinia’s face. “Well, I suppose as a favour to Rita…”

“That’s settled!” Amrita says. “A witch conference, this summer.”

“We can do it at the hotel!” Amara says. “What do you think, Celine?”

My stomach drops. “Wait, what?”

“Of course,” Celine says, with a pointed glare in my direction. “We’d be glad to host your witch conference at the Respite hotel. Nothing is more important to us than the cohesion of the magical community.”

“Really?Nothing?” I whisper angrily.

She elbows me sharply in the ribs. “Just let us know the date, Amrita.”

Frustration flares inside me, but I bite my tongue. From the expression on my sister’s face, and the eager responses of the witches around us, I know that I’ve lost this battle.

“Fine,” I growl, putting my phone back in my pocket.

Chapter 7: Make sure he doesn't get into any trouble

Lily

My phone buzzes insistently. I take it out of my pocket with one hand, as the other hand shovels cereal into my mouth.

I know, I know. Cereal for dinner. Again. But I had a long nap on the couch with Eli before my shift, so I’m calling this breakfast.

It’s an email from Chelsie. I realize I probably shouldn’t have work email on my phone, but there’s always so much going on at the hotel at all hours, so it’s hard not to stay plugged in.

Lily, do you have the number for that company that removes bloodstains? Thanks in advance! Chels

That could mean a lot of different things. But it’s the daytime, so it’s probably not a party of vampire guests. I wonder if that’s better, or worse.

I type back, as quickly as I can with one hand.

I’ll forward you the email. Ask for Geri, she’s excellent, and very fast. Cheers, Lily.

“Mama!” Eli says, from underneath the table. “I lost the loop-loops!”

“Fruitloops,” I correct, putting my phone down and checking on him. He’s underneath the table, collecting dusty fruit loops from the ground. Ireallyneed to vacuum more often. “Honey, don’t eat food off the ground.”

“Five second rule!” he declares.

“Who told you about the five second rule?”

My phone buzzes again. It’s Xia.

Hey Lily, at sunset, could you make sure Damien reads the shift report I left for him? I’m clocking out, and I want to make sure he gets it when he starts. X

I type with one hand, while peeling Eli off the floor with the other.

Yes, of course Xia! Have a nice evening. Warmly, Lily

With a sigh, I deposit my phone in my pocket and my five-year-old back in his chair. He face-plants himself into his cereal bowl.