“Today social and political movements aim to define and establish the equality of the sexes—political, economic, personal, and social. Women have been treated unjustly. And while I’m happy that strong women witches aren’t being persecuted, I do feel that women in the coven aren’t given equal opportunities. Having strong, empowered witches of all genders will only make the coven stronger and more powerful… and isn’t that what we all want?”
My companions behind me all let out a cheer. For a moment there’s bedlam in the boardroom. Then Ziggy, sitting in the middle of the table, bangs a golden gavel. “Order, order!” he barks. “Have you finished, Ms. Larson?”
I smile. “Almost. I want to add that I know rules are important. We need rules to function. I’m working hard to learn the rules. My intention in creating apps was to be helpful, not harmful. I’ve been juggling a lot of things since I started my tutoring, and I needed ways to be efficient and save time. I think these things could be helpful to all witches, but I don’t intend to push anyone to use tools they’re not comfortable with.” I pause once more, take a breath, and let it out.
“And the last thing I want to say is that Trace has been incredibly supportive and helpful to me. He’s so knowledgeable and patient. Please don’t blame him for any of this. And if you have further concerns about me, please come to me directly. Trace isn’t my keeper. I can speak for myself.”
“Yes, you can, girl!” a voice shouts behind me.
“Thank you for your time and attention today.” I take my seat.
The room breaks out in thundering applause. I turn, my heart brimming with gratitude to these women and relief that I got through it without peeing my pants. I might have cast a small spell to prevent that from happening.
22
Romy
“What are you doing here?” Ziggy greets one of the women as they all rise from their seats and mingle in the room.
My mouth falls open, watching. It’s the girl who picks up Danny from my Saturday morning art classes. She’s a witch too!
“Grandpa.” She hugs him. “Of course I’m here. I one hundred percent support everything Romy said.”
Whoa. She’s Ziggy’s granddaughter!
He studies her with a bemused expression on his face. “Does your mother know you’re here?”
“Yes, she does. And she would have come too, but she had patients booked already.”
Ziggy still stares. “Oh.”
“Listen to Romy.” She pats her grandpa on the chest and turns away. Catching my eye, she smiles and winks, then disappears.
“Let’s go for drinks!” Felise says to me, gripping my hand. “You did fantastic!”
“Thank you.” I inhale a long breath. “A drink sounds great. Maybe ten.”
She rounds up Magan and a few other of their close friends in the thinning crowd, and we leave the skyscraper. “There’s a wine bar just around the corner.” Felise points.
We enter Acapella, a big, modern space with lots of tall windows on the main floor of another office tower. We’re seated at a table for six in front of windows looking into the office building lobby.
“Let’s get a charcuterie board,” Felise suggests, studying the menu. “We can all share it.” She also orders bottles of wine for the table, prosecco, which we’re soon also sharing.
“Congrats to Romy.” Magan picks up her glass in a toast. “You did fantastic today.”
Everyone lifts their glasses, and I feel my cheeks warm. “Thanks, but we should wait and see what happens before congratulating me. I could have made things worse.”
“They know they’re not just dealing with you now,” Saige says.
“That’s right,” Ashlyn puts in.
We talk more about some of the things I mentioned. Saige and Ashlyn haven’t seen my apps, so I show them and they are gratifyingly impressed. After Saige and Ashlyn leave, Felise orders another bottle of wine.
“I’ll be too drunk to get home,” I complain.
“It’s time for you to learn teleporting,” Felise says.
I gape at them. “That’s a thing?”
“Yes, but it’s very advanced.”
“Oh my god, that’s the best thing in the world!”
“You have to choose when to use it,” Magan cautions. “We’ll come with you the first time.”
“Okay! Pour me another glass!”
“You were so brave today,” Magan says, filling my glass. “I’m envious of your strength.”
“Are you kidding me? I was a wreck! And you two are both strong. Trace said—” I stop.
“What?” They both look at me.
“Oh. Um. Trace said that being afraid is a reaction but being brave is a decision.”
“Wow. He’s wise.” Felise purses her lips. “Did you tell him about doing this?”
“Er, yes. But not about everyone else coming with me.”
“He’s probably already heard.” Magan grins. “The witch grapevine is speedy.”
My phone buzzes, and I pick it up. Trace. Biting my lip, I turn my phone facedown and set it back on the table.
“I hope he doesn’t get in any more trouble,” Felise says. “It’s bad enough they threatened to take away his powers last time.”
I choke on my prosecco. “They what?”
“After your interview. Ziggy called him.”
“I know that, but… take away his powers?”
“Yeah… he didn’t mention that?” Felise covers her mouth.
“No! Good God. He said they were upset. I was upset that they called him. But… holy shit, that seems excessive!”
“They won’t do it,” Magan says calmly, but her eyes watch me with interest.
“That’s terrible!” My gaze bounces around the room. Heat slides up into my face, and I tug on the collar of my shirt. My breath comes in short rushes. I can’t believe this. I reach for my phone, then stop myself. “And it’s all my fault!” I press my hands to my hot face. “This is so bad.”
“It’s okay,” Felise says. “Trace doesn’t blame you.” She frowns. “I don’t think he does.”
“Well, he should. I’ve messed up so many things, but this is the worst.” I meet their eyes. “He was totally supportive of me and what I wanted to say.” I drag in a shaky breath as it hits me. “Even if it made things worse for him.” Tears spring to the corners of my eyes. “Oh no.”
Felise and Magan exchange a look, then face me again. “What’s going on with you two?” Felise asks quietly.
“Nothing!” I swipe a finger below my eyes. “He’s just been so good to me, and… and…” I sniff. I can’t cry now. “I feel terrible.”
They shouldn’t know about us. Obviously, they suspect something. Should I tell them?
They’re my sisters. Lying or avoiding things isn’t the way to build a relationship with someone. But… Trace. He doesn’t want them to know.