Sadly I pile them into a neat stack and leave my office.
As usual, Cassie has a family dinner planned for Sunday evening. This will be the perfect time to tell them the decision I’ve come to.
I’ve avoided Trace all weekend, and I hate it.
I don’t care what I look like, but pride makes me put on a little makeup and pick a nice dress to wear, a black-and-cream-print flowy dress that goes nearly to my ankles. I wear the new booties I bought yesterday. Hot pink lipstick adds some color to my face.
I press a hand to my stomach where a flock of small birds flap their wings. I can do this.
As usual, there is no smell of cooking food when I arrive at Cassie and Joe’s, yet I’m sure she’s conjuring up something amazing. Something I probably won’t be able to eat more than two bites of because my stomach feels like a giant fist is clenching it.
I greet everyone with warm hugs. I’m used to the hugs now. In fact, I like them.
Cassie conjures a glass of wine and hands it to me. “So how was your first week at Dream Homes?”
“Good so far! I’m figuring things out and making plans.”
“That’s wonderful.”
We move into the den for chitchat and predinner snacks. I’ve already tossed back my wine, and I try out my wine witchery with a twirling finger over my glass. Bam! More wine. Beautiful. This should help my nerves.
The topic of the board meeting comes up. Felise and Magan have told Joe and Cassie everything, so I don’t have to say much other than how grateful I was for all the support. There haven’t been any rumors erupting from the board members, which I guess is a good thing, but who knows?
When Trace arrives, my heart leaps and lurches into an unsteady rhythm. I swipe my palms over my dress, my muscles quivering and twitching.
He walks into the den, and his eyes meet mine immediately. The crease between his eyebrows deepens, and his eyes hold questions.
I attempt a weak smile. “Hi.”
He doesn’t smile back. “Hi.”
With the whole family around us, it’s easy to keep my distance from him. During dinner, I poke at my food and pretend to eat while my stomach tosses. I gulp down water for my dry mouth. I wait until we’re all finished eating to gather my nerve and make my speech.
“I have something I need to talk to you all about.”
They all give me blank looks except Trace, who frowns.
“Yesterday after the meeting, I learned that Z-Ziggy Cox threatened to remove Trace’s powers because of the things I did.”
My gaze moves from person to person. Felise covers her eyes with her hand. Magan makes a “yikes” face. Joe’s mouth drops open, and Cassie lowers her chin, blinking. Trace narrows his eyes.
“How did you find that out?” he growls.
I wave a hand. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I told her.” Felise speaks up. “You don’t need to protect me, Romy.” She turns to Trace. “Don’t be pissed. It’s the truth.”
“Good goddess,” Cassie murmurs.
“I can’t believe that.” Joe frowns.
I swallow. “I feel terrible about it. I caused problems for all of you and especially for Trace with the Board of Elders. That’s the last thing I ever wanted to happen.”
“We know that, honey,” Cassie says.
“It made me realize I’m not cut out to be a witch. I k-keep messing up.” I fight to control my shaky voice.
“Romy, you’re not cut out to be a witch… you are a witch.” Joe’s frown deepens.
I forge onward. “I gave this a lot of thought. I’m not going to take my WED exam. So I don’t need to study anymore and I don’t need a tutor.”
They all gape. Then noise erupts as they bombard me with protests.
“What?”
“You can’t quit!”
“Why? That’s insane!”
“Don’t do this!”
“I’m sorry.” I speak above them. “I know I’ve disappointed you. I think this is for the best. For everyone.” I try not to look at Trace, but I can feel his displeasure radiating across the room in scary waves.
“But you won’t have powers if you don’t do that!” Felise cries, hands clasped in front of her.
“I know. It’s better that way.”
“If you don’t do it, you’ll lose your powers forever,” Joe reminds me.
“Yes. It’s okay.” I fix a smile in place. “I lived my whole life without them. It’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” Cassie asks.
“I’m sure.” I suck on my trembling bottom lip, then stand. I wobble a bit. Oops. All that wine. “I should go home now.”
“You can’t drive,” Cassie murmurs.
“I’ll take her home.” Trace’s words cut through the tension. He stands too, his eyes cold and hard, his jaw set.
“Thank you, Trace,” Cassie says.
I want to argue, but I know I can’t drive. “That teleporting would come in handy now,” I say. “I’m sad I’ll never get to do that. Oh well. I’ll get my car tomorrow.”
“Your car will be at your place tomorrow,” Joe says.
Cassie speeds over to me and wraps me in a hug. “Are you okay?” she whispers.
“I’m fine.”
“I’m here for you. I’m not your mom, but I’m a mom and I love you and you can talk to me about anything.”
My heart squeezes. “Thank you. I love you too.”
Felise is next. “Have you really thought about this?”
“Yes. I have.”
She looks like she’s going to cry.
“This sucks,” Magan says, also clearly disturbed.
“It’s fine. I love you both.”
“Love you too.”
Then Joe hugs me. “We need to talk more.”
“I’ve made my decision.” I lift my chin.
“Please. Don’t do anything until we talk.”
I nod reluctantly. “There’s nothing to do, really.”
Trace and I walk out to his truck. I clutch my purse tightly and slide into the passenger seat. When we both have our seat belts on, Trace says, “Hold on.”
I open my mouth to ask why, but before I can, I’m floating through darkness. And then Trace’s car is parked on the street in front of my building.
“You can do it with a car?” I ask, eyes wide.
“Sure.”
“Wow. I had no idea.”
“Romy. What the fuck is going on?”
23
Trace
It didn’t take long for word to get around about Romy’s second meeting with the Board of Elders. Apparently she kicked ass, and not only that, she didn’t do it alone. She had the support of about five hundred women (I think that’s exaggerated) who showed up to support her. Those old dudes were apparently impressed with Romy’s speech but also floored by all the women with her.
I’m so fucking proud of her. It ballooned in my chest, making me smile the rest of the day.