“Oh?” I picked up my menu. “By whom?”
“You, mostly.”
I laughed as the server filled our wine glasses and then left, giving us time to decide.
Keegan raised his glass. “To stolen evenings.”
I clinked mine gently against his. “And borrowed peace.”
The wine was warm and slightly spicy, laced with a floral note I couldn’t quite place. I leaned into it, into the candlelight, the company, and the moment.
It was easy with Keegan.
“I’m leaning toward the roasted root pie,” I said.
Keegan tilted his head. “That’s a verygrounded heroine with secrets.”
“And if I get the caramel apple tart?” I asked.
“That would be considered acharming witch trying to distract someone from their brooding.”
My brows lifted. “Accurate.”
He smirked. “And if I get the buttered leek stew?”
I raised an eyebrow. “That’sgrumpy man with a soft center.”
“Careful, Maeve,” he said. “You’re getting good at reading me.”
“I’m just starting to,” I murmured. “But honestly, I want the spicy chicken wrap.”
He pushed the menu away. “And sirloin for me.”
The server came over and took our orders, and I glanced outside as something tugged at my thoughts.
“I haven’t talked to Celeste in over a week,” I said, quieter now. “She texted me from campus. It was a simple one about a ruined batch of brownies in her dorm kitchen and a final in her lit class she’s dreading. I texted her a quick response, but I keep meaning to call her back to hear her voice. I just…”
Keegan said nothing. He just listened and kept his gaze on mine.
“I’ve barely replied to Skye’s messages,” I continued, trying not to grimace. “She’s pregnant and cranky and probably throwing imaginary hexes at her husband for breathing too loudly. She asked if I was alive and included three skull emojis, which is her way of being sweet.”
Keegan’s mouth twitched. “Always the charming one.”
“She is. But also terrifying. You know, when she wanted me to come here, I had doubts. My mom and ex were always so against this place for their own reasons. Obviously, I now know my mom’s history. No clue about Alex’s issue with Stonewick, other than he thought it was just the idea of it being a tourist town.” I shrugged. “Anyway, I owe Skye so much, and she doesn’t even know it.”
Keegan nodded. “It’s not easy to merge the magical and non-magical worlds, but you’re doing your best.”
I sighed. “It’s so weird that my daughter and best friend know nothing of my new life. Not about the Academy. Not about the Wards. Not even aboutme—not really. They just think I spend my days drinking and selling tea.”
The server delivered our meal, and we thanked her.
“Technically not far off,” Keegan teased.
“What?”
“You know about what you said about drinking and selling tea all day.”
I chuckled and gave him a look. “What’s awful is that if I tried to tell them, they wouldn’t believe it. Or worse, they’d think I’d lost my marbles.”
