Chapter Five
Rhys
As I walkedtoThe Magic Bean, I told myself it was because I wanted a latte and pastries and not to assuage my curiosity about Savannah. It wasn’t until I turned the corner and stopped in front of the shop that I gave up the pretense.
Since she brought me flowers yesterday, I found that my mind wandered back to her again and again. I wanted to see her and actually talk to her instead of standing across from her and staring at her like a brainless oaf. While I was curious about her aura and the rainbow of colors she radiated, there was more to it than that. I was drawn to her, more than any other woman I’d ever met. Even after the short, one-sided conversation yesterday, I couldn’t stop thinking about her.
When I opened the door to the shop, the scents of coffee and orange wafted out. My mouth watered. I stepped inside and immediately saw Ava behind the counter, smiling at a customer. When her eyes came to me, her smile widened.
“Rhys! It’s great to see you. Do you want something to drink?”
The customer moved on, carrying a steaming mug to a table. I nodded as I approached the counter. “I liked that latte you made me before.”
“Do you want something to eat?” she asked.
“Not right now, thanks.”
I glanced around the shop as she made my drink, surreptitiously looking for Savannah.
She set the cup in front of me and took my money, her purple eyes gleaming with mischief. I was beginning to think it was her default expression. “Are you looking for Savannah?” Her voice was low.
I wanted to deny it, but it was obvious that the witch could see right through me. “Is she here?”
Ava tilted her head toward the niche where she said they did tarot readings and I noticed that the curtains were closed. “She’s doing a reading, but she should be done in a few minutes. She’ll be free for a bit after that.” The witch studied me for a moment. “How do you like the house?”
“It’s comfortable,” I replied, taking a drink from the latte. Flavors burst into my mouth and I immediately took another.
The corner of her mouth hiked up. “Just comfortable?”
I shrugged. “I think that’s the most important aspect of any home, don’t you?”
Ava tilted her head, her eyes narrowing on me. “That’s a good point. Is the garage big enough for your car?”
“I don’t have a car,” I replied, draining the last of my cup.
“You don’t have a car?” Her voice rose as she spoke.
I shrugged. “I don’t really need one.”
“How do you get from one place to another? Or go to the grocery store?”
I looked around, but no one appeared to be paying attention to our conversation. Leaning forward, I answered, “I either walk or use magic.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “You can trace?”
I nodded. The ability to utilize magic to teleport wasn’t common in the supernatural community, but I’d been able to do it since Gaius made me. I found that it came in handy when I needed to get from one place to another quickly. Or to escape my enemies.
“Interesting,” she murmured. “But don’t people notice that or think it’s strange that you don’t have a vehicle?”
I glanced at her. I’d never thought of that before. “I don’t know. I don’t spend much time around other people.”
Ava smiled slyly. “If you’re serious about fitting in with society, you should definitely consider getting one. If you know how to drive, that is.”
“I’ve never driven a vehicle before, but it doesn’t seem that difficult.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “It’s not really, but it is something that requires practice.”
I mulled over her words. I’d never considered purchasing a car before because my energy would have prevented it from running. Something about my power disrupted electrical currents. Until a few months ago. Kerry, the white witch I knew, had sent me an amulet. It contained powerful, old magic and made it possible for me to interact with the world. Now I could watch television, talk on the phone, and ride in a vehicle without causing them to smoke or catch fire. Maybe it was time for me to acquire a more traditional means of transportation.
