But Bess, whatever it was that put her in his orbit he was grateful for. He wouldn't go as far as to thank some witchy goddess for the introduction by way of magic, but still...
She made him feel not at odds with himself.
He turned around, starting back the way that they had come when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled it out and a grin split his face when he read the text from Bess. It was a screenshot of their text conversation.
The Guy that Won't Stop Talking to Me
24. Town Pitchforks
"Hey sugar," Eloise greeted Bess with a smile and a spatula as she flipped the brie, strawberry, and dark chocolate grilled cheese at the stove. "Want a dessert grilled cheese?"
Bess's nose scrunched up at the thought of cheese and something sweet mingling together between bread. "Is that a serious question?"
"We do not joke about food," Ursula replied. She lifted her own to Bess's mouth.
Bess took a tentative bite, ready to spit it out, but then the burst of fresh strawberry wrapped in melted creamy cheese and a kiss of delicious dark chocolate and sea salt changed her mind.
"I am happy to be proven wrong. I'd love one."
"Hey, new friend?" Ursula asked.
Right, the cat. She still wasn't telling anyone about her hexed stalker.
"Picked him up along the way home from Black Cat." As little lying as possible was necessary. And she didn't feel great about lying to Ursula and Eloise.
"You have homework?""I have a report to finish for tomorrow."
"Ok, eat up and then get to it. Your uncle is coming over in a bit for dessert and a movie."
"And then more dessert," Eloise added with a waggle of her eyebrows.
Bess made a gagging sound and Ursula threw the thin paperback of poetry lying on the island at her.
"Hey! We do not throw books in this house," Eloise laughed.
"Hey, how's Tilly?" Bess asked as she unzipped her backpack.
Eloise looked to Ursula who shrugged. "I haven't seen much of her today. She left early for the inn this morning."
Bess took Ursula's sandwich for another bite. "Anyone ever going to tell me what's going on with her?"
Eloise and Ursula both looked at each other.
"If you say grown-up things I will hex your coffee to always be cold," Bess threatened.
"Diabolical," Eloise replied. Then she sighed. "The chief." She flipped the golden brown sandwich. "They started something, and then she saw him and that Astra woman kissing."
Bess gagged. "The freakishly tall woman with the tight bun that I am sure gives her a perpetual headache? The evil one threatening our existence?"
"That's the one."
"Ew," Bess said and both women nodded in agreement. "That doesn't make sense. He likes Aunt Tilly. Like a lot. I can see it. Every time she's within his sight, it's like he can't help himself but look for her. A lot." She leaned her forearms onto the island adding, "And he's like super intense. So his attention has to feel like a hundred birds looking at you."
Eloise cocked her head and Ursula made a thoughtful face.
"Kind of weird analogy," Eloise said.
