“Having a home is a wonderful thing,” she replied softly, even though she didn’t know what home felt like. She was hoping she had a place here. “We better go before Sven comes back. I’ll put the vacuum away.”
Magnus nodded and kissed her on top of the head. “I better get back down to the kitchen. After I greet the guests.”
“Yes. Sven said they wanted the whole monster experience in Harmony Glen.”
“Right.” Magnus walked right into the wall with a thud. “Hrisungr. I am still not used to that.”
Mercedes giggled. “Sorry, you’re like us mere mortals now.”
He rubbed his nose, winked at her, and walked out the door.
Mercedes picked up the vacuum and took one last look at the pristine guest room. She was proud of her work, and she hoped this grand opening, the open house, and the wedding this weekend would all work out for the best.
After Mercedes madesure everything was cleaned up in the main linen closet, she locked it and saw Sven carrying the suitcase of the two human guests who were following him. If Mercedes had to guess, they were goths. Long dark trench coats, piercings, everything black. Except they seemed overly happy for goths.
“Ah, this is our chambermaid, Mercedes,” Sven announced happily. “Mercedes, these are the first official guests of Room with a Tomb, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan.”
“Hi,” Mrs. Sullivan said brightly. “Are you magical too?”
“Sandy, you can’t ask everyone that,” her husband hissed. “Sorry, we come from an area that’s not really welcoming of the paranormal. We’re planning to relocate to one of the friendlier towns, so we’re on this road trip and staying at each locale for a couple of days.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place. Harmony Glen is one of the happiest, most accepting places I know of, and I’m from the neighboring town of Tallowfield.”
“Is Tallowfield as open as Harmony Glen?” Sandy asked.
“No,” Mercedes said quickly. She didn’t need to drag norms into the ethereal plane. That wouldn’t go well. “There are witching families there, like mine, but they’re not exactly friendly.”
“So you’re a witch?” Sandy asked, clapping her hands. “Oh, how exciting.”
“You might not think so, but I’m not the most adept witch out there. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
She tried to leave, but Sandy blocked her path.
“Do you do séances?” Sandy asked hopefully.
Mercedes was stunned. “A séance?”
“Yes. I thought maybe with this being an old funeral home and you being a witch…”
“No,” Mercedes said quickly. “I don’t. Again, I’m not the greatest.”
She didn’t want to tell the guests she caused explosions, and multiple ones. Mercedes wouldn’t want any kind of harm to come to the Sullivans. That would be all kinds of bad.
“She can see ghosts,” Sven said, which annoyed her.
“You can?” Mr. Sullivan asked. “That’s amazing. Are there ghosts here?”
“Yes,” Mercedes replied hesitantly. “Though none hanging around at the moment. I hope you both enjoy your stay.”
She was finally able to sidestep them while Sven continued on his little tour of Room With a Tomb. Mercedes went down the stairs to tuck her apron away and grab her lunch. When she got to the lobby, a young woman with a very familiar smile and big beautiful lavender eyes awaited.
“Pearl!” Mercedes shouted happily, rushing into her bestie’s arms. “I’ve missed you.”
“And I’ve missed you and everyone.”
“I thought you weren’t going to be home until tomorrow?”
“I got home a bit early. I finished my assignments and Mom was going crazy about Finn and Margaid’s wedding plans. Margaid can’t find a dress.”
