“Aww. It’ll be so nice.”
Pearl nodded. “I’m glad my brother is happy.”
“But you’d like to be happy too, right?”
Pearl nodded. “And so would you.”
Mercedes sighed. “A lot of us around here that would like that.”
At least she knew how to solve her dilemma. She was going to rip the bandage off and tell Magnus, for better or for worse, how she felt, how she was supposed to be Yrsa but wasn’t, and just hoped it was enough that he returned her feelings and loved her for who she really was.
Because she spent her whole life not having that.
Not ever.
Chapter
Fifteen
Magnus was so focused on everything. Getting the little nibblies ready for the open house and then making sure the dining room was perfect. Mercedes was there to help, but the moment she touched something, it combusted or erupted, and the dishwasher started whistling bubbles.
“Did you get this machine from Mona?” Mercedes asked.
“Yes.”
“It probably has a name and I can’t touch it.”
Magnus sent her off to fluff pillows in the formal sitting area, where he knew the Sullivans were. Sven had told him that the Sullivans wanted a séance, and that Mercedes seemed very uncomfortable with that.
He hoped the guests didn’t rile her up too much and cause something to go wonky out there, but at least he could have a somewhat calm kitchen and stay away from the crowds. Sven was in charge of letting people tour the place, and all Magnus had to do was periodically bring out a tray of appetizers and amuse-bouches.
Sometimes he’d have a moment to chat with people like Hope and Ogram, or Armen and Raya. There were so many people from Harmony Glen who came. Keeping busy was goodbecause he didn’t think about Mercedes and that he hadn’t told her yet that he loved her.
In fact, since the day in the graveyard and that shared moment when the pillows were exploding, he hadn’t had time to see her. He was busy prepping food and making sure their paying guests were being fed.
Sven was completely in his element showing off the dead-and-breakfast. Magnus was happy that he was happy. It made him feel better to know that this place would be under Sven’s care after he was gone, which Magnus was still having a hard time wrapping his head around.
It was bad enough he had to keep reminding himself not to walk into walls. Especially during the open house. It was also weird not being able to float, and to have a heartbeat.
Finally, when the grand opening was done, he retreated to his apartment in the basement. As he sat down in his easy chair, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” he called out.
Mercedes opened the door tentatively. She had her coat on. “I just came to say goodnight.”
“Goodnight?”
She shrugged. “You seemed tired.”
“I’m not used to being on my feet again for so long.” He stood and went over to her, kissing her lightly on the lips. “I want you to stay.”
“Okay,” she murmured against his lips, wrapping her arms around his waist. “We need to talk.”
“Oh?” he asked, but he knew they did. Why was he suddenly so worried about something he was so sure of?
After shutting the door, she slipped off her coat, then he led her to his couch, where they sat next to each other. She looked nervous as she took his hands.
“I love you,” she stated. “I want you to know that before I tell you what I’m about to tell you.”
