Chapter 1
Tipsy Thirties
Juniper
Salt twined on the air over the subtle musk of seaweed. I drew the scent deep into my lungs, and something settled inside of my chest. It felt so good to be back in Crescent Cove, even if I was here for a reunion with a family that drove me crazy.
The playful breeze whipped a few strands of my pale hair over my face, and I smoothed them down anxiously. Warm evening light drenched the space in peach and gold, from the bartop tables to the weathered shingle siding.
Past the patio, larger groups dined at tables right on the sand between patches of swaying beach grass. A toweringlighthouse twinkled at the edge of the cove.
Around me, strangers laughed and drank. I’d only lived there a handful of weeks each summer growing up, but it still felt like home. Those were the best weeks of my life.
My thumb rubbed the side of my ring finger unconsciously. It still felt weird to not be wearing a wedding ring, but I had to admit it was nice to travel without Derek there to complain and whine.
A familiar witch with hair the color of amethyst crossed the patio. The recognition and warmth in her heart-shaped face washed away the rest of my nerves. Standing, I opened my arms to hug one of my oldest friends.
“Cat, it’s been way, way too long,” I said, savoring the way she squeezed me back. “We should have done a girls trip or something in the last couple of years. I’ve missed you.”
“It’s good to see you too, Junie.”
Finally, we broke apart. Catherine settled into the seat opposite me, smiling as the sunset kissed her freckles and warmed her azure eyes.
The server approached, and I ordered a bottle of Riesling. It appeared with two chilled wine glasses. We both raised our glasses and clinked them together.
“So tell me everything I’ve missed. Last time we talked, you were starting a new job,” I said, leaning forward to hear my friend better. The beachside bar filled up as the evening darkened.
Catherine cocked her head, her dimples appearing as shepursed her lips. “That’s sort of one of the reasons I’m back. The finance job laid me off, but that’s okay. I can always find another job. And since my aunt needed someone to watch the house and her puppy, it was perfect timing. ”
My fingers squeezed the stem of my glass, a wave of guilt hitting me. As much as I hated my job, at least I had one.
I’d been so focused on my divorce and my awful job, I’d neglected my friend. Reaching across the table, I took her hands and gave them a squeeze.
“I’m really sorry,” I said softly. “The job thing sucks, and I know it’s gotta be hard coming back to that house.”
Her bittersweet smile tore my heart in two. The unspoken truth sat between us. She hadn’t visited Crescent Cove since losing her mother while we were away at college.
“It’s fine, I’m fine, no big deal. I’ve got my aunt’s dog to keep me company,” she said, blinking to clear her glassy eyes.
“Let me know if you need anything.” I meant it. Screw my family reunion, I’d jump to help my friend if she needed it.
Catherine waved her hand, pausing to sip her glass of wine. When her eyes returned to me, they were clear and bright.
“That’s sweet of you, but right now I want to hear about you. You kicked Derek to the curb finally?” Her delicate eyebrows arched.
With a rough exhale, I took a long swig of my wine,rolling the tart flavor over my tongue. Catherine’s eyes narrowed. It had been a few years, but she could read me like we’d never been apart.
Cringing, I confessed.
“Yeah. Actually he filed, not me. But it’s a relief. We gave it a solid four years, and I don’t think we were ever happy.” I raised my glass in cheers. “And the divorce was final last week, so I’m back to being a Beck.”
“Juniper Beck sounds so much nicer than Juniper Mallory anyway,” Catherine said.
“I think so too,” I said, my lips curving in a genuine smile.
Maybe this is what I needed—being around friends. For the first time in months, a warm hopefulness filled me.
Subtly, I drew the pad of my index finger down my water glass to gather the condensation. Rubbing the liquid between my fingers, I reached for that elemental magic buried deep in my soul.
