Page 3

I nod. “Consider me your backup.”

Dottie claps excitedly, then wraps me in a big hug. I laugh despite my earlier mood.

Then the bell rings, bringing us back to reality.

"Well, thanks to the Wicked Witches of Oz, I'm starving," Dottie says. "Good thing Granger always cooks enough for an army." She leans over to grab my backpack off the floor and brushes it off before handing it to me. "Let's get to English."

I smile at my friend as I sling it over my shoulder. “At least that class is Wicked Witch free."

Dottie chatters about the games her brothers have planned for tonight as we exit the bathroom with renewed enthusiasm.

A part of me wishes I could take off with Dottie after graduation and explore the world, but at the end of the day, there's no place like home.

Chapter one

Toto

(Present Day)

"The food is delicious, Tory. Especially that cake." Mitzi, my former childhood neighbor, beams as she hands me an envelope.

Petite, even by Munchkinian standards, Mitzi barely reaches my shoulder—and at five-foot-two, I’m hardly towering over anyone.

I was thrilled when Mitzi, one of the Darling family's many nannies, asked me to cater Daniel Darling's fifth birthday party.

But now I’m getting the distinct impression she's trying to get rid of me. The hand planted firmly between my shoulder blades as she practically shoves me out the door is a pretty big clue.

"Since when do you call me Tory?" We grew up together, and I’ve been Toto my whole life.

Mitzi's smile falters, and she glances to the side as if she's worried someone might have overheard me.

Maybe they have a rule about using proper names in this house?

The Darlings are one of Oz’s oldest magical families, with generations of powerful wizards and witches in their bloodline. And if I've learned one thing about the so-called elite, it's that they have a ridiculous number of self-imposed rules.

"Tory is fine," I assure her with a grin. "I'm so glad they liked it. If Mrs. Darling needs any catering for her—"

I yelp as little Daniel flicks his wand, sending a stream of punch straight at my dress.

Mitzi gasps. "I'm so sorry." She gives Daniel's retreating form a tight smile. "Um... let's find you some stain remover."

Glancing over her shoulder, she pulls me into the smaller catering kitchen to our right.

The Darlings live in an enormous mansion in the heart of Emerald City and throw lavish parties on any day that ends in y. Landing one of those catering gigs would be a dream, especially with business dwindling in the last year.

Which is exactly why I jumped at the chance to cater a Darling child's birthday party. Never mind that the parents have yet to make an appearance at their son's big event. A gig's a gig.

"Don't worry about it," I say, dabbing at the red liquid blooming across the fabric. "I only wear things I don’t mind getting dirty, anyway."

Mitzi shuts the door behind us and turns to me, guilt written all over her face. "Look, Toto, I wanted to help you out because our families go way back, but there’s something you should know." She hesitates, drawing in a deep breath. "You're blacklisted in Emerald City."

I stare at my childhood friend, my hand hovering over the now-forgotten stain as I realize why she's purposefully avoided using my nickname the entire time.

"Oh." I don't know what else to say. My entire body has gone numb. I'm not exactly surprised, but it's hard to hear when it’s stated so bluntly.

"When the Darlings gave me cash for the party, I figured I could hire anyone, and they wouldn't know." Mitzi bites her lip, looking uncomfortable.

"Oh. Right. Of course." I force a laugh and wave the envelope at her. "I’m your gal for any future cash-only parties."