Legacy of Magic

by Denise Carbo

  Once in her room she couldn’t help but glance out the window and watch as the lights next door turned on one by one. When the bedroom light came on, she took a quick step back and darted away. No way was she going to be caught spying on him again.

  While she undressed and readied for bed she wondered if he would ask her out again, and what her answer would be. An instant, hard no didn’t manifest, and that worried her. She couldn’t fall for Finn. He was all wrong for her.

  Wasn’t he?

  ****

  He stood in the shadows. The night shrouded his presence. He’d watched as they weaved through the crowds, hands entwined, and followed from a distance as the couple laughed and shared a messy treat together.

  His phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen to identify the caller. A grimace tightened his features.

  He answered it silently.

  “Report.” The broken voice sent a chill down his spine as it always did.

  He glanced back to the couple. “There might be a complication.”

  “Unacceptable. Time is of the essence. Eliminate any complications.”

  He waited too long to reply.

  “Understood?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do not fail me.” The call was severed. Failure would bring hell down on his head. His conflicted feelings weren’t strong enough for personal sacrifice.

  Sebastian turned and walked away.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Dang, that’s one hot looking piece of man candy.”

  Cory peeked over her friend’s shoulder out of the kitchen window. Finn was mowing the lawn, shirtless and in cutoff jeans. His tan body glistened under the sizzling summer sun. She had no idea he was so ripped. Sure, she had felt the solid length of him that one time, but not how muscular. Granted she’d been distracted by other things.

  “I bet your landscaper’s client list is all women. Well…probably a few men too.”

  Cory cleared her throat and stepped back from the window. “He’s not the landscaper.”

  Melanie looked back over her shoulder at her.

  “That’s Finn, the neighbor.”

  Melanie opened her mouth to speak, closed it, and glanced back at Finn before turning completely around and leaning against the sink with her arms crossed. “That’s the infamous neighbor? How could you turn him down? I don’t care how annoying he could be. For a chance to get my hands on that, I could ignore quite a bit.”

  Cory laughed and shook her head before continuing to put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher. “Mel, I’ve really missed you. I’m so glad you are here for a visit. I just wish it was longer than the weekend though.”

  Melanie had surprised her with a phone call earlier in the week to ask if it was okay to come up for the weekend. Cory had replied wholeheartedly in the affirmative. She’d missed her friend. Phone calls weren’t the same as face to face.

  Aunt Addy wandered into the kitchen from her bedroom. After sharing breakfast with them, she had gone to get dressed for the day. The whine of the lawnmower prompted her to peer out the window. “Oh, Finnegan is taking care of the lawn. It’s so warm today. Coralea, would you fetch him some water?”

  “I’ll do it.” Melanie grabbed a glass and filled it with cold water from the refrigerator.

  Cory tried not to smirk as Melanie darted out the door.

  “Oh dear, you should go with her and properly introduce them, don’t you think?”

  She started to reply that Melanie was more than capable of introducing herself, but then changed her mind and followed behind her friend.

  “Invite him in to rest too, maybe have a bite to eat,” her aunt called out behind her.

  Cory approached them slowly with her arms wrapped around her waist. Finn had shut off the mower and smiled down at Melanie before gulping down the glass of water. Melanie stood within inches of him, watching his every move.

  “Good morning, Finn. This is my friend, Melanie. She’s visiting for the weekend.”

  Finn spared her a glance before turning back to Melanie. A slow grin spread across his face. “Nice to meet you, Melanie. I appreciate the water. Thanks.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Aunt Addy wants to know if you’re hungry or would like to come in and rest.”

  He didn’t take his gaze off Melanie smiling up at him. “Thank her for me, but I want to finish this before it gets any hotter.”

  “You should come in after you’re finished,” Melanie practically purred when she spoke to him. She’d witnessed Melanie flirt before and it had always entertained her.

  It wasn’t entertaining her this time. Her shoulders grew tight. She didn’t like it—at all. What the hell was the matter with her? Was she worried about her friend, or was she actually jealous?

  “Maybe I can stop by later. I’ve got some things to take care of first.”

  “Oh, well, I hope I get to see you again before I leave tomorrow.”

  “I’ll make sure to stop by before then.”

  Melanie took the glass from him, trailing her fingers over the top of his hand as she did so. “Make sure you do.” She smiled and sauntered back to the house, putting an exaggerated sway to her steps.

  Cory glanced at Finn. Yup, he was appreciating the view. He met her gaze. “Nice friend you have there, princess.”

  She wanted to snap back off but managed to bite back the words. Instead she forced a smile. “Thank you for mowing the lawn.”

  He winked and climbed back on the riding lawn mower. Cory walked back to the house. She didn’t hear the mower start so she glanced over her shoulder. He sat there watching her. When she met his gaze, he smiled and only then did he start the mower.

  A slight tingle of pleasure danced up her spine. She squashed it like a bug. Damn it, she would not be happy he checked her out. Especially after he had just done the same to her friend.

  Entering the kitchen, the sound of Melanie and her aunt chatting about furniture drifted from the living room. She walked down the hall and peeked in the door.

  “Cory, your aunt was just telling me about the antique store in town. Could we go there today?”

  “Sure, which one? There’s a couple of them aren’t there?” She looked at her aunt for confirmation.

  “Yes, but I think the one on main street is the best choice for what Melanie is looking for. They always have a nice selection of antique baking molds.”

  “Okay, we’ll go and have lunch in town. You’ll come with us, won’t you?”

  Her aunt waved her hand in dismissal. “You should visit with your friend. I can go anytime.”

  Melanie rested her hand on Aunt Addy’s shoulder. “Oh, please come, Cory has no interest in antiques. I’ve dragged her with me before, and she always wanders outside making me feel rushed.”

  “Mel, I don’t do it to rush you. I just have more interest in what’s outside, than inside usually.”

  Her aunt chuckled. “Well, if you’re both sure.”

  They both answered in unison. “Yes.”

  ****

  A plaque proclaiming, “Built in 1756,” was displayed next to the front door of the large blue colonial house the antique store occupied. Wide plank floors, small rooms, multiple fireplaces, and low ceilings spanned the lower level. Each of the rooms had a theme of items displayed which corresponded to the room they were once used for.

  The front room on the right was decorated with living room items. Twin tall bookshelves inhabited one corner of the room. Books, were mixed in with various knickknacks. A curio cabinet sat in the opposite corner filled with fragile, porcelain figurines. Antique settees sat back to back in the center of the room. An assortment of cast iron implements was displayed around the fireplace.

  The dining room held two tables set with antique dishes, glassware, and utensils. Three hutches in the room held more dishes and linens. An antique wooden ladder propped in the corner had lace doilies draped over the rungs.

  Melanie peeked in each room,
but quickly made her way to the kitchen. She and Aunt Addy began to ooh and ahh over the miscellaneous items offered. Cory trailed behind them into the kitchen, caught a whiff of banana bread and hunted for the source. A burning candle amidst a display of handmade candles gave out the aroma.

  An older woman briskly approached them. A navy ankle length skirt and gray blouse adorned her trim figure.

  Aunt Addy turned and greeted her with a smile. “Margie, how are you? This is my niece, Coralea, and her friend, Melanie.”

  Cory shook the offered hand and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  The three conversed while Cory meandered from room to room. She travelled the circuit of the lower level and stopped in a room next to the kitchen. Antique tools, lanterns, a few wagon wheels, and even what looked like some antique boat items decorated the walls and tables.

  Margie entered the room and stood in the doorway with her hands clasped in front of her. “This is what I refer to as the outside room. Is there anything I can show you, or any questions you might have?”

  Cory gave her an absent smile and shook her head. “I’m afraid my aunt and friend are the antique lovers.”

  “You prefer more modern décor?”

  “No, that’s not it. I don’t prefer any type of décor over another. I never had much interest. As long as it is functional, I’m content.”

  “Everyone has different interests. What does interest you?”

  Stopping to look at a grouping of weathervanes, Cory pondered the answer. “I guess the immediate answer would be plants. I work at The Tulip Tree Greenhouses.”

  “Oh, of course, I hadn’t put it together. You work for June and Alec. June has been raving about you.”

  Cory smiled. “That’s good to hear. They’re wonderful people, and I love working there.”

  “You know, I got these nature drawings the other day from an estate sale. I haven’t put them out yet. Care to have a look?”

  “If it isn’t any trouble.”

  “None at all. Just a moment.” Margie disappeared out of the room. The sound of her tread up the creaky stairs and overhead echoed throughout the old building. Cory regretted the momentary show of interest because now she felt obligated to purchase one.

  Margie returned with a handful of pictures of varying sizes. “I plan to frame them, but I haven’t had the chance yet.” They both looked up as Aunt Addy called from the other room for Margie. “Go ahead and look through them to see if there’s anything that appeals to you.” She handed them to Cory and left the room to assist the pair.

  Cory shifted through the pictures. Various mediums were used to portray trees, flowers, and vegetables. She paused at a watercolor of a giant oak tree. A sense of recognition gripped her, but she didn’t know why. She gently searched the front and back for some identification or clue, but there was nothing. Glancing at the rest produced no further clues or the same feeling. Joining everyone in the kitchen, she couldn’t help but smile as Margie carefully wrapped Melanie’s various purchases.

  “Looks like you’re buying out the place.”

  Melanie chuckled. “You laugh, but this is me showing restraint. If my car was bigger, I’d be filling it with furniture too.”

  “I can always arrange shipping.” Margie offered a wide smile as she wrapped the last piece and placed it in a box.

  Melanie pursed her lips. “Do you have a card?”

  “Of course.” Margie handed her a business card as Melanie handed over her credit card.

  “What do you have there, Coralea?”

  “Some plant drawings and paintings.” She directed her attention to Margie. “How much for this oak painting?”

  Margie walked over and took the remaining pictures from her and tilted her head. “Would twenty-five work for you? If you want me to frame it, it will be more of course.”

  Cory had some definite ideas about what she wanted for a frame. “Would you take twenty? I’ll take it as it is.”

  “Sold.”

  Melanie chuckled. “See Cory, antiquing isn’t so bad.”

  They finished paying and exited the store to load everything into Cory’s car.

  Sebastian leaned against the trunk.

  “I’ll take one of him too,” Melanie whispered. “Let me guess, he’s the lawyer?”

  Cory nodded as Sebastian straightened and strolled forward. “I saw your car but wasn’t sure which building you had disappeared into. Here let me take those.”

  He took the packages from Melanie while she beamed up at him.

  “Hello Sebastian, what a pleasant surprise.”

  “Hello Adelaide, how are you today?”

  “Just fine. We’ve been shopping as you can see.”

  His hazel gaze landed on Cory. “Hello Coralea, it doesn’t look like you found much, unless some of these are yours?” He lifted the boxes slightly.

  “Actually, those are all mine.” Melanie interjected with a flutter of her eyelashes.

  “This is my friend, Melanie, she’s visiting from New Jersey. Melanie, this is Sebastian. He’s Aunt Addy’s lawyer.”

  Sebastian only nodded a greeting due to his full hands and smiled at Cory. “I hope I’m a friend too.”

  “Of course, you are, dear. Why don’t we go to the car so Sebastian can put those boxes down?” Her aunt started walking to the car, and they all fell in line with her. Cory opened the trunk for Sebastian to set everything down.

  She clenched her fist around the keys in her hand.

  He had the same glow or aura she did. Perhaps it was a trick of the sunlight. A result of the abrupt change from interior light to outdoors. No, in the shadow of the trunk it was clear.

  Sebastian straightened up and stepped back to close the trunk. Cory couldn’t take her gaze from him. Melanie bumped her shoulder, and she glanced over to see her signaling toward him with her eyes. Cory frowned. What?

  Melanie rolled her eyes. “Sebastian would you care to join us for lunch?”

  “I’d love to accompany such lovely ladies. Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to rest in the car while you young people discuss lunch.” Her aunt toddled to the passenger door resting a hand on the car for balance and climbed into the vehicle.

  “Me too.” Melanie piped in and got in the car.

  Sebastian smiled. “You must be pleased your friend is visiting. Is she staying long?”

  Cory dragged her gaze to his. What did the aura mean? She had a hard time not stepping forward to examine the shimmering manifestation. She wanted to reach out and try to touch it and see if she felt anything. Was that what caused the power zap the last time they touched?

  “Coralea?”

  “Hmm…oh, sorry. Melanie is here only until tomorrow, unfortunately.”

  “So, where would you like to have lunch? The steakhouse we enjoyed for our dinner date is also open for lunch. If you don’t mind a bit of travel we can head out to the shore, there’s some great seafood restaurants to choose from.”

  “I think it best we stay local. Aunt Addy’s tired.”

  “Of course, then the steakhouse?”

  “Yes, that sounds good. We’ll meet you there.”

  Cory kept glancing in his direction as he got in his car and she entered her own. What did it mean? Did he have power too? Was he a witch? Or did they call males warlocks? Sorcerer? Would that make her a sorceress? There appeared to be many differing opinions on that topic, but in Josephine’s vision she clearly thought of herself as a witch, so that is what she would stick with.

  “What is the verdict, dear?”

  Cory glanced at her aunt as she backed out of the parking space. “The steakhouse. Is that okay?”

  “Yes, of course. Sebastian will be joining us?”

  She nodded and looked in the rearview mirror. Melanie grinned at her. Cory mouthed the word “What?” Melanie just shook her head and continued to grin.

  Only a few moments passed before they arrived at the restaurant. Sebastian opened Aunt Addy’s
door for her and gave her his arm to escort her into the restaurant.

  Melanie whispered to Cory as they walked shoulder to shoulder behind them. “You keep staring at him. You’re interested, of course, who wouldn’t be? The man is a walking GQ advertisement.”

  “Shh.” The last thing she wanted was for Sebastian to overhear and get the wrong impression. She didn’t know how to explain to Melanie why she couldn’t stop staring at him though. Maybe she should confess all to Melanie. She needed to confide in someone. Now was not the time, however.

  They were escorted to a corner table by the hostess. Sebastian seated Aunt Addy, and Melanie took the chair next to her, leaving Cory to sit between her aunt and Sebastian or Melanie and Sebastian. She chose to sit next to Aunt Addy. Melanie would fill any gaps in the conversation, which would allow Cory to think about the possibilities and consequences of Sebastian sharing the same aura as herself.

  She was right. Melanie chatted away with Sebastian and Aunt Addy throughout their meal. Sebastian, however, persistently attempted to include her in the conversation.

  “I’m going to visit the ladies room. Cory, join me?” Melanie stood. Her words were phrased as a question, but her eyes demanded an affirmative answer. Cory stood and followed her friend.

  Once they entered, Melanie quickly checked the stalls to confirm they were alone and then faced her with her hands propped on her hips. “Okay, dish. What’s going on? Are you interested in him, or not? First you couldn’t take your eyes off him, and now you’re ignoring his diligent attempts to engage you in conversation.”

  Cory rubbed her forehead. “I can’t explain right now, but I wasn’t staring because I’m interested in him. I’m not. I mean, he’s a very attractive man, and I was flattered by his attention, but…no.”

  “Okay, you can’t explain now, but later you will fill me in?”