by Cate Masters
“If I can ever repay you in any way—”
“No,” Joss said. “It’s not necessary.”
Her answer left him more helpless than yesterday. More pathetic. Of course these incredible women didn’t need anything from him. If anything, he’d be back groveling for help.
With a nod, he ducked his head and trod to his truck. The engine started on the first turn of the key. With no other reason to stay, he backed onto the road and drove the short stretch to the parking lot of his practice.
* * * *
“It’s not over.” Gram stood beside Joss outside, watching Eric’s truck wind down the driveway.
Joss feared it too. “Is he safe?” She hated to let him leave the inn.
“For now. We’ll need to take more aggressive measures to make sure he stays that way.”
Oh no. Joss knew the dangers of such measures, to her business at least. Gossip was the most minor, and the worst would be a label befitting the level of paranoia. Not quite The Amityville Horror, but enough for people to avoid the inn. It could ruin her community standing, and the inn.
“Are you sure it’s necessary?” Eric would never look at her the same. He left in such a hurry today, she wondered if he’d ever come back.
“Don’t worry, darling.” Lydia walked toward the inn. “Nothing anyone else will notice. But we do need to act quickly.”
Gram nodded. “We missed an opportunity to block their activity at Beltane.”
May Day. To anyone else, the first of May was an opportunity to celebrate spring. According to Gram, humans could come to harm if they didn’t perform the annual ritual to protect crops and herds. Joss laughed to herself. Wonder if I could convince Annie to bake some Beltane oatmeal cakes? Enough for all of Boiling Springs? No, probably not.
She hurried to catch up to Gram at the back steps. “Please tell me it’s nothing outrageous.” In second grade, she’d lost most of her friends after revealing some of her grandmother’s secrets during show and tell.
Before going inside, Gram turned long enough to say, “Leave it to us.”
Luckily, Annie had blasted the radio and hummed along with the tune. She smiled when they entered. “So, he didn’t need to fix the truck after all.”
“Who?” It dawned too late. Eric. “Oh, right. He probably just flooded the engine last night.”
“So he didn’t need to stay.” Annie held a finger to her cheek. “Where did he sleep? Only two rooms were used.”
Gram busied herself filling the kettle and putting it on the stove.
Heat prickled Joss’s neck. How to explain? “He wasn’t well so I let him stay in my room.” She wouldn’t lie and say she’d stayed in Kyle’s.
Annie seemed to read Joss’s reluctance to answer any more questions. At the timer’s ding, she opened the oven door. “Anyone want muffins? I found the most beautiful blueberries at the market yesterday.”
Thank you. Joss wanted to hug her, and explain. Maybe someday, when it was a distant memory. “Sounds delicious.”
“They would be perfect,” Gram said, “for a Fourth of July celebration.”
“You’re right.” In typical Lydia fashion, she gazed up and splayed her fingers. “It would announce to the world that Lavender Hill Inn is open for business.”
Pinching the top of the muffin, Joss popped the hot, fruity bit into her mouth. “We’ve been open for business since last summer.”
Gram arched a brow. “Of course, dear, but this would make a definitive statement.”
Like her grandmother’s pointed glare. Something was up, and Joss wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
Annie joined them at the island, munching. “Yep, we’re wide open. Didn’t you invite them to our event? It’ll be exactly what we need to kick off the summer season.”
“Exactly. Such a smart girl.” Gram beamed at Annie.
Joss knew her grandmother had her own strategy. If not during the Fourth of July, her family would think of some other way to pull off their plan. Hiding in plain sight might be the best answer.
“You always know best, Gram.” Joss may not have her grandmother’s power, but she possessed magic of another kind, one that suited her in the world she’d created for herself. She could plan a party to beat Hell. With Gram’s help, they could do it literally.
* * * *
The steady lineup of patients helped occupy Eric’s mind. Not enough to block the vivid memories of the last few days. Like a horror movie on endless replay, the images returned in flashes when he least expected it, akin to an LSD trip. He might be writing in a chart, and Sheree’s twisted features loomed on the page. Or he’d step into an exam room, and a hissing, feline face resembled her too.
Mid-afternoon, the flashbacks inexplicably faded. His nerves loosened, no longer bound by fear. Something had changed. Though he couldn’t pinpoint what, exactly, he was grateful for it nonetheless. By dusk, the waking nightmare had ended. No Sheree in his head for hours.
Thoughts of Joss still came unbidden for another reason. Visions of her in that dream place, a soft white aura heightening her natural glow. Her presence as he slept hadn’t tripped his subconscious to awaken. Too bad. Then he could have remained aware of every moment he laid beside her, and listened to her hushed breaths. After seeing her in all her glory, he might have been too stunned to kiss her. Then again, how could he have resisted? If he could relive the time he’d spent with her, he’d endure the illness and pain all over again.
Outside, the twinkling orbs nestled in branches of trees, surrounding his practice and house. Their presence comforted him, and for the first night in nearly a week, he went to bed knowing he’d rest without fear, though not undisturbed. His dream had seemed so real, and yet surreal. Joss had appeared nothing short of glorious. Even after he’d awakened, she’d seemed different somehow, but nothing he could pinpoint. Yesterday had blurred the line separating reality and dreams, and all he could say for sure was that he no longer suffered pain. Not a physical sort.
He ached for Joss all night.
Chapter 15
The list was daunting, yet with each item Joss read off, Annie replied, “Check.”
After her friend confirmed the final item, Joss scanned the list. “And we didn’t miss anything?”
Washing her cup, Annie shook her head. “Nope. We covered everything. It’s going to be easy peasy.”
Dread numbed her as she paced, glancing at every detail. “Don’t jinx it.” Or Gram and Aunt Lydia would. She almost looked forward to the event so they’d go home.
Annie feigned a pout. “It’s true.”
“It makes me nervous not having time for RSVPs.” She’d always put stock in going with the flow rather than planning, one reason John would have frowned on her purchase of the inn. This once, she’d like to have an idea of what to expect. Nervousness quelled any notion of what was to come.
“Open houses don’t ask for RSVPs. People come and go as they please. A steady stream.” Annie’s arm mimed the flow in and out, in and out.
“A steady stream,” she repeated like a mantra. If it were possible to will every person in town to attend, Joss’s fervent chant would bring them. With the exception of the waitress. She could do without a possessed guest, even if it meant two for the price of one.
A thought struck her. Of course. Tom’s irritating presence had become grating because he, too, had been affected. Willingly or not, the trainer had been marked, though he appeared not to fight against it. Tom, Sheree—how many others?
With a deep breath, she gave it over to whatever power controlled such things. “No use worrying. We’ve done everything we can.” For now.
“Right.” Annie arranged the towel on the oven door. “Exactly why I’m going home, and you’re going to bed, so we can be rested and beautiful for tomorrow.”
“I don’t know about beautiful.” Joss chuckled, silently adding or rested. Party details would fly into her brain overnight and squawk l
ike crows.
Annie narrowed one eye. “You bought a new outfit, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Another expense she regretted, but appearances counted. Especially since she’d be making a first impression on some. And a last on unseen others.
With a definitive nod, Annie grabbed her handbag. “Good. Then we’ll knock ’em dead.”
Joss repressed a shudder. “Let’s hope so.” For some, literally.
When a knock sounded at the front door, Joss froze. “No one’s booked for tonight, are they?”
“No.” Annie appeared as puzzled as Joss.
She hurried to open it, and surprise choked her words.
“Hi, Mom.” Kyle shifted his duffle bag.
With a laugh, she hugged him. “Why are you knocking? This is your home now, too.”
Stepping inside, he hesitated in the foyer. “I probably should have called.”
“No, there’s always a room for you here. Sorry it’s a mess. We’ve been so busy getting ready for tomorrow.”
Annie squealed. “Ooh, you’re here. Now everything’s perfect.” She rushed, arms open and rocked him.
Her son’s gaze rolled across the foyer into the adjoining rooms. “Looks great.”
“Your bag’s small.”
“Yeah, I’m only staying overnight.”
“Oh.” She forced a smile. Not much time for catching up. Then again, the sooner he left, the sooner he’d be out of harm’s way. “Are you hungry? We have plenty of food.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “I’ll make you a plate. You can be our first unbiased taste tester.” She beckoned him to the kitchen.
“Unbiased?” Her son laughed. “Is she kidding?”
“Better not argue.” Joss linked her arm in his.
Kyle endured Annie’s fussing good naturedly, as he always did. His cell phone vibrated many times. Only once he checked the display. Friends? Girlfriends? She hoped he wouldn’t settle down too quickly. He had so much passion, yet lacked focus. The right girl would complement him, help him find his way through life.
For now, Joss reveled in the surprise of having him at the inn. One night was too short. Time mattered most when valued. And she treasured having him for however long.
From the foyer, nine chimes sounded.
Kyle chuckled. “Nine? It’s eleven. You should have gotten rid of that weird clock.”
She wondered if she shouldn’t have placed it somewhere less conspicuous. But it was so beautiful, and everyone admired it. Until it struck the wrong hour. “Never. You know your great grandfather hand-carved it.”
“I know.” Waving in surrender, he carried his plate to the sink. “I’m overdue for some sleep.”
With a quick kiss to her cheek, he murmured, “Good night.” On his way out, he held a hand to his stomach. “Great food, Annie, as always.”
Annie called good night after Kyle, then turned her smile on Joss. “I’ve stuffed our boy to the gills. Mission accomplished. I better go.”
Joss followed her friend to the door and waved as the car pulled away. Two honks of the horn answered, and bolstered her. They had both invested everything in this. It had to work.
The breeze carried a scent of lavender, and she inhaled deeply, hoping its calming attributes would take effect. Below the field, crackles interrupted the usual steady hum of energy. Even the ley line was restless. She walked to the sprawling side patio and stood on its edge. The solar lights lent a homey atmosphere, and she imagined people sitting at the teak tables tomorrow. Overhead, stars shone crisp in the indigo sky, and the Milky Way glowed faint. A good sign.
Shimmering shapes covered the field like a glittering mist. They were extra busy tonight, here and at Eric’s. Gram must have spoken to them and enlisted their aid.
“This is going to pay off, John.” She’d used every last bit of what he’d left her. Despite the fact the inn sat on a ley line, or the fae returned to her life, he had to approve. For once.
The stars glimmered more brightly for a moment and winked in answer.
* * * *
The sun barely topped the horizon when Eric tied his running shoes, stretched by the back door and then ran at a steady pace down the road. Near the inn, he halted at the house. A light shone in the summer kitchen. Joss must be working, at such an early hour. Her whirlwind energy amazed him. Paralyzed him with its speed and intensity, which swept him up, out of the depths of grief into her light and laughter.
Exactly what he needed.
A memory teased at the back of his mind, something he couldn’t quite place. Joss had done more for him, something amazing. Hard as he tried, he couldn’t remember what.
The sign outside the inn announced a Fourth of July picnic. Maybe he’d go for awhile. It was an open invitation, after all. He hated being home on a holiday. Alone. He also avoided family picnics.
Besides, he needed another taste of the lavender lemonade. Refreshing and different, it had comforted him last time. In fact, he’d relaxed for the first time in much too long. The rest of the day was a blur, yet seemed to end well. He squinted as if to force a clearer memory, but it eluded him.
He wanted to go, he decided. If only to be near her.
He took off at a run, suddenly lighter.
* * * *
A zephyr of a breeze billowed the sheer white curtain lit with sunshine. Rising, Joss stretched and went to the window. The world had come into bloom. The emerald green grass set off the vivid purple flowers in the field beyond. In the garden leading to the stone bridge, butterflies sipped at the phlox, and hummingbirds dipped their long beaks into the orange buds of the woody trumpet vine climbing the archway. The house’s new paint reflected the sun’s rays, and she imagined the house practically radiating its welcome atop the hill. Lavender Hill.
Time for her life to come into bloom as well. Happiness buoyed her as she readied.
Annie’s exuberance filled the kitchen when she flung open the door. “Today’s going to be incredible–the start of a whole new era.”
“Morning.” Joss smiled at Annie, Gram, and Lydia.
From her perch on the kitchen stool, Lydia’s smile froze, and her gaze crawled down Joss’s length. “You’re not wearing work clothes today, are you?”
Joss chuckled. “No, I’ll change before one. I didn’t want to wrinkle my good outfit. I’m going to make tea this morning in the summer kitchen, and you know what a klutz I am.”
The grandfather clock’s five chimes prompted her to check the oven clock. “Nine already.” Plenty of time, she told herself, but still hurried outside, waving at Gram’s call to let her know if she needed help.
She primped the sprigs of mint and lemon thyme as she watered the rows of plants on the counter. The summer kitchen’s wide windows allowed ample sunlight for growing the herbs, essential for the lavender lemonade she intended to be one of the inn’s signature offerings. The fresh-grown basil, parsley, thyme, and other herbs, Annie expertly added to the inn’s nightly dishes.
After fashioning several large tea balls from lavender, Joss carried one inside and filled a pot with water to begin the first batch. Annie hummed along with the radio, swaying her hips with the soft rock music. Diana Ross’s velvet vocalization filled the kitchen. The rhythm coursed through Joss and she let her body move in time. Humming gave way to lyrics, and she raised the spoon to her mouth like a microphone, rolled her shoulders with the beat and sang. The words poured out as if she herself had written them. She’d finally broken out of her shell for the world to see. No more hiding the real Jocelyn Gibson. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so fulfilled, so happy.
Annie danced to her side and sang into the spoon too. At the end of the song, they doubled with laughter. Joss’s hiccupped to a stop when she turned.
In the doorway, Eric Hendricks stood, mouth agape. Now he thinks I’m plain silly. Dark circles beneath his eyes spoke of his sleepless night.
“Hi. I didn’t hear y
ou come in.” Joss smoothed her T-shirt, her palm settling on her fluttering stomach.
With a look of remorse, Annie lowered the radio volume.
“Hello. Sorry.” Appearing baffled, he stared. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
The pulsing took up residence in her blood stream and turned electric. “You’re not. We’re getting ready for our open house.”
“Right, the sign caught my eye. I came to check Maya’s hoof and decided to stop in.”
Making calls on a holiday? Joss kept the question to herself. Her tingling senses argued otherwise.
“Wonderful,” Annie gushed. “Our first guest. Offer him some food.” She nudged Joss forward.
“Please. Try something.” With a nervous laugh, she lifted the nearest tray and held it out.
Hunger in his gaze, he stared at the plate. “I don’t want to ruin your work.”
“We cooked it for people to eat. Go ahead.”
As he reached for a canapé, she noticed his long, thin fingers as they pinched the mushroom cap in a sensuous motion. Beautiful hands with a tantalizing touch. When he brought the button to his mouth, the lightning along her nerve endings zipped through her belly to her hardening nipples. Her own lips parted in anticipation, and she found herself shifting closer, drawn to his earthy smell, like a meadow after a thunderstorm. Exhilarating and calming.
“Excellent.” His gaze met hers, fell to her mouth and he swallowed hard.
“You’re boiling.” A twinkle in her eye, Annie nudged Joss.
“What?” Realizing how close he stood, Joss stepped back and returned the tray to the counter top.
“Your water for the tea.” Annie inclined her head to the steaming pot on the stove.
“Oh, right.” Joss turned off the burner and dropped the tea ball into the churning water, which then took on a rosy hue.
Eleven chimes sounded, and Eric glanced at his wrist watch. “Eleven already.”
“No, it’s only…eleven,” she said in wonder as she checked the time. The correct time. Again. Stunned, she snapped her mouth closed.
His brows twitched together in confusion. “Right, the clock just chimed.”
