by Paula Lester
Some tubs weren’t on platforms. They much more resembled Primo’s pit, cut into the bare ground itself. As Cas walked by, she saw that the mud in each one was different. One held sandy-colored and mushy goop, while another featured thick and dark stuff, more like the pit Primo had been in. One even held mud with a slight blue, sparkly tinge.
She found the shower room, and to her surprise, it was quite pleasant. It reminded her of being at a spa. Cas had half-expected shower heads jammed into the sides of a man-made cave. But instead, she was greeted by a faint scent of lavender, gold fixtures, and earth-toned porcelain tiles.
She found a set of light brown linen clothes and a thick, soft towel. Each shower was equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and tiny individual bottles of body soap. Cas had to remind herself partway through that Desi was waiting and it would be rude to indulge in a half-hour-long hot shower.
Thankfully, the green goop washed out of her hair without any problems. After a good ten-minute scrub down, Cas got dressed and made her way back to the main room.
Desi was at the bar drinking something clear and talking to the bartender. As Cas crossed the room toward him, she noticed someone sprawled out on top of a table., She recognized the flannel shirt. It was the drunk guy who’d given them directions earlier. He was passed out, snoring with his mouth wide open.
Cas slipped around the guy’s bare foot and scooted over to Desi. He didn’t turn to face her but more like pecked at the air between them with his chin. It still reminded Cas of an ostrich.
“You look better,” he observed.
“Yeah, green goop isn’t my color. Or texture.” Cas chuckled. “I feel better too.” She pulled a few bills out of her purse and handed them to the bartender. “For the clothes. I just threw the old ones away. You might want to have someone empty the trash can in the women’s shower room because they will definitely stink it up in there.”
The waitress opened her mouth to respond but must’ve thought better of it. She grabbed the money and walked away.
“If you’re ready, I’ll walk with you back to the courser port,” Desi said after he drained his glass.
Cas looked longingly at the empty cup. She could use a drink too, but she didn’t really want to stay in the Dirty Birdie by herself. The passed-out guy on the table groaned and moved onto his side. She’d be home in a few minutes on the courser, anyway. Water—or something stronger—could wait.
It was a short walk back to the shed that served as a courser pad, and while they walked, Desi told Cas again he was sorry things hadn’t worked out with Primo. “But you should give more thought to buying Orange Moon Campground. I’m telling you, it could really be turned into something unique. You could make a killing here!” He beamed at her. “And don’t forget about the Fall Fling tonight. Like I said, you’ll be able to meet loads of people. Maybe you’ll have more luck with your mentor search there.”
Cas nodded. “Like I said—” she started, but the sight of something made her stop mid-sentence.
A familiar car was parked just outside the campground’s main lodge. She saw the Chevy Silverado every day in her next door neighbor’s driveway. What was Graham doing there? Was the inspector done looking at the electric in his new building?
She considered parting ways with Desi and going into the lodge to find Graham, but she decided it wouldn’t be polite. It really wasn’t any of her business what her neighbor did with his time—even if they were dating. And glancing at her watch, she realized more time had gone by than she’d thought. Granted, she had no idea how long it might take for an inspector to do his job. But it was plausible Graham could’ve finished at his other job site. For all she knew, they could be doing work at the campground. Cas eyed the truck and shook her head. Nope, none of her business. There wasn’t a whole lot of time left to get ready for the Fling. She’d better just head on home.
Desi dropped Cas off at home and continued on in the courser alone. Glancing at the time again, she saw that Graham would be there to pick her up in a little over an hour and a half. At least she’d already had her shower. She chuckled and looked down at the new linen outfit. The chances were slim she’d ever wear it in public again. Though the baggy top and bottoms might make for nice gardening gear.
Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up to find a text from Graham: Running late. Sorry. Meet you at the Fling.
Cas bit her lower lip and reread the message a few times. It sent off little red flags in her head. Though she didn’t know it at the time, messages like it had been the beginning of the end for her marriage. Sterling would be busy at the casino or race track. He’d offer excuses and last-minute cancellations all the time. Excuses just like the one she stared at now.
For the second time in an hour, she reminded herself that Graham had never given her a reason to doubt him. He wasn’t her ex-husband.
Echo sauntered into the room, yawning so wide all Cas could see was tiny sharp teeth and a plump pink tongue.
“Hey, cat. How’d you like to be my escort to the Fall Fling tonight? Graham’s going to meet us there.”
“Sounds delightful.”
Echo sounded bored, but what else was new? It took a lot for the cat to get excited about anything. His main activities were napping, eating, and doing who knew what after dark. That’s why she’d had the cat door installed—it had only taken a few knocked over plants from him trying to climb through a window after being out all night.
“I’m not supposed to attend that event, but I’m quite capable of staying out of sight. Maybe I’ll be able to get some tasty dropped party food or find a mouse to chase. You don’t have any mice in your house.”
Though he said it in a reproachful, accusing tone, Cas took it as a compliment. “Why aren’t you supposed to attend the party?”
Echo licked a paw. “You know, this and that.”
“That doesn’t make sense, cat.”
“Shouldn’t you be getting dressed, Cascade?”
Cas decided against a stare down with the cat. He was as obstinate and stubborn as any human. And when Echo got into one of his moods, he was impossible to deal with. “Fine,” she muttered under her breath and headed for the bedroom.
She chose a calf-length orange, red, and brown dress with a wraparound belt and a V-neck and brown ballet flats. Her medium-length brown hair cooperated nicely when she pinned one side up with a red flower barrette, and she added a swipe of red lipstick to her mouth.
Echo met her outside the bedroom. “You look nice. Very autumn-like.” He regarded her through slitted eyelids.
Cas grinned and twirled for him, the flowy bottom of her dress flying out. “That’s what I was going for. Shall we go?”
Echo asked to see the invitation, so he knew where to direct the courser. “Ah. Someplace you’ve been before,” he purred.
Cas gave him a questioning glance, but he remained silent. The courser ride was longer than the one to Orange Moon Campground had been. When they arrived, she brushed cat hair off her lap. Echo darted away and out of sight, and Cas looked around, finding that she did recognize the venue. It was the defunct ski lodge near her half-sister, Tallulah’s house.
She went in the big front door and stepped into the lobby. The last time she’d been there, the air had been stale and warm, but the place had been aired out since then. The layer of dust and grime she remembered being on every surface was gone. In fact, the hardwood floors gleamed as though someone had scrubbed them on their hands and knees, though she knew it was more likely a special cleaning spell that had done the work.
The spiral staircase with its hand-carved wooden rails was as spectacular as she remembered it being. She thought the furniture in each of the cozy sitting areas had been removed and replaced, which was perhaps part of the reason the previous mildew odor was gone. Once again, she admired the large glass wall behind the lobby’s desk. It gleamed until it looked like it wasn’t even there but rather the room just extended past it symmetrically in the other direction. The co
unter had been transformed into a bar for the party with a bartender mixing drinks behind it. Tables and chairs sat scattered all over the place, lovely fall flower arrangements as centerpieces. There were so many tables filled with food that she wondered how many people it would take to eat so much.
The place was already crowded, and Cas didn’t see Graham yet. He was tall enough to spot over most crowds. She really wanted to explore the lodge more, but a smiling woman appeared in front of her as though conjured.
“Hello! Welcome to the Fall Fling.” The woman’s long, toffee colored, straight hair reached her waist. The fringe over her eyes was cut straight across. “I’m Auburn Moss, Mr. Dewman’s lead real estate agent.” She ducked her head a fraction of an inch as if trying to be modest. Turning toward the room at large and waving a hand, Auburn said, “All the properties you’ll see featured here are for sale. Just find me if you have questions about any of them.”
“Thank you. I’ll do that.”
The real estate agent adjusted her bracelet and smiled again. “There’s tons of food, so be sure you eat a lot, and just have a great time. We’re happy to have you here.” She gave a tiny bow at the waist and disappeared back into the crowd.
Cas’ stomach grumbled, and she decided it was time to dive in, find some food, and see what else was going on at the party. She began moving around the periphery of the room. Almost immediately, she came upon a curious sight. A semi-transparent three-dimensional image of a building hovered in the air. Several people stood around studying it and Cas joined them, thoughts of food forgotten for the moment.
“This one’s really nice, but they want too much for it.” A tall man with greenish hair stood next to Cas, studying the hologram. She peered at it closer and saw a number floating in the air above the building. It did seem steep. Glancing around, Cas realized there were multiple similar holograms around the room. So, this was some kind of real estate open house with many properties available to browse at once.
“How interesting,” she said.
The man beside her glanced down and then took a closer look. “Are you Cascade Lorne? The woman who was in all the papers a little while back?”
She turned to face him, wondering if it was possible to be part sprite. He had the colorful hair for one but was about four heads taller than any she’d met before. “I didn’t know I’d been in the papers, but I’m Cascade Lorne.” She held her hand out, and he pumped it with more enthusiasm than she’d been expecting.
“Wow, it’s nice to meet you! I’m Jasper Kernel. I’ve never heard a story like yours before. How’s it going with your newly acquired magic? They say you’re pretty strong.”
Cas smoothed her dress and adjust the purse on her shoulder. It had slipped during the overzealous handshake. “Um. It’s going okay, I guess. I’m still looking for someone to help me learn how to control my magic. As far as being strong, that’s what they tell me too.” She grinned.
“Ah, a mentor. Yes, yes. That’s imperative for you, I should think. Well, do you know your element?” Jasper leaned closer in anticipation of her answer, greenish hair flopping into his eyes.
“I know it’s not earth,” she said and smirked. “Definitely not earth. Other than that, I’m not sure yet.”
“I see. Well, I hope you’re able to figure it out quickly. Can I get you a drink from the bar?”
He looked hopeful, but Cas didn’t want to lead him on. “No, thank you. I’m going to look around at the rest of the properties before I get a drink and some food. I think my date will be here soon. Nice meeting you.”
She moved away and looked around to see where the next hologram was. But between it and Cas was someone she knew—her half-sister, Tallulah North.
Tallulah’s usual style took being overdressed to a new level. Though tonight, Cas had to give her sister credit. l She looked glamorous in a form-fitting, floor-length, burnt orange dress. Her long blond hair was caught in an intricate updo that must have taken a beautician at least two hours to get right. Tallulah held a glass of champagne in her right hand and a small brown clutch in the other. She smiled and fluttered her eyelashes at a tuxedoed man a head shorter than her.
Cas considered darting off in the other direction but then Tallulah’s gaze met hers, and she was caught. If she took off now, it would be rude. Not that her half-sister had any manners, but that didn’t mean Cas had to stoop to the other woman’s level. Cas straightened her spine, lifted her chin, and crossed the short distance to stand in front of Tallulah. “Hey, Lu. How are you?”
As usual, the use of her childhood nickname did nothing to soften the haughty woman’s features. Her eyes traveled down Cas’ body and back up again. She didn’t answer.
The man next to Tallulah moved his head to catch Cas’s eye and beamed. “You’re Cascade Lorne.”
Boy, it was like a broken record was playing the same tune all day long. She grinned and nodded. “In the flesh.”
“Wow! I never expected to meet a celebrity here.” He smoothed his jacket and moved his feet from side to side. “Tallulah! It’s the woman who didn’t get her powers until she was fifty. Fifty! Ha!”
Tallulah winced. “She and I have met.” The sarcasm in her voice made Cas cringe.
“You have? Outstanding! Would you like to join us? We’re just making our way around the room to see all the holograms. Can I grab you a drink?” He sounded as eager as Jasper had.
Cas’s eyes moved to Tallulah’s face. Her half-sister glared at her companion. It appeared as though she didn’t like the attention he was giving Cas. It almost made Cas want to accept his invitation to join them so she could watch Tallulah squirm.
But before she could decide, Desi Dewman breezed over to join them. “Ms. Lorne! I’m so glad you made it.” He glanced at Tallulah and her friend. “Oh, hello, you two. It’s great to see you here. Thanks for coming.”
Tallulah’s face transformed into a smile, and she ducked her head in response. “Thank you for having us, Mr. Dewman. This is a lovely Fall Fling as always.”
Desi nodded and then clapped his hands several times. People nearby turned their way, but most of those in the room continued what they were doing. The realtor stepped away from Cas and the others a few steps and whistled. The room quieted, and everyone faced him.
“Thank you all for coming to the Fall Fling. I hope you’re finding enough to eat and drink and plenty of fine company to enjoy.”
A rumble of agreement and a smattering of clapping rolled through the crowd.
“Good, good,” Desi continued. “I’d like to draw your attention to a special person in our midst.”
Tallulah straightened. She adjusted her face into a serene landscape, preparing for everyone in the room to look at her.
But when Desi continued, it wasn’t Tallulah’s arm he touched. “Cascade Lorne, the famous late-blossoming witch, has graced our Fall Fling with her presence!”
Shocked murmuring spread through the crowd. People whispered behind their hands to companions, and Cas felt the weight of everyone’s eyes. She pasted on a smile, despite the heat rising in her cheeks, and offered a quick wave to the crowd. “Oh. Thanks, Mr. Dewman. Um. Nice to be here.”
There was another round of light clapping and then the normal low murmuring of a crowd returned to the big room. Cas couldn’t help but notice that she still received attention as people cast covert looks in her direction and then hid behind their hands to whisper.
Tallulah’s face was pinched as she clenched her teeth. Her sister turned on her heel and stomped away, leaving her companion behind. The poor man gave Cas a helpless look and a small apologetic smile before he hurried after Tallulah like a puppy.
“I’m sorry to put you in the spotlight like that, but now everyone will know who you are. The only thing left for you to do is mingle and enjoy the company of those who wish to get to know you better.” Desi puffed out his chest.
“Thanks. I think. This is an impressive party. Your business must be huge. Do you have an
y partners?”
He shook his head. His voice was firm. “I’d never take on a partner. I’m more of a solo operator, you know?”
Cas cast a glance over his shoulder at the bar. It felt like time to collect a glass of wine. She took a step in that direction, but Desi didn’t budge. Instead, he fumbled in his jacket pocket for a minute. He wore a snappy dark grey suit coat and pants with a bright white shirt and silver tie. Desi might have attempted to tame his mane with some product, but it hadn’t worked. Instead, the hair stood in multiple different directions. His cowlicks simply looked shinier than before.
“Ah! Here we are.” He pulled a large yellow button out of his pocket and before she knew what was happening, leaned forward and pinned it to the right side of Cas’ dress. Even upside down, she could see the bold red letters read Dewman for Siren and a picture of his face sat in the center. “I hope I can count on your vote.”
Cas’ brow wrinkled as she considered. She must have a vote. After all, she was a witch. But how and when was the vote, anyway? “Well, like I said before, I’ll have to examine all the candidates.” That sounded reasonable. She smiled at the realtor. “But thank you again for all your help today.”
He grinned in a way that wasn’t entirely pleasant and stepped closer. “I know you’re new to the community, but I have a bit of a reputation as being . . . shall we say . . . adored by the ladies.”
Her eyebrows shot up. Before she could answer, he continued.
“In fact, I have a little, uh—,” his eyes darted around as though to check whether anyone was listening, “—rendezvous planned for later this evening.”
He seemed to mean it as a brag, but Cas winced.
“I could fit some time in for you, though. Maybe a nice walk around the property grounds?” He wiggled his eyebrows and Cas had to forced down a laugh. He looked like an ostrich trying to flirt.
She choked on another laugh, swallowed it, and opened her mouth to make an excuse. Before she could stammer anything out, a booming voice rang from behind her. “Dewman, I need a minute with you, if you please.”
