Sydney, with her long blonde hair pulled back, wore a green top with a matching flowing skirt which barely hid her baby bump. She looked elegantly festive for the season and her day’s class curriculum.
“You look lovely as usual, Syd.”
Sydney adjusted her purse strap. “Thanks. And thanks again, guys, for watching Glimmer. She’s so much happier here with you than being stuck alone at home.”
Jenn smiled as she glanced over at the pups, who had now run over to the bed and climbed in. “They both love it so much.” She pursed her lips. “Syd, I was wondering if I could have access to your collection. Maybe today or tomorrow?”
Sydney lifted a shoulder. “Sure. I have to say, though, that library is sure coming in handy this week. What the heck is happening in this town? Something going on with you guys too?”
“Yeah… you could say that.”
Sydney glanced between the two of them and then seemingly let it go. “Tomorrow’s better. Grey’s working at Mystics today, and I’m still trying to keep her away from the books.”
Jenn winked. “Got it. Tomorrow it is. Thanks.”
Sydney lifted a finger. “Just a word of caution. If you find something you don’t like, don’t let things go flying. I’ve had a few mishaps myself that way.” She raised her eyebrows. “Now, for the important stuff. Who’s the cute guy on your balcony?”
Jenn turned to Halona. “Make that four who know.”
* * * *
Halona reached for her phone and read the text aloud. “Who’s the hottie I saw going down your stairs? He looked like a firefighter coming down the fire escape. If he’s a friend and needs a job, I’ll put a word in with Beck. HOT!” She looked over at Jenn. “It’s from Grey, of course.”
Jenn said, “He left?”
“Well, glad to know he’s feeling stronger. He didn’t look too well this morning.”
Jenn laughed. “Little green around the gills, was he, merrow?”
“Speaking of, go catch him. I’ll deal with Grey and finish setting up.” Halona held up her hand. “If he gives you any trouble, send him flying.”
“I didn’t expect to have to accompany him this early.” Jenn grabbed her jacket and, in doing so, accidently flung her wrist. As she did, the water bottle on the counter went flying. “Sorry.”
“And take your time. The girls will be here soon to help run the shop.”
Jenn started to rush out the door and then peeked back in. She glanced down at her black tights and tight black hoodie. “I look like a cat burglar.”
Halona winked. “It is a secret operation.”
Jenn closed and locked the door behind her. With a final wave, she ran off.
Chapter 5
Jenn went over to the next block and up two. She knew if she walked quickly, she could bend back around and pretend they had just run into each other. The sidewalks were now crowded with visitors. Blansett had become a tourist destination throughout the years. However, during holidays and weeklong festivities, it really buzzed. Anyone interested in magic, charms, and the elements came to Blansett. They had it all.
She looked up and down Main Street, yet she didn’t see him. She rose onto her toes as she shielded her eyes from the day’s sun and glanced around. Nothing.
Then she saw him, standing on the side of the walkway. He stared up at one of the town’s grand historic buildings. The property had been renovated inside to create individual, and highly sought after, condominiums. Prime real estate, such as this one, was often only realized by the founding members and the town’s elite.
Bingo. Jenn quickly moved in his direction, all the while dodging visitors. She would need to get to the other side. As she fought oncoming traffic, as she maneuvered around a group, a woman bumped into her. This caused her to bump right into Nevlin.
The second thing Jenn noticed was that he hadn’t lost his own balance. In fact, he hadn’t budged. He held, firmly planted on the walk. The first thing she had noticed was that his chest, which she had plowed into, was muscular and firm. In fact, she was sure she stubbed her thumb, as well as possibly twisted her ankle.
He held her by the shoulders, which helped to stabilize her. She swept her hair aside as she felt her entire face heat up. The embarrassment quickly moved to annoyance when he spoke in a teasing tone.
“Sky, careful now.” He winked. “We must not have a fallen sky.”
She made a slight pull away from him. “Thanks. I’m fine.” She limped over to the fence to avoid getting bumped further. “We’re clearly not alone anymore.”
He chuckled. “You want me alone?”
Her face went warm again. “No, I only meant…” She shook her head. “Forget it.”
His smile was flirtatious. “It is a pleasant surprise running into you or you running into me. I am glad you are here.”
“Now that I am, can I help you find something, some place?”
“I left my phone to charge and forgot to write the direction of where I want to go, so yes. And, if you were to join me, that would be wonderful.”
She zipped up the collar of her shirt. “Sure, where are you heading?”
“To the pavilion. I want to see the sculpture.”
Jenn nodded. “I’ll walk you in that direction.”
“I would like that.” He gave a boyish grin. “And Blansett Bulbs. I saw a pamphlet in the efficiency. It looked charming.” He then motioned to the five-story building in front of them. “This is magnificent.”
Jenn had always stopped to admire the building. “It is. I love it. I’m a little surprised you’re so taken by it though.”
“Why?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. For some reason, I’m surprised you’re taken back by a building in general.”
His eyes widened. “It has an energy. Does it have a name?”
She nodded. “It’s Sibyls Point.”
Nevlin leaned his head back. “Sibyls…ah, makes me reminiscent of the divine Michelangelo Buonarroti. I had the pleasure of seeing him in action. Very few had. His five Sibyls are of sublime beauty. Have you seen them?”
“No, but I would love to.”
He gave a nod. “One day then. What is this building?”
“It was once the only bed and board for coven members who visited from other towns. A haven created by the town matriarch, Angelique Blansett. Over time it proved too small for all the guests we were receiving. Now they are condominiums.”
“Reminds me of a small castle.”
“It does look like a castle. We do have one certified castle in Blansett, Gercharmeerd Leven. It’s the childhood home of a friend of mine.”
His eyes widened. “Yes? I would love to see it.” He glanced up and down the street. “Your entire town is much like Galway.” He looked behind his shoulder. “And this building, it faces east. It sees the sunrise.” He pointed to the top of the building. “The architecture, the lines. It points to the sky. Is that why it is called Sibyls Point?”
“That, and the land behind projects into the bay. Each floor is one unit and goes the length of the building.”
He raised his eyebrows and then leaned around to see how deep the building sat. “Then, by all accounts, it sees the sunrise and the sunset.”
“Yes, well, with a park directly behind then the bay.”
His smile widened. “Even more special. The merging of two worlds. Perfect balance.”
You have no idea. Jenn found herself imagining living there, as she often had. Her heart quickened, and her lips parted. “I think so. Best of both worlds.”
Nevlin placed his hand over his heart. “Yes, magnificent.”
She nodded. “It is. I love Sibyls Point. I’ve always hoped to live here.”
“At the top? Closest to the sky?”
She smiled as she nodded “And it’s available.” She pursed her lips. “Lot of good that does me.”
He placed his hand on her back. “One day then.”
She rolled her eyes. “If only.”
He gave a gentle touch to the five-petal, blue-violet periwinkle vines that crept up the wrought-iron fence.
“That’s always been a favorite of mine too.” Jenn chuckled. “Always reminds me of a pinwheel.”
Nevlin laughed. “Yes. I can see that. I, too, like the shape and the movement it projects. No beginning and no end.” He turned and looked her in the eye. “As sky, you must also enjoy the pinwheel galaxy?”
“I do.”
“As do I. It reminds me of your eyes, mysterious, magical.” He smiled. “Why yes, there it is, within your eyes. All the mysteries of the world.”
Jenn lowered her gaze. She felt her neck and face warm again. She cleared her throat. “I imagine your favorite here is the shamrock?”
“The luck of the Irish, vitality, yes. Although, on the rarest of occasions, you can find one with five leaves. The more leaves, the more luck.”
“Oh right, you did say that.”
“However, this plant, the periwinkle, reminds me of the petals of the wood sorrels.” He raised his brows. “The wild shamrocks, the sun wheel, as I call it. If you are lucky enough to find them on travels, they quench the deepest thirst.”
“What do they taste like?”
“Tangy. Tart. Much like the lemon.” He lifted slightly and peeked over to view without restriction, to see where the vine draped over the fence and became the ground cover. “Blue was once the prominent color of my home. In truth, there is little that is more stunning than what I am seeing here. This plant, with the shamrock, twined together. They are the most glorious complement of one another.”
“When I was little, I used to come here and look through the shamrocks for the four-leafed ones.” She shrugged. “Sometimes I still do.”
He hopped down. “We should look today.”
“I think it’s going to storm.”
“The shamrock would warn us. They would point to the sky. And as you see, they…” His mouth dropped as, just then, all the shamrocks in their line of view stood upright.
Jenn giggled as she wiggled her fingers. “Couldn’t resist.”
He laughed. “Are you a Sylph?” He moved closer and pretended to look at her back. “Where do you hide your wings?” He smiled. “While these plants are lovely, the periwinkle, nor the clover, does not compare to you. Or to the beautiful blue-violet of your eyes. Nor the luck I feel for having met you.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “Though I do believe there is a hint of earth in all that heaven.”
Now she felt as if her entire body flushed. She knew it would show on her face.
He released his touch and turned to look at the garden once more. He placed his hands on the fence railing. “The periwinkle is symbolic of spiritual harmony. As well as balance.”
She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Balance?”
“Radial balance. It radiates out from a central point. Perhaps, it also represents the five virtues?”
Jenn pursed her lips. “Kindness, earnestness, generosity, gravity, and sincerity.” It’s been a long time since I thought of those, let alone had to rattle them off.
He raised his brows. “Yes. And the herb of Venus.” He reached over and tucked a stray piece of hair gently behind her ear. “The herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, had felt it bonded. Felt that if the leaves were shared, eaten by two… say a man and woman, it would cause love to grow between them.”
Jenn cleared her throat. “And, like the shamrock, it was sometimes used to ward off evil. It, too, could also aid in protecting against magic. Voodoo, to be exact.”
He smiled. “We may have a contradiction. Or perhaps that is all love is.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t really believe that?”
He shrugged. “I do not know of the love he spoke of.”
“Never?”
“Maybe there is no such thing as love without the interference of magic.”
“Maybe that’s all love really is.”
He ran a hand through his hair and smiled. “A spell, perhaps?” He stroked a petal. “These could use some magic, or love as you say. They do not look to be doing well.”
“Helena-Marie normally sees to it personally that they are cared for. She’s been a little distracted lately.”
“This Helena-Marie, is she a goddess of yours?”
Jenn smiled. “She’s our mayor.”
He gave a nod and then leaned toward the plant and whispered,
“May waters refresh and the Sun’s warmth near,
“May thou drink from the Earth and rise so fair.
“May the sweet scent thou offers fill the air,
“May the luck of the clover come to here.”
She noticed his eyes appeared to water. He really is so gentle. She then felt warmth as he took her hand and lead her to the gate. Her heart beat faster. She felt as if she could not swallow her mouth was so dry. I could use a wood sorrel right now.
A butterfly appeared and landed on the fence. It flapped its wings and floated toward them, gliding around Nevlin before landing on the gate. He gave a nod in the direction of the park. “Accompany me. Let us see the garden here at the Point.”
“I don’t think we should. It’s very private. Protected even.”
“I think we were just invited.” He winked as he opened the gate.
As they walked through the clover groundcover, Jenn bit her lip. Please don’t show yourselves, little ones.
* * * *
Nevlin glanced around as he slowly shook his head. His mouth dropped as he took in all the vibrancy, the color, the variety. He had never seen so much life in one place. It was unlike any park he had ever been to. He took in a large breath to ingest all the scents and the magic that he could feel present. It was powerful.
As they stepped on mounds of clover, they were greeted by plantings of hosta and wildflowers. Shrubs and small trees created a border.
Jenn put her hand on his arm. “I don’t think we should go far.”
“Have you ever gone all the way through to the bay?”
“Well, yes. It’s just…”
He lifted a brow. “I will be respectful. Please.”
Jenn let out a sigh and murmured, “Very well.”
They brushed past and moved deep into a plush field of green. An array of marigolds, lilacs, and lavender filled a dense area.
They had not gone far when he heard a faint sound.
“Woohoo. Whoohoo.”
Nevlin turned his ear toward the ground. “Did you hear that?”
Jenn nodded. He led her over to an overgrown area. He pulled a section of robust leaves back. There, sitting upon a large mushroom, was a tiny, black-haired creature with wings like that of a dragonfly.
“You’re one of us,” the little female said.
Nevlin glanced at Jenn, whose eyes widened as she shrugged. He whispered, “I am?”
The small creature smiled. “It’s safe. We’re all one here.”
He motioned down the length of his body. “Though, as you can see, my form is quite different.”
“Nice form. Not so different though.” She blew some pink fairy dust his way.
He leaned back, the dust falling on his shoe. “Fragments of rose buds? Did you just throw a potion my way?” He checked Jenn, to see if she had any on her. He raised his eyebrows at the little fairy. “Curse?”
She giggled. “No…it’s my greeting. My name is Rose. When I spit glitter your way, we are instant friends.” She winked. “Now you can tell me anything.” She pursed her small lips. “Like, why are you sad? Fairies don’t get sad…well, they don’t stay sad for long anyway.”
“Sad?” He shook his head. “Not sad. And you are right, never for long.”
She gave a nod.
He raised his brows. “This garden, do you live here?”
“Why yes, there are many of us. And many more who want to join.” She fluttered about with enthusiasm.
He gave a tight-lipped smile. “You are safe here then?”
“O
h yes. There are no pesticides used. Very little pruning done, all natural. We had two fears early on, and they were Feral and Acorn. We have since come to train them not to chase us.” She let out the most delightful laugh. “Now we ride their backs and get places quicker than our little wings can carry us.”
“Feral? Who is that, if I may ask?”
“Why, the cat of course.”
He raised his brows. “Of course. And Acorn?”
“Why, the squirrel of course.”
“Of course.”
“We have all we need.” She opened her arms wide and spun. “Look around.”
Nevlin looked at Jenn, who smiled and nodded. They stepped farther into the foliage and headed toward the bay as Rose fluttered beside them. They passed more fern, larger evergreens, and moss-covered mounds. Rings and arcs of mushrooms were scattered along the ground. A small figure lounged under a bluebell plant. Foxglove and lily of the valley plants were interspersed, creating small havens for the little ones. Birds flew to and fro, landing to converse with the inhabitants. Three small fairies, with butterfly wings, were tending to flowers.
He and Jenn came to a point that jutted into the bay. Here Undines, the tiny and nearly translucent beings, fluttered above. It looked like a small valley as a cove was created. A little pixie drank the water from a blade of reed that was used as a straw. What only moments ago had looked still was a community beaming with activity. Nevlin could smell the fresh fragrance of the primrose. He walked toward it and admired the large shiny leaves and the five petals of the yellow flower.
“It is so cheerful. Warms me inside to even look at it. It is like sun for my heart. Do you use it to…?” He glanced around to be certain not to be overheard.
Rose whispered, “Cross between dimensions? Yes.”
He smiled and then looked to flickers of light that he had caught in his peripheral vision. They were soon greeted by orbs of color that danced through the bushes. He ducked as a butterfly fluttered by. He and Jenn paused as they watched two small creatures play tug of war with a fallen vine. He watched as a tiny figure faced a branch with his hands over his eyes as he counted. “Five… ten… fifteen…”
Mystic Luck (Mystic Tides Book 2) Page 14
