by Leanne Tyler
The Good Luck Potion
Leanne Tyler
Copyright © 2013 Leanne Tyler
All rights reserved.
Cover design by Christy Carlyle, Gilded Heart Design
All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living, or dead is purely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in encouraging piracy of copyrighted materials in violation with the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
Dedication
In loving memory of Holmes and Watson our four-legged friends who have gone on to greener pastures. Holmes, I’ll remember you wanting me to come over and bring you a biscuit every time I talked to your human mom on the phone. Watson, I’ll always remember you pawing my leg to get me to pet you that afternoon when you thought I wasn’t paying enough attention while visiting your house.
Chapter One
Alex carried the last cardboard box from his truck into the house and set it on the kitchen counter. He surveyed the room and shook his head. Keely had given the kitchen her own personal touch, removing all memory of their mom while she lived here the last three years. She’d even stripped off the wallpaper and painted. He couldn’t really blame her. But the kitchen had been the one room in the house that he had tried to leave the same to preserve their mother’s memory. Perhaps he should have mentioned that before he left for Alaska.
A light knock sounded at the back door before it opened and his sister walked in. “Hey. Are you all settled in?”
He smiled, noticing the loose fitting top she wore trying to conceal evidence that he was going to have a niece or nephew in a few months. “Almost. What about you? Have you and Darren finished unpacking at your new house?”
“He’s going through the last box of books for the office. I, on the other hand, just finished in the kitchen and was getting ready to make dinner when I realized I must have left my favorite casserole dish behind. Do you mind if I check the cabinets?”
“Help yourself. But can’t you cook without it?”
“No…well yes…but it’s the right size for what I’m making tonight.”
He chuckled. “You sound like Mom. Remember how she had to have that certain bowl whenever she mixed her stuffing at Thanksgiving? She was convinced it wouldn’t taste the same otherwise.”
“I totally get where she was coming from now that I do so much cooking.” Keely opened a cabinet door and squatted down to peer inside. “Just as I thought. I should have never let Darren help me pack up the kitchen. He totally missed this cabinet. Is that box empty? My casserole dish is not the only item we left.”
Alex quickly emptied the box of its contents and watched her pull out several platters and a large, colorful round dish with several small compartments.
“What is that?”
“It’s a relish plate. It’s great for when you’re having company and are doing a fruit platter or a Mexican night. Guacamole can go in the center while you fill the rest with sour cream, cheese, peppers, onion, lettuce, chunks of tomatoes.”
He shook his head and listened to her ramble on. “You’ve become so domesticated.”
“Getting married does that to a person. Help me up, won’t you?”
Alex placed his hands under her arms and lifted, helping her stand. “How much longer do you have?”
“Four months according to the doctor, but Lucinda says it will be closer to five.”
“Don’t tell me she’s been doing her hocus pocus on you?”
Keely laughed, rubbing her stomach. “No. She said she could tell by the way I’m carrying the baby. Why? Has she been doing it on you?”
He didn’t like the way her brow arched when she asked that question. He still hadn’t figured out what he was supposed to do with the tiny bottle Lucinda had given him when she paid him an unexpected visit last month. In fact, her appearing unannounced and then performing a ritual before she gave it to him bordered on cryptic. Keely might believe in Lucinda’s voodoo talk, but not him. Did he dare tell his sister about it? Would she laugh? Or would she understand and put his concerns to rest?
“Alex?” she asked when he didn’t immediately answer her question.
“Lucinda came to see me.”
“She did?”
He nodded.
“Funny. She didn’t mention it.” Keely turned to the counter and packed the box with her dishes. When she turned back her brows were knitted together. “Though she did get called to fill in for a singer on one of those cruise ships, but she never told me it was going to Alaska. Did you have a nice visit?”
He grunted. “You know Lucinda, she’s always talking mumbo jumbo, waving her hands in the air, and burning incense.”
“It isn’t mumbo jumbo, Alex. And please, don’t let her ever hear you talk like that, because it would hurt her feelings.”
“Don’t tell me you buy into it? All her talk about finding your true love and soul mate?”
Keely shrugged and smiled. “It doesn’t matter if I believe or not. It’s what you believe, little brother. I’ve found my perfect match and we’re very happy. Maybe it’s time you did the same.”
Alex turned to the counter where he’d emptied the contents of the box and picked up the bottle Lucinda had given him. He weighed it in his hand, debating on asking the question that had been on his mind since he arrived home, but had almost been afraid of what Keely would answer. When he turned back to his sister, he found her watching him closely.
“Have you ever seen this before?” He held the vial for her to see.
She shook her head. “That’s a pretty bottle. Where did you get it?”
“Lucinda gave it to me. She asked me to keep it safe until the time was right.”
“Did she say what’s in it?”
“A potion. A good luck potion.”
Keely smiled. “Then you better do what she said. Keep it safe until the time is right.”
“How will I know when that is?”
She chuckled. “You’ll know. Believe me, you’ll figure it out.”
He set the bottle back on the counter.
“Carry the box out to my car for me. I need to get home and fix dinner. Want to come by in about an hour and eat with us?” She walked to the door.
“Love to, but I’ve got plans with some old friends. You remember Brandon and Phil who I played basketball with all the time.”
“Yeah. How are they?” She held the door for him to exit.
“Phil’s engaged. His fiancée is throwing a small party for some friends.”
“You better be careful. One thing I know about couples, they love to see other couples formed out of their single friends.”
It was his turn to chuckle. “I don’t think Phil would let his fiancée do that to us.”
Keely walked over to the fence and called to Duke, his overweight bloodhound. The dog slowly got to his feet from where he’d been lying under the shade tree. He jumped up on the fence for her to pet him. “Hello, boy. How ya doing? Miss me already?”
“He’s been moping around all afternoon.”
“Give him a day or two. He’ll forget Darren and me and he’ll be your dog again. It took a few days for him to get over spending so much time with Jama and Kyle when we returned from our honeymoon.”
“I guess.” Alex walked to her car and set the box on the backseat. “Make Darren get that out for you.”
“Don’t worry. He will,” she assured, rubbing Duke’s head one last time before leaving the fence. “He’s more protective of me than a mother hen
of her chicks right now.”
“He loves you.” Alex opened the car door for her. “So do I. You drive carefully and watch out for Mr. Brubaker. He made a point of letting me know he was glad I was back so there’d be peace and quiet around here again.”
Keely laughed, turning the key in the ignition. “He got his knickers in a twist while Jama stayed here and still hasn’t got them unwound. Throw a loud party and make him regret saying that, won’t you.”
“I’ll think about it.” Alex shut her door and waved as she drove away. He walked to the fence where Duke stood watching her go. “She’ll be back to visit. Don’t look so sad. I’m here now and it’s going to be like old times. You’ll see.”
Duke yawned and returned to the shade of the large sugar maple.
Going back in the house, Alex thought about Keely’s warning as he got ready for the party. Phil had mentioned they were going to play the lock and key game tonight. He’d never heard of it, but he guessed he’d soon find out if it works.
Sue Charles brushed her short blond hair, smoothing it into place. She spritzed it with hair spray and checked her lipstick one last time before heading over to her sister’s for dinner. Kimberly was excited for her to meet a few of her fiancé’s friends. Sue couldn’t help be a little excited too. She’d found her life had become so predictable lately that she needed to meet new people. It didn’t really bother her too much that her younger sister was marrying before she did, but she knew others would start talking at the wedding if she wasn’t even dating someone.
Maybe tonight would change that. She grabbed her small purse and car keys on the way to the door. When she opened it, there was a woman standing on her doorstep with her hand raised as if she were about to knock.
“Sue Charles?” the woman asked.
She nodded noting the Cajun accent. “Lucinda?”
“Ah, you do remember me. I wasn’t sure you would.” The woman smiled. “I see you are on your way out. I won’t keep you long, but I have a gift to give you. Do you have a minute to spare?”
Sue returned Lucinda’s smile. “Sure. Come on in. I’m having dinner with my sister, but she won’t mind if I’m a little late.”
“I promise not to keep you long.” Lucinda stepped into the apartment, carrying a big black bag. Her bangle bracelets jingled as she walked across the room.
Sue closed the door and hurried into the living room. “Have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Lucinda sat on the sofa and dug in her bag, pulling out a smaller black pouch and a spritz bottle. She uncapped the bottle and sprayed a few pumps into the air.
The fragrance reminded Sue of patchouli.
Lucinda put the bottle back in her bag. “Keely has spoken favorably about you. So has Jama. And ever since we spoke that afternoon in Jama’s office I have thought of you often. You seemed most unhappy. Are you still single?”
“Uh—yeah. But I try not to remind myself of it, especially now that my younger sister is getting married.”
“Tsk-tsk. When one marries shouldn’t be a worry. Not when you are such a beautiful young woman with a bright future ahead.” Lucinda smiled. “Come. Give me your hand and I will share with you what I see.”
Sue sat beside her on the sofa and held out her right hand. She knew about Lucinda and what gifts she gave. Could this really be happening to her? Before she could stop herself she blurted out, “I was so hoping I was the next in line for the gris-gris.”
“You know about the gris-gris?” Lucinda’s fingers tightened slightly around Sue’s.
“Yes, but only by accident. I overheard Keely talking one day and then Jama and I discussed it after you sent the crystal orb to her.”
“Well. No one shared this with me. You are most fortunate that the gris-gris has chosen you.” Lucinda ran a deep purple painted nail along a crease line in Sue’s hand. “I see happiness on the horizon for you, but it will not be easy. Anything worth having never is.”
Afraid to speak, Sue only nodded.
Lucinda moved her hands in a circular motion making her bracelets jingle and she reached for the black pouch. She chanted an incantation as she slowly parted the pouch’s drawstring closure before she poured the contents into Sue’s palm. “The gris-gris is an all-powerful amulet. If you wear it around your neck, it will draw your true love to your heart.”
“How will I know it’s him?”
“My, my, but you are an eager one. So unlike my Keely and Jama. Neither of them wanted to believe at first. Yet each had different experiences with the gris-gris. I have a feeling your time with it will be unique as well.”
“Tell me everything.”
The deep rumble of Lucinda’s chuckle filled the room. “It is said that when you find your true love that the gris-gris will open, spilling forth the blood red stone in the center. However, this is not always true as Jama will tell you. She embraced the gris-gris openly. Keely resisted up to the very end until she couldn’t deny its powers. Only time will tell if you will see the stone.”
Sue took a deep breath and lifted the chain, putting the amulet on.
“Remember. You must wear this always, never taking it off. Is that clear?” Lucinda warned closing the drawstring and putting the pouch back into her big bag.
“I understand.”
“Good.” Lucinda stood. “Go. Enjoy dinner with your sister.”
“You know. I think I just might now that I have this.” Sue touched the charm. “Thank you so much, Lucinda.”
“Think nothing of it. I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter Two
Sue applied the brake, slowing to a stop outside of her sister’s house. She prepared to park behind a small pickup truck but became distracted when she saw a cute guy walk from the curb toward the house. His short cropped brown hair and two day stubble was a sexy combination. He filled out his jeans in all the right places too, drawing her attention to his behind instead of keeping her mind on coming to a full stop. When her car bumped into the tail end of the truck she jerked to attention.
“Oh no.” She shifted to reverse, inched back a little and put it in park. Gripping the steering wheel tight, she laid her head on it, afraid to look. She was certain he’d heard the minor collision. She didn’t recognize him as one of Phil’s friends because he was definitely someone she would remember. Whoever he was, he’d no doubt be angry and justifiably so.
If she didn’t feel obligated to go inside she’d leave, but she couldn’t bail on her sister. Though by the number of cars parked in the drive it was clear she wouldn’t be missed. Kimberly had said dinner with a friend or two, but this looked like a large dinner party. Leave it to her sister to tell a white lie to get her to come tonight.
A knock on the window prompted her to look up. The hunky guy was standing outside her door and she swallowed the lump of anxiety that had formed in her throat. Resigned that she had to face him and the damage she had caused, she pulled her keys from the ignition, grabbed her purse and got out.
“Are you okay?” His look of worry startled her.
She slowly nodded, but her cheeks grew warm. “I’m sorry. I got a little too close and bumped you. Is there any damage to your truck? I’ll pay for it. It was totally my fault.”
“Relax. It’s just a truck. The most important thing is that you weren’t hurt. Did you hit your head?”
She swallowed, caught off guard by his concern for her safety when she was the one at fault. “No. I’m fine. Just rattled…I’m normally a safe driver. I wasn’t expecting so many cars to be here.”
He grinned and nodded, extending his hand. “It does look like a crowd. I’m Alex by the way.”
“Sue Charles.” She shook his hand. “I’m Kimberly’s sister.”
“Nice to meet you, Sue Charles. Should we go inside?”
“Don’t you think we should check for damage?”
“I don’t think there is any, but if it will make you feel better, we can look.”
She followed him to the front of the car
and they inspected both vehicles. Thankfully he was right. There wasn’t a scratch on either, but it didn’t change the fact that she’d hit his truck because she’d been staring at his butt. And the way he kept grinning made her feel he knew what had really distracted her. As if that wasn’t enough, the gris-gris warmed against her chest, reminding her that less than an hour ago Lucinda had given her the one thing that was supposed to ensure she meet her soul mate.
Mortified by what she’d done, she really wanted to hurry to the house and lock herself in Kimberly’s bedroom until everyone left. But she couldn’t, especially when Alex was trying to make her feel at ease. He was not only good looking, but a nice person and definitely someone she’d expect would be Phil’s friend.
“See. No damage.” He smiled. “No harm. No foul. Let’s forget it and have a good time tonight.”
She glanced up at him, grateful for his good nature. “Okay. I’ll try to forget it, but I’m truly sorry.”
“Like I said, it’s just a truck.” He motioned for her to go ahead of him and he followed her up the walk.
The front door opened before they reached it. Kimberly was all smiles and she looked amazing in the floral sundress and sandals she wore. “I was getting worried about you two. Everyone else has already arrived. Come on in and let me get you the last lock and key.”
“What?” Sue followed her sister into the living room and saw there were five other females wearing a lock on a string around their necks.
“Phil and I thought it would be fun to have a lock and key party. Have you ever heard of it?”
“No.” Sue grimaced.
“It’s simple really. You wear this lock and each male is given a key.” Kimberly turned to Alex, handing one to him. “Each key matches one lock. It’s the guy’s job to find out which one. We thought it would be a great way to start a conversation and for my friends to get to know Phil’s friends.”
“Where’d you get this idea?” Sue asked.
