“You left out the good part,” Ivy said.
“What do you mean? Every single word was a good part,” I replied, looking from one friend to the other.
Eliza squirmed and then stood to take her plate to the sink. “Lake,” was all I could hear.
“I’m sorry?” I leaned toward her.
“I, uh, thought Jake was kidding at first and I accidentally knocked him into the lake.”
“Good thing he had a death grip on that ring of yours,” Ivy said with a nod toward Eliza’s hand. “Otherwise, those catfish would have had a new friend at the bottom of the lake.”
I laughed at the image of a dripping Jake placing the ring on a shell-shocked Eliza. They were made for each other. Soon Eliza joined in my laughter, leaning on me for support. I glanced over to see Ivy chuckling, shaking her head with a smirk.
“So, are you going to tell Cruz the truth?” Ivy quizzed, eyeing me.
“About my feelings?” I clarified.
“And the other stuff?” She gestured with her head toward the front door. My eyes flitted through the living room window and landed on the small shed hidden by trees.
I lifted a shoulder. “What am I supposed to say? ‘Hey, Cruz, by the way, I’m the guardian of the magical spring no one knows exists? Oh, and I’m tied to it so I can’t travel farther than an eighty-mile radius. And if I do, a binding spell cast back in the 1800s will ensure I die and that my best friend or the town mean girl will have to take my place. Hope you don’t mind.’”
CHAPTER 17
“I wouldn’t open with that,” Ivy said dryly, folding her arms across her chest.
“If it’s a burden, Lexi, just let me—” Eliza began.
“Absolutely not,” I responded with a firm shake of my head. “The guardianship has always been with the Alamont women. I’m not saddling you with this. Besides, I really don’t mind,” I insisted.
“But Cruz is leaving, Lexi,” Eliza reasoned, picking up Marshmallow and holding her close.
“I know,” I said, snapping the dishwasher shut. “But if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out.”
“He’d understand, you know, if you told him,” Ivy added.
“It’s too complicated,” I replied, crossing my arms. “We’ve had a great time together, but it’s only been a few weeks. I can’t ask him to leave behind his career and stay here because in order to keep the spring hidden, I had to tether myself to it once Dorothy died.”
“You could hand over the reins,” Eliza reminded. She and Bianca were the backups since I was the last of the Alamont line. The backup families had been designated when the initial spell was cast. With Bianca moving to Hollywood and completely clueless about the spring, that meant Eliza would be tethered to the magical water if I shed the responsibility, which I wouldn’t.
“No,” I said resolutely. “You’re not becoming the guardian. You wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.”
“I could manage,” Eliza hedged, lifting a shoulder like it was no big deal.
“You didn’t even make it through winter without taking three vacations,” I reminded her.
Eliza frowned and pulled me into a hug. “I’d do it for you, Lexi.”
“Not happening,” I sang, hugging her back. “But I know you would.”
“I still think it’s evil the witch who drew up the original spell essentially put a leash on your family,” Ivy spoke up, scowling. “Eighty miles is ridiculous. And I’ve checked for loopholes. The spell’s impenetrable and unchangeable.”
I shrugged. “Dorothy said that’s what Maci Alamont agreed to in order to keep the spring hidden.”
The spring. The magical spring that the residents whispered of but actually knew nothing about.
When Dorothy flew into my apartment after she died and shared with me the secret of how the women in the Alamont family had carried the responsibility of keeping the spring hidden all these years, I thought she was nuts.
But then I’d been called in by Ivy’s father, Harold Sutherland, who was one of the few people who knew about the spring. Looking back, it made sense that he knew since he was able to give Ivy what she needed to save Oliver. Since then, Dorothy had chosen to watch over me to make sure I didn’t mess anything up. I knew it, she knew it. But she claimed she was simply hanging around in case I had any questions.
After spending a few days with Dorothy learning the history and what the spring could do, which didn’t appear to be much—other than cause people to see spirits and allow spirits to remain in their human forms, should they be resurrected—I agreed to join the long line of Alamont guardians.
“I wish we could do something about it,” Eliza said. “Like take turns being tethered to it so you could take a break once in a while.”
“It doesn’t work like that,” Ivy said. “Once Lexi agreed to the guardianship and handed me the reinforcement spell that Dorothy gave her, she made her choice.” She frowned at me, but there was respect in her silver eyes. “She stepped up when she was called on. If that water fell into the wrong hands,” she paused to shake her head, “it would be disastrous.”
“Which won’t be a problem since it’s feeding off my energy in order to stay hidden,” I said, letting out a slow breath. Saying it like that made it seem like the spring and I had a parasite-host relationship, but I wasn’t harmed or drained. I was simply linked to it.
Leaving the area hadn’t been an issue for me because I was happy in Sage Springs. It was my home. If the people here needed me to keep a secret on their behalf, so be it. I didn’t want the spring getting into the wrong hands, and with the magic it held, people would be tearing up the ground to unearth the water if they knew. Ivy said the water could be sold for millions in the supernatural black market since nothing like it existed. I agreed to be bound to the spring, essentially using my essence to keep it shielded and off any magical map. Not even Trysta would be able to find it.
And I was the guardian. Little Lexi Lou with the cheery disposition and messy blonde hair with flour on her face.
“Maybe you could do a long-distance thing with Cruz?” Eliza suggested.
“I’m not sure we’re at that stage,” I responded, thinking of all the headlines and photos I’d seen of Cruz the last few months. He’d probably be photographed with bombshells a few days after he left Sage Springs. Because that was his life. What right did I have to ask him to give it up?
None.
“You’re awfully stubborn for such a sweet-tempered person,” Ivy pointed out, pouring herself a glass of iced tea.
“I am not,” I said, then chuckled. “Okay, maybe a little. Really, though, I’m just glad you two are back. I missed you.” Eliza beamed at me and Ivy raised her tea glass my direction in a silent salute.
I was extremely grateful to be able to be honest with my two best friends. Not even my parents or Aggie knew about the existence or location of the spring, which was right in my backyard in a little shed. Since Dad was a male, he’d never been considered for the duty, and if people didn’t have a reason to be in the know, they were kept in the dark. It was safer that way.
The only other two people who knew about the spring were Ivy’s father and Jameson, who was Aggie’s lover and the town sheriff. Harold knew because he had been Dorothy’s confidant. I thought that was a peculiar pair, but each guardian could choose a select few people to share the secret with in case something happened unexpectedly to her. As a town leader, Harold could quash any rumors and keep up on any developments regarding talk of the spring. Jameson knew because he had his finger on the pulse of the town should anyone new come looking for the “legendary” spring.
“Do you think the spring can do anything else?” I wondered aloud, turning to Ivy and Eliza.
Discovering it could help with Oliver’s resurrection had been a last-ditch effort by Ivy’s dad, purely chance. It was risky testing it out on people to see what else it could do since it was supposed to be a secret.
Ivy shrugged. “No way to know for sur
e, but when I did the initial protection spell, I got a read on the magic used to enchant it—it’s old magic. The oldest I’ve ever felt.”
“Part of me wants to test it on things,” I admitted, tugging at my hair.
“Like?” Eliza questioned.
“Sick people and injured animals,” I answered, thinking of all the heartache I might be able to help stop. “What if it’s a cure-all?”
Ivy shook her head. “That’s way too dangerous. You don’t know what kind of side effects there would be. Even if it did help initially, there’s no way to know what might happen five years down the line.” She twisted the rings on her fingers, a sure sign she’d thought about this already and was left feeling anxious. She had to spend every day hoping nothing would change with Oliver’s alive status. “Besides, I doubt it would help them. From what I can tell, it’s purely paranormal in its properties.”
“But maybe one day you’ll know for sure,” Eliza offered, shooting Ivy a look. “Give yourself some time to fall into the role before you try to save the world, Lex.” Eliza smiled softly, tucking my bangs behind my ear.
“Maybe you’re right,” I agreed, leaning against the counter.
“So, how about you fill us in on what we missed while we were out of town?” Ivy suggested, putting her glass in the dishwasher.
I sighed, a smile inching up my face. “Well, for one, Cruz is an amazing kisser.”
Ivy gagged and Eliza tittered. “None of that,” Ivy complained. “I meant around town. How did the afternoon at Wicks go for you?”
I thought back to all the Whole Lotta Lovin’ candles I’d sold. This time it was my turn to gag a little.
CHAPTER 18
I applied a little lip tint with the help of my rearview mirror as I sat in front of East Truman Sanatorium a few hours later. I was about to meet some real celebrities before they started filming, so I’d taken a bit of extra time and care dressing for my daily drop-off.
Okay, and I was a little fired up about seeing Cruz. Last night had been … potent.
Muttering encouragement under my breath, I popped open the back door of my Rover and hauled the sweets past the security guys manning the entrance. I’d already had to flash my badge at the security detail at the bottom of the long driveway—and deliver a box of strudel for the guys down there while I was passing through.
“It’s about freaking time,” I heard while I made my way to the drop-off table.
“Hungry?” I asked Sadie, who pounced on a small strawberry cake as soon as I opened the container.
“You try working with these wackos and tell me you don’t need a sugar pick-me-up,” Sadie nearly growled, shooting a glare to the other side of the room. I turned my head and froze in place.
“Starla Stigmata,” I whispered in awe. The pop star was tiny in person; bright pink streaks were peppered through her shiny black hair. She tapped away at her phone screen as she edged her way toward us.
Sadie snorted. “Just a word of advice: self-absorbed celebrities aren’t the nicest, especially when they’ve been traveling for days on end and are dumped in a town with a lackluster nightlife.”
“Kansas City’s not that bad,” I mumbled defensively.
“Finally, something worth eating,” Starla said in a sultry voice. “You’re the owner of Sweet Stuff?” I gulped and nodded as she glanced at me before perusing the table. “I had your cookies at a few parties in L.A. You’re becoming quite popular out there.” She picked up a coconut macaroon and appraised it before turning to study me.
“Thank you. I’m Lexi,” I said, reaching out and offering her a hand to shake. “I’m a big fan.”
“She’s also a culinary genius and pretty easy on the eyes,” Cruz quipped, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“Is she now?” Starla said before she bit into the cookie. She kept her eyes locked on me, and I tried not to squirm. Starla Stigmata was talking to me. “Well, at least there’s something of value in this dreadful town.” She tipped her lips into a small smile and grabbed another cookie before walking off to speak with Alex.
“Told you,” Sadie sang as she filled her plate and left.
“Starla’s a little … different from what I expected,” I admitted, looking up at Cruz as he pulled me away from the table.
“They always are,” he said with a tightlipped smile.
“Not you,” I said, squeezing his hand. “I’m kind of surprised they’re even eating my stuff.” I watched as Aimee, Erin Denzin, Tommy Hillsdale, and even Alex milled around the cookie table, filling plates.
Cruz let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t be. Your stuff is delicious. There are regular humans under all that makeup and disdain.”
“Too bad I can’t stick around and chat,” I said wistfully.
“Me too, but you know how strict the rules are about having a closed set. I’ll introduce you tonight,” Cruz promised, running a finger across my jaw. “Besides, you’d be too much of a distraction.”
“No fun,” I pouted.
Cruz leaned toward me. “You know what was very fun?” I arched my brows in curiosity and looked up at him. “Last night.”
“Cruz!” I playfully elbowed him in the ribs as I felt my cheeks heat up.
He shrugged. “Simply making an observation.”
“Cruz, we need to get shooting,” Aimee called over.
“I’ll pick you up at seven, okay? May I suggest you wear something that shows off those luscious curves?” He wiggled his brows.
I scoffed lightheartedly at his request. “We’ll see.”
“Then maybe we can talk about … stuff,” he added, biting down on his bottom lip.
“Okay,” I breathed, nodding my head. “Sounds good.”
“It’ll be better than good,” Cruz replied, dropping a quick kiss on my lips. I chuckled and waved him away toward the group that was beginning to form in preparation for the shoot. Cruz winked and spun around.
“Enjoy it while it lasts,” said a snide voice to my right.
I knew that voice and its condescending tone. “Bianca,” I said cordially, not taking my eyes off Cruz.
“Know your place, Blondie. You’re from Sage Springs; you’ll die in Sage Springs. You’re meant to date small-town men,” Bianca theorized, straightening her blouse. “You and Cruz will never work.”
“Thanks for the PSA,” I said sweetly, flashing her a toothy smile. “But I’ve got it covered.”
Bianca took a step closer, peering at me. “You actually care about him,” she said, disbelief coloring her tone. She ticked her sharp jaw to the side and shook her head. “Good luck with that.” She flipped her hair over her bony shoulder and joined the rest of the crew as I made my way to the exit.
Good luck, indeed.
☀ ☀ ☀
“You look lovely, dear,” my great-aunt said as I walked into the living room in a red dress that showed just the right amount of leg … and other assets, I thought as I tugged the top into place.
“Thanks,” I replied, glancing at the clock on the stove. Six fifty. Only ten minutes left to prepare myself for a night out with Cruz and a few celebrities. No big.
“Lexi,” Dorothy drew out, removing her bifocals, “I can’t help but notice your attachment to the young man with the metal in his face.” I looked at Dorothy out of the corner of my eyes, unsure of where this was going. “You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak,” she reminded me gently.
My stomach dropped. Even she saw it. “I know,” I muttered.
Knock-knock-knock!
I took a deep breath and smoothed a hand over my dress while Dorothy shot me a sympathetic glance and vanished.
“Hi, handsome,” I greeted Cruz, admiring the devil on my doorstep. “Why didn’t you ring the doorbell?”
“I’ve had enough Starla Stigmata for one day,” Cruz replied, raising an eyebrow. “Now, as for you …” He shut the door behind him and grabbed my hand, spinning me around as his eyes took in every inch of me. “Yeah, I can’t ev
er seem to get enough of you,” he murmured against my mouth, nipping my lower lip before kissing it.
Makeup application forgotten, I wrapped my arms around him, drawing him closer to me. I was desperate to forget that he would be leaving the day after tomorrow. His tongue dipped into my mouth once before he pulled back with a pleased growl.
“If we don’t leave now, we’re not going to,” he reasoned, gripping my hand tightly and nudging me toward the doorway. “And that would be bad.”
“Would it?” I asked, quirking my eyebrows.
“You little minx,” Cruz chuckled. “Let’s go.” He helped me into the back of a black town car, where I slid across the seat, and he shut the door behind him with a click. Cruz eyed the exposed skin on my thigh, and I quickly pulled at the fabric to cover up.
Just a little.
“Hey now,” Cruz grumbled as he kept his eyes firmly fixed on my legs.
“Hey, up here,” I teased, pointing to my face. “Where are we headed?”
“The Pit.” At my questioning look at our destination, Cruz shrugged. “It’s Kansas City. Alex thought we should have the party at a barbecue place.”
“Then why am I wearing this?” I asked him, waving my hand over my dress. He’d sent me a text telling me to wear a dress.
“Because I’m selfish and wanted to see as much exposed skin as possible,” Cruz crooned, stroking the inside of my wrist with his thumb. “You look freakin’ hot. No one will be able to keep their eyes off you.”
I puckered my lips in thought. “You think?” I replied coyly, running a hand over the red fabric that made up my dress.
“Oh, I guarantee it. But I’ll deck anyone who looks at you too long,” Cruz grunted, leaning back in the seat.
“That sounds an awful lot like jealousy. I’m not sure how I feel about that,” I replied, secretly enjoying his attention.
“No need for jealousy. I know what I’ve got,” he said confidently, looking at me without a speck of uncertainty on his face. “And I’m not about to mess it up.”
Cinnamon and Sunshine Page 14
