by J E Mueller
J.E.Mueller
Published 2018 by J.E.Mueller
Cover by Ravenborn
Book formatting by Lia at Free Your Words
Contents
Title Page
Publishing Info
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Acknowledgements
About The Author
This novel is dedicated to:
TWC Discord
Usually a chat group is more distracting than not,
But you’ve all been a blessing on this silly project.
Extra shout-out to:
@Steph @Jasper @Nichole @NolaSong @AudasaurusRex
1
Before the sun could fully rise, I was up. Yawning as I turned on this light and that machine, I began the morning prep for my family’s coffee shop. It was a routine I could easily do in my zombie-like state – a routine I had followed for far too many years.
I had loved when Father bought this shop. It was a new beginning for us after Mother passed away. Something exciting and fun – a new adventure for our smaller family, even if at the time I was too young to use all the machines.
Then she came in.
I wouldn’t say Henrietta was a cruel woman. I wouldn’t say that she was lovely either. In fact, the only thing I could say with certainty was that she loved her daughters and money – and not in that order.
At first, I refused to call her Mother. Then I saw how much it irked her to call her such and did so with glee. Mother Dearest couldn’t say a word against it since it made my father so happy.
Then he got sick, too.
It was a hard couple of months once father became ill, and we thought he would have this cancer beat. It wasn’t meant to be.
That winter, almost spring, we laid him to rest. Henrietta assumed full control of the shop, and I assumed full responsibility for the morning shift, the ordering, the stock, and everything but the bookkeeping and hiring. Henrietta knew numbers and how to strike fear into the rest of the staff, save her daughters. They were pretty and giggly, but neither could figure out how to steam milk, let alone brew a simple cup of coffee.
Diamond, the eldest of the two, knew all about shoes and the latest fashions. Which was great, except she spent more time fixing her makeup and modeling for the customers than learning how to do her job. Rose had the singing voice of an angel, which could make the job fun if she wasn’t usually creating a bigger mess for us. Thankfully, Rose had few shifts since she was still in high school. The rest of the work crew learned quickly to ignore them if they wanted to keep their job. The regulars also either ignored them or came just to see them.
This wasn’t some ugly step-sister story. Both of them could have had modeling careers if they wanted. They had pretty hair, currently dyed in the latest rose-gold trend, and darling amber eyes that seemed to sparkle just right whenever a cute guy entered. Diamond even had the height thing going for her, though Rose had more of the delicate and soft ballerina look working for her.
Rose said I could be fashionable too if I changed my hair. Diamond just laughed and said it would take too much work to make me pretty. I ignored both of them. I liked my black curls. They were cute, springy, and usually a lot of fun. Sure, looks mattered a bit to me, but what really mattered was that I had nearly saved up enough to go away to university. The local college was fine and all, but I knew the only way I’d succeed would be to leave home.
There was no way Henrietta would help with that.
She needed me here. No one else knew how to work things as well as I did. Not to mention it would take several people to cover my duties if I left. It was about time they learned how to really run this place.
So, silently I suffered on. Soon, I promised myself as I made myself a cup of coffee. Soon, I promised myself as I set up the pastry display.
Then it was time to open.
It was after ten, the morning rush nothing more than a memory now, when my step-sister, Diamond, shuffled in with a yawn. Rolling my eyes, I made her a drink while she sluggishly put her coat up and tied on her apron.
Diamond reached the front counter after a few minutes and slowly sipped her drink as I restocked the bar. “Did you make sure there’s charm in this, Arnessa?” She eyed me tiredly.
“Duh,” I replied flatly. “Do I look like a level one mage?”
The biggest reason our coffee shop was so successful was because of the magic we brewed into it. While neither of my sisters could make a particularly delicious drink, they were fairly well gifted in magic. Adding extra effects to drinks wasn’t overly difficult. Some added charisma? Got it. Need to be extra alluring? No prob! Love spell? Well, my step-sisters swore they could, but that was beyond their skills. Truthfully, it was beyond mine as well. But who was I to say it didn’t work? Sometimes that extra confidence was all you needed for your crush to notice you.
Diamond just grumbled at me and set her drink aside as a rather handsome guy walked in. Instantly, I saw her perk up. It had been three days since she had dumped her last boyfriend and she was ready for something new.
This one was exactly her type. He had great dark hair, almost a caramel brown. It was slightly long and messy, but not in a bad way. Sure, sure, he had dazzling blue eyes. I wasn’t impressed. Who knew if he had magic and was just using a glamor spell? Simple glamor spells any mage could do.
“Hiya! Welcome to Magic Beans!” she greeted with a little too much enthusiasm.
The guy offered a soft smile as he reached the counter. “Morning.”
“So handsome, what are we thinking to start the day with? It doesn’t look like you’ll need any extra boosts.” She flirted unabashedly.
He chuckled but his eyes didn’t leave the menu board. “What drink do you recommend? I don’t want anything too bitter.”
“Oh, you’d love the vanilla caramel swirl,” she said with a sweet little bat of her eyelashes.
The guy didn’t seem to notice. “Sure. I’ll give that a shot. Maybe with a luck boost? What sort of flavor does that add?”
Diamond faltered for a moment. “Uhhh…”
“It takes the sweetness down a notch but has no noticeable flavor enhancements,” I replied as I started to wipe down the back counter.
“Yep, it’s just a bonus effect!” She beamed.
Handsome mystery man met her eyes. “Perfect. Can I get a medium, then?”
As she rang him up I started on his drink. While the guy walked over to the pickup counter I could hear Diamond giggle. With a glance in her direction, I saw that she was already on her phone, texting away. Likely about the gorgeous guy that was in the cafe.
Instead of paying Diamond or her newest crush any mind I went on with my task.
“Is she always like that?” I heard him say just loud enough for me to hear.
I glanced over and watched him type away on his phone. “Pretty much.” I continued concentrating on the drink.
He smirked. “Well, this place still comes highly recommended. Guess it’s worth a shot.”
“Worth a shot?” I gave a small laugh. “Oh, you’ll be back for the drinks if the girls don’t scare you off.”
“So certain, huh?” He had no trouble looking me in the eyes.
I handed him his drink. “Of course. I make the best drinks in town.” I laughed. “Have a good one.” I turned to continue cleaning, ending the conversation.
“Did you stock the condiment bar?” Diamond asked me, still giggly.
“Nope,” I s
aid looking at her. “It was fine a half hour ago. Is something wrong?” I asked surprised.
“Not at all.” She smirked. I followed her gaze to the handsome guy now sitting in the cafe area.
Sighing, I went in back to start on the dishes with Steph. This was not something I wanted to deal with.
“What’s up?” Steph shoved her bangs out of her eyes as I joined her.
I took note that her neatly tied back hair had somehow managed to get soap suds in it but didn’t mention it. “Same old. Cute guy, overly flirty sister.” I rolled my eyes.
“Does he stand a chance?” Steph sighed as she shook the remaining soap off her hands.
“He does not seem interested in Diamond, so we’ll see. He might survive this visit.” I noticed there wasn’t enough for me to help with. Only a few dirty pitchers and a spoon remained from the previous intimidating pile.
Steph just shook her head. “This visit. Diamond can be persistent.”
“Can be?” I laughed, moving to check the inventory. I’d have to make an order tomorrow.
“Fine, fine. Is stupidly persistent,” Steph corrected herself as she finished the last of the dishes.
“There ya go.” I winked.
“Don’t you have class soon?” Steph shoved the dishes into the sanitizer and turned it on.
“Yeah, didn’t realize the time. Guess that leaves you to bar. Please try not to let Di make any more drinks? Poor Kimmy and Trent got sick last week because of them,” I begged as I washed my hands.
“I’ll try. You know her.” Steph assured me.
Nodding, I tossed my apron into the dirty bin and grabbed my stuff.
I waved to my sister as I headed out. Diamond was sulking at the register, the cute guy nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, you’re going out right?” Diamond’s face suddenly lit up with excitement.
“Yeah? Class as usual. Be back in about two hours.” I waved again, not stopping.
“Can you find out his name?” Diamond begged.
“If I see him!” I called back, not intending to try.
To my surprise, his car was parked right next to mine and he was standing next to it while talking on his phone. I gave a wave as I opened my car door.
“Hang on, hang on…” He stated into the phone. “Barista lady! Sorry, I don’t know your name.”
I laughed. “It’s cool. What’s up?”
He seemed relieved. “I have a meeting at Cobblestone Community College, but my GPS isn’t working. Can you direct me there? Or at least to a GPS friendly area?”
I had to laugh again. “That’s where I’m heading. I’ve got class. You can follow me.”
“Fantastic. You’re a lifesaver.” His face lit up.
“Nah, just a bit of luck. You’d have figured it out. There’re signs just about everywhere. It’s all this town has.” I shrugged. “But, my step-sister was begging to find out your name.”
“That’s your sister?” He seemed surprised.
“Step-sister, and yes. The grim truth that plagues us all.” I shrugged. “Anywho, just follow me.”
“It’s Vincent.” He chuckled at my commentary.
“Awesome. Nice to meet you, Vincent.” I got into my car and waited for him to get ready to follow.
Getting to the school was easy. There were only a few turns. I parked, leaving Vincent to figure out the rest of his gig as I took off for class.
I only had a few minutes to spare when I finally took my seat. My normal seat was in the middle of the stuffy room. For whatever reason, everyone always seemed to avoid the first row, and since there were only ten students in this class and about fifteen chairs that was easy to do. The whiteboard had a random drawing on it and no class notes yet so I went about getting myself ready.
My school buddy and bestie, Callie, was deep in an excited conversation with the person in front of her. As I pulled out my notebook, she looked at me.
She tossed her long silky dark hair behind her shoulder, the bangles on her arm giving a slight jingle. “Arnessa have you heard?” She excitedly giggled at me.
“Apparently not. What’s up?”
Leah, the bubbly girl that was chatting with Callie, shook her head at me. “Oh come on, I know you don’t care about this town but how have you not heard?”
“I live in a magical bubble called too much work,” I stated flatly.
Callie shook her head as she flailed her hands in front of me so quickly I couldn’t see the henna design she had recently put on them. “So, the Queen’s son, you know the freaking prince, is in town! Apparently, he’s doing several guest speakings for various classes this week and a public speaking!”
“Oh, that is actually kind of cool.” I even had to wonder how I hadn’t heard that one.
“You have to come to the speaking!” Callie demanded, just about ready to fall out of her chair with excitement.
“I probably have work. Let me know how it goes, though.” I opened my notebook to a free page. While it would be cool to see him, it was super unlikely we’d get to actually be close to him.
“You’re killing me.” Callie flopped her arms down on the desk. “Oh, I heard he’s speaking in a lot of the illusion classes! Maybe one of yours?”
I shrugged. “I haven’t seen any announcements about guest speakers so unlikely. Unless it wasn’t announced since its the prince and they wanted it to be a secret? We do get guest speakers fairly often so it’s possible. They’re usually more local and less celebrity status.”
Callie just about shrieked with delight. “You have to tell me if you meet him!”
“I have that class tomorrow, so I’ll let you know.” Now that would be cool. I bet not many could say their prince helped out with a class they were in. That was a fun idea.
“Oh em gee that remin–”
The teacher walked in, cutting off Callie’s next comment.
2
After class Callie was all about talking again. “I wonder if he’s as cute as his pictures.” She gushed as I lead the way to the cafeteria.
“He specializes in illusion magic, he can be however he wants.” I rolled my eyes.
“Come on, not everyone uses glamor spells,” Callie pointed out. “You hardly ever use them.”
“True, but if you had to keep up a wonderful public appearance, wouldn’t you?” I asked simply. “It would make the most sense to use magic to your advantage when you know you have to look your best.”
“I guess you have a point.” Callie gave a defeated sigh.
“Nothing wrong with it, gotta do what ya gotta do to stay on your A game right?” I nudged her.
“Yeah, for real. I bet it’s tough to always be camera ready,” Callie shuffled along behind me. “It’ll still be fun to see the speaking event. I should look up what it’s about.”
“If you can record it that’d be awesome,” I gave her a pleading look. “I bet it’ll be fun to hear.”
“Sure thing.” Callie followed me through the lunch line. “Healthy food or fries and pizza?”
“I’m pretty sure you’ve done three healthy days. Bring on the pizza,” I grabbed the biggest slice available.
“And you’re still doing whatever you feel like.” She snickered.
“I burn too many calories working.” I shrugged and took a bite before adding it to my tray.
“True…” Callie grabbed one for herself.
We were still sitting the cafeteria when Vincent came over to our table.
“It’s the barista girl again.” He smiled.
“Sup?” I said, reluctant to look up from my notebook. After eating I had started on my classwork.
“Just surprised to see a familiar face, though I still haven’t caught your name,” Vincent replied simply.
“Barista girl works.” I laughed before looking back down at my notebook.
“Arnessa, you’re the worst.” Callie shook her head at me. “Sorry, she’s actually really nice sometimes.”
“Sometimes? I mus
t be having more off days then I realize.” I snickered as I jotted down some notes for the paper I would need to type up later.
“Ignore her, what was your name?” Callie asked since I hadn’t bothered to introduce him.
“You can call me Vincent.” He offered her a hand and she shook it, blushing fiercely.
“You can join us if you’d like. I do have class soon though, and then you’ll be stuck with crabby pants.” Callie glanced over at me.
“Nah, crabby pants has to get back to work in a half hour,” I replied.
“Oh, that sucks. Do you have to work a lot of split shifts?” Vincent asked curiously.
Callie and I both laughed.
“When doesn’t she work?” Callie sighed gathering her stuff up. “Good luck with that.”
“I work a good portion of the week. Usually, I’ll take Wednesday and Thursday afternoon off to stay on top of school stuff. We’re not open crazy late though, so it’s not a huge deal,” I replied to Vincent before glancing at Callie. “Have fun in potions!”
“If I survive this mid-semester exam I think it’ll be okay.” Callie sighed.
“Need my notes again?” I asked. I had already taken that class.
“If you don’t mind.” Callie’s eyes lit up.
“Of course not. I’ve got class at eleven tomorrow. When’s yours?” I asked as I typed a reminder into my phone.
“Ten thirty, that doesn’t work. Can I swing by the shop before class?” Callie begged.
“Yeah, that works,” I agreed and Callie headed out.
Vincent took her seat. “That’s nice of you, crabby pants.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I’ll help with classes. The world needs a few less airheads.”
“Agreed.” He nodded.
“So, how’d that meeting whatever thing go?” I asked, not sure what else to say. “What brings an out of towner here, anyway?”
“Class stuff. Part of my major means I get the pleasure of helping out with classes around the nation,” Vincent replied, already tired just from the thought.
