Essence of the Witch

by Deanna Chase

  Miranda closed her eyes and sighed. Did she really want to talk about this? Shannon already knew the movie was about her and Gideon. Likely when the movie came out that would become common knowledge at some point. It wouldn’t take long for the press to figure it out. She should just tell them. Besides, these people were her friends. They should hear it from her, right? “The book is based on my relationship with Gideon. We dated for a couple of years in college.”

  “Oh. Em. Gee,” Hope gasped out. “Gideon is Greyson?”

  “Yep.” Miranda sat back in her chair and waited for the inevitable questions.

  Her friends did not disappoint. She waited until they got the most frequently asked questions out of the way and then held up her hand for them to stop. “No, I didn’t tell Gideon I was writing it. Yes, he knows it’s about us. No, I don’t know if he’s read it, and no, we’ve never talked about the ending. Anything else?”

  Shannon leaned forward and caught Miranda’s eye. “There’s something still there between the two of you, isn’t there?”

  Miranda shook her head but felt her cheeks heat with a flush.

  “Uh, that blush sure makes it look like something,” Hanna said.

  Squeezing her eyes shut, Miranda squeaked out, “He kissed me last night, but it’s nothing. Really.”

  “Right. Nothing,” Shannon said, sarcasm dripping from her tone.

  All three of the other women laughed, and Miranda couldn’t help joining in.

  “Well, maybe this is the second chance that was meant to happen.” Hope grabbed a mimosa off a nearby tray and raised it in a mock salute.

  “Maybe.” But she couldn’t let herself think that way. He was a city guy while she was meant to live in Keating Hollow. The small town was a slice of heaven and the only place that had ever made her feel at peace.

  They all drank to second chances, even Miranda, who knew it was a bad idea to wish for the impossible.

  An hour later, the foursome strolled into the Townsend Brewery. Christmas lights framed the picture windows while someone had strung the lights on the wall to form the words Keating Hollow. The Keating Hollow lights flickered in and out, showing only one letter at a time until they were all lit, and then a tiny Christmas fairy shot out from behind the bar and wrote out Happy Holidays in fairy dust.

  Miranda let out a giggle as she watched the fairy buzz around drizzling fairy dust on the workers behind the bar and shaking her hips while blowing customers kisses. “Who has the magic to make that happen?” she asked the group.

  “Probably Noel,” Hanna said, referring to one of Lincoln Townsend’s daughters. “She’s an air witch.”

  “It’s brilliant,” Miranda said, falling even more deeply in love with the town she’d adopted.

  “It’s fun, that’s for sure.” Hanna took a seat and draped her wool coat over the back. She was wearing a red dress that showed off her gorgeous dark skin, and she had her curly dark hair tied up into a high ponytail. She was breathtaking, and Miranda made a mental note to use her as inspiration for her next novel.

  Miranda sat next to Hanna and ordered a pear cider when the waitress came around. While her friends were chatting about Christmas shopping and holiday parties, Miranda’s eye landed on a man sitting by himself at a nearby table. He had his back to her, but when he picked up a book he had lying on the table, she let out a little gasp of surprise.

  “What is it?” Hanna asked.

  “That guy over there is reading my book.” She grinned, never tiring of the thrill when she saw someone with one of her books. “Witching for You.”

  “Oh, so he likes romance,” she said, giving Miranda a wink and a nudge with her elbow.

  “Stop.” Miranda rolled her eyes. “I have plenty of men readers.”

  “Really?” Hope said, leaning forward. “Like actual fans that engage with you?”

  “Sure. There are many more women, but it’s not unusual for men to follow me on social media. I think they like the paranormal aspects.”

  “That one doesn’t have much paranormal though,” Hanna pointed out.

  “Sure, it does,” Miranda said. “The main characters are witches.”

  “You know what I mean.” Hanna nodded to the waitress as she set their drinks on the table. “They have magic, but there are no vampires or werewolves or any evil sorcerers trying to rule the world with their wicked ways.”

  Shannon laughed. “What are you trying to say? That men don’t want to read romance?”

  “Well, kinda?” Hanna shrugged. “It just seems like they’d be more into the suspense parts.”

  “Men read romance,” Miranda said, not wanting to get into a discussion about society’s rules and expectations about gender. She smirked at her friends and added, “More than you’d think, anyway.” Then she got up, effectively ending the thread of conversation. “Excuse me. I’m going to use the restroom.”

  She made her way across the restaurant and disappeared into the ladies’ room. When she was done, she strolled by the guy who was reading her book. She smiled at him, intending to nod and just continue on her way, but he put the book down and said, “Miranda Moon?”

  Miranda glanced at her book and then back at the man. Something niggled at the back of her mind. His wide-set dark eyes and salt-and-pepper hair were familiar. Too familiar. She let out a small gasp of surprise. “Cameron Copeland?”

  The tall man stood and held out his hand. “It’s very nice to finally meet you.”

  “Um, you too,” she said, taking his hand. She wanted to say something interesting or witty, but she was too shocked that the man was reading her book and had recognized her.

  “I need to apologize for standing you up the other night. The meeting was very last minute.” He waved at the chair opposite him and indicated they should sit. Then he chuckled and raised his hand to his hair. “Though, I haven’t heard the end of it from Jax. The guy is losing his mind about his new haircut.”

  Miranda winced and slid into the chair. Leaning forward, she said, “I feel terrible about that. Does he look okay?”

  Cameron let out a snort. “Look okay? You’ve seen him, right? I’m pretty sure he could wear a bag over his head and the guys would still be hitting him up.”

  It was Miranda’s turn to laugh. “Guys, huh? So not only did you stand me up, but you also sent someone who plays for the other team in your place?”

  “At least he was pretty to look at, right?” Cameron winked.

  “Fair enough.” Miranda sat back and eyed her book that was lying on the table. “Do I dare ask what you think of my work?”

  His gaze followed hers. “I’m only halfway through, but so far? It’s engaging and full of heart. Exactly the type of story I’d love to put on the big screen.”

  Miranda shook her head, certain she’d heard incorrectly. “Um, what?”

  “I hear they’ve already hired a screenwriter for the movie,” he added. “But what do you think about working together on something else? Could we get together tomorrow night? Chat about some possibilities?”

  “Work together on something else?” she stammered, completely stunned. “You mean a script?”

  “Sure.” He was grinning at her, clearly amused that he’d blown her mind with his offer to collaborate. “We can discuss it tomorrow. What do you say?”

  “Yes,” she blurted. “Absolutely. Tomorrow is great.”

  “Good.” He slid a business card over to her. “Tomorrow at seven. How about the Cozy Café? I hear they have great risotto… as long as we stay away from the candles.”

  With her heart lodged in her throat at the mere possibility of working with him and her face burning from embarrassment, she nodded and forced out, “Sounds perfect.”

  Chapter Eight

  People bustled in and out of the Incantation Café while Gideon sat at one of the tables scrolling through his phone to find Miranda’s number. They needed to get together to discuss the holiday party she wanted him to help her plan, but the truth was he
just needed to see her. Ever since he’d kissed her before leaving her at the front door of her cabin two nights before, all he’d wanted to do was head back to her cabin in the woods, curl up next to her, and breathe her in.

  The nights they’d spent together all those years ago kept running through his mind, torturing him. He’d spent a great deal of energy putting those memories out of his mind, and all it took was one evening with her for everything to come rushing back. Thinking about walking away from Keating Hollow and resuming his life back in southern California when Christmas was over made his guts churn. But he’d done it once before; he was certain he could do it again.

  The phone rang in his ear as he waited for her to answer.

  “Hey, you,” she said, her voice cheerful. “How has Keating Hollow been treating you?”

  “Good.” It would be better if you were with me right now, he thought as he took a sip of his coffee. “Got dinner plans? I was thinking we could get to work on that Christmas party.”

  “Um…” She chuckled, and it sounded hesitant, sort of nervous. “Actually, I am busy. Can we do it tomorrow night?”

  It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what her plans were, but he swallowed the question. That wasn’t his business. “Sure. Tomorrow night. Your place? I’ll bring dinner?”

  “Sounds perfect.” She asked about what he’d been up to since she’d seen him, and instead of telling her the truth, he said he’d been relaxing and exploring the town. “Exploring the town?” she asked with a laugh. “How long did that take? Two hours?”

  “Funny. No. More like five.” He chuckled. “See why I need you to save me from myself? If you leave me on my own for too long, I’ll probably end up getting sloshed at the winery and needing someone to drive me back into town.”

  “The Pelshes would do that you know. They’re good people.” She paused, mumbled something to herself, and when she returned to the conversation, said, “I’m sorry. I’ve got another call. See you tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow it is.” He was still smiling when he ended the call. It didn’t escape his notice that just the sound of her voice had lit him up, making him feel lighter somehow. After downing the rest of his coffee, he shoved his laptop into his messenger bag and went out to continue exploring the town Miranda loved so much.

  Visiting Keating Hollow during the holiday season was magical… literally. All of the shop windows were filled with magical Christmas displays, some with flying reindeer, others with perpetual falling snowflakes, and one even had dancing snowmen. The old-fashioned lampposts were decorated with lights and real blooming poinsettias, and the cobbled sidewalks shimmered with actual sparkling frost, even though the temperatures hadn’t yet reached freezing.

  There was a lightness to Gideon’s step that he didn’t usually possess and for once, he found himself looking forward to the festivities of the holiday. How long had it been since he’d taken a moment to really enjoy the wonders of Christmas? Outside of his childhood, he couldn’t even remember.

  After browsing the bookstore, the chocolate shop, and a gift shop, he made his way into the one art gallery. It was the only store on Main Street that didn’t have a magical window display. Instead, there was a painting of a Christmas scene featuring a farmhouse that looked more like a charming village from back east than that of a cabin somewhere near Keating Hollow.

  “Good afternoon,” a young woman said from behind the desk where she was busy tapping on a keyboard. “Let me know if I can help you with anything or if you have any questions.”

  “Thanks.” Gideon made his way around the store, recognizing many of the artists on display. They were the same ones who were featured in many of the galleries down in Los Angeles. That wasn’t at all what he was expecting. He walked over to the desk.

  “Did you find anything you like?” she asked, staring up at him hopefully.

  “Sure, but nothing that is speaking to me,” he said. “I was kind of hoping for something from a local artist. Something made with magic perhaps, or something I couldn’t find anywhere else.”

  The woman frowned slightly. “There is an art fair that runs from spring to fall where the local artisans show their stuff. This gallery has all the top artists around the country.”

  “I can see that.” He pursed his lips. “Well, thank you for your time.” Gideon nodded slightly and headed for the door.

  Just as he reached for the doorknob, the woman called out, “Hey, do you think that would help?”

  He turned around. “Help? You mean with sales?”

  She stared down at the counter as she wrapped her arms around herself. “Yeah. Help with sales.”

  Gideon frowned. There had been a catch in her voice as if she was trying not to cry. He moved back to the counter. “Hey, are you all right?”

  She nodded but didn’t look up. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to keep you.”

  “You’re not keeping me from anything,” he said. “You kind of look like you could use someone to talk to.”

  She looked up and let out a sigh. Her blue eyes were red, but any tears had dried already. “I’m just a little in over my head, I think. This shop was my grandmother’s, and she left it to me when she passed. I don’t want to close it, but it’s barely breaking even, and I can’t afford to keep it going when I go back to college this spring. I was thinking if I could improve sales maybe I could hire a manager to run it, but… I dunno. People just don’t seem to be buying art.”

  The art wasn’t the problem. Gideon was sure of that. The pieces in the store were high quality and made by successful artists. “I’m not sure that people aren’t buying art. If I had to guess, it’s more that the people who come here don’t want to buy this type of art.”

  She glanced around the shop at the high-end blown glass, hand-painted furniture, wrought iron wall hangings, and various paintings. “What’s wrong with this art?”

  “Nothing. But people who come to Keating Hollow come here for the magic. They are enchanted by the town. I’m willing to bet they’d buy art that enchants them, too.”

  “So, you mean art that is made by witches?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated what he’d just said.

  “Yep. That’s what I was looking for. I can get this kind of art back home in any number of galleries. If I’m going to buy something here, I want it to be unique. Something that will remind me of the town.” And remind him of Miranda. The thought popped into his head out of nowhere, and he almost groaned. As long as he was in Keating Hollow, she was going to dominate his thoughts. There was no getting around it.

  “Huh. Yeah. That makes sense.” Her blue eyes started to sparkle as she smiled at him. “You’re brilliant.” Holding her hand out to him, she said, “I’m Ashe.”

  He shook her hand and smiled back as he handed her a business card. “It’s nice to meet you, Ashe. I’m Gideon. If you get some enchanted art in here, give me a call. I’d love to add something to my collection.”

  “Count on it.” And before he could say another word, she grabbed her smart phone and made a call. “Val? You remember that witch who was making those everlasting snowflakes? Yeah. Do you have her number?”

  Gideon nodded his approval and headed for the door. He waved as he left her shop and suddenly had the desire to create. After a quick search on his phone for the nearest art supply store, he hopped into his SUV and headed for Seaside Art Supply over at the coast.

  It was dark when he got back to Keating Hollow, and instead of going out to find food, he placed a call to the Cozy Cave. After stashing his art supplies in his room at the Keating Hollow Inn, he walked over to the restaurant to pick up his dinner. He was waiting at the hostess stand, busy thinking about the piece he wanted to create, when he heard her laugh.

  Miranda.

  Gideon turned and spotted her at a table with freakin’ Cameron Copeland. Their heads were bent close together as they talked and Miranda laughed again, her eyes glinting as she stared at him. Seeing them together, obviously on a dat
e, was like a sucker punch to the gut. He ground his teeth together and had to force himself to stay rooted to the floor. He would not go over and interrupt her again.

  “Mr. Alexander? Your order is ready,” the hostess said.

  He turned to the woman and took the plastic bag she held out to him. “Thanks.”

  “Have a nice evening,” she called after him.

  He nodded but knew there wasn’t much chance of that. Not now. He wasn’t even hungry anymore.

  Once he was back in his room at the inn, Gideon put the food into the mini fridge, pulled out a sketch pad, and lost himself in the vision he couldn’t get out of his head.

  Chapter Nine

  Miranda was on cloud nine. Her dinner with Cameron had been everything she could’ve wished for and more. The two of them had hit it off in a major way. It helped that they were both already fans of each other’s work, but when they started brainstorming ideas for a television series set in a small town like Keating Hollow, the outline for a pilot episode came together quickly.

  The series would revolve around four brothers who’d inherited a cursed winery. A winery that employed nearly the entire town, and if it went under, it would devastate their beloved community. It was all heart and family and filled with magic. She’d already fallen in love with the lead character, the eldest brother who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. She couldn’t wait to dig into the story arcs for each brother. She’d never worked on a script before, but she was ready to jump in with both feet.

  Luckily, Cameron’s agent would work the deal for them when it came time to try to pitch it to networks, but she still needed to get in touch with her own former agent to find out about her missing Witching for You payments and see about getting a copy of the script for approval. It was just after nine in the morning and the perfect time to try to catch the woman before the day turned too busy. Miranda sat at the bar in her kitchen, took a deep breath, and made the call.