Witch You Were Here

by ERIN BEDFORD

  “Hey,” I greeted, not sure who to go to first.

  Dale thankfully decided for me, coming over and pressing his lips to my cheek, whispering in my ear. “You look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” I flushed, releasing Ian’s arm to embrace him for a moment.

  Aidan had already been here with his parents for a few hours, so I went to Paul instead. “You look great.” I gestured at his suit. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you guys have done this before.” A collective laugh followed my comment.

  Paul kissed me on the side of the mouth, being careful not to smudge my makeup before taking a step back. He seemed uncomfortable with PDA in front of my parents but kept his hand on my waist nevertheless.

  I looked to Trina, who was looking great in her form-fitting black dress. “Grandmother said you had something to tell me?”

  “Ah, yeah.” She stood and pulled her phone out. “You remember how all the caterers were booked? And then the music and your dress?”

  “Yeah?” I arched a brow at her wondering where she was going with all this.

  “And remember how your booth at the Spring Fair got destroyed? And no one saw anything?” I nodded. She was really starting to freak me out. Especially, when she made such a fearsome face. “Well, apparently those weren’t coincidences.”

  Moving away from Paul to where she held her phone up, I frowned. “What am I looking at here?”

  Trina shook her phone and let out an impatient huff. “All the caterers were booked by the same person for a fake event by the Magenski family.”

  “The who?” I arched a brow, looking around at the others for some clue as to what she was talking about.

  Paul bumped my arm. “Magenski. As in Monica Magenski?”

  A light clicked on in my head. “What? You think Monica has something to do with this?”

  “Yep.” Trina popped her p’s. “And that’s not all.” She gestured to my mom, who handed her phone over. “She was also behind the destruction of your dress.” She played a video on my mom’s phone. It seemed to be some kind of security footage. I recognized the interior of Madame Lace’s dress shop, and there was Monica sneaking around like she was afraid to be caught wielding a pair of scissors and an eager sneer on her face. I watched her rip into my dress with such a fierceness that I had to look away. It was just too cruel.

  “So, Monica’s out to get you?” Dale mused. “I mean, it makes sense.”

  “What we saw at the store makes sense now,” Ian mused, rubbing his jaw.

  “What you saw? When did you go back to the store?” my mom asked, suspicion in her eyes.

  “Yesterday,” I told her. “We found a hair and did a spell. It showed Monica as the probable culprit, but what I don’t understand is why?” I turned my head toward Dale. “She’s been nothing but nice to me. I’d have believed Sabrina or even Libby, no offense, Trina, before I’d ever have suspected Monica.”

  “That’s exactly why it’s so diabolical,” Callie announced jumping to her feet. “It’s smart if you think about it. You never see the dagger coming.”

  “What?” I gave her a dubious look. “I think someone’s been watching too many movies.”

  “Well, it’s not that far off,” Dale interjected, his arms crossed over his chest. He was looking dapper in his suit, his hair brushed back. All the guys were looking good tonight, and here I thought I’d be the one having a challenging time keeping their hands off me. I felt like a cat in heat wanting to rip their clothes off.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, discreetly wiping the drool off my chin.

  Dale cleared his throat, adjusting his stance. “When you think about it, the Magenskis have always been anti-human. It would only make sense that she would be guning for you.” I frowned at his presumptions. “You are human-raised, getting special attention from not just the community but her best friend. Then came your booth at the Spring Fair.”

  My grandmother who had been listening quietly at the edge of the room took this moment to speak up. “The Magenskis are esteemed members of our society. I hardly think they care about a college student’s coming out party or even her school project.”

  “Dale is right.” Aidan broke his silence, turning our attention to him. He had that far off look in his eyes that signaled he’d just had a vision.

  “What do you see?” Ian tucked his hands into his pants pockets, a scowl on his face.

  “The Magenski girl used a perception charm at the fair.” He crossed his large arms over his chest, the muscles tensing beneath the skin.

  “Okay, so Monica is a class-A bitch. Got it.” I threw a thumbs up toward them, my mind still reeling with the new information. I had to admit I felt a bit betrayed. I mean, Monica and I weren’t the closest of friends. We barely knew each other. However, I still hated liars and phonies. Sabrina might put on a front for her parents, but at least she was upfront with her hatred for me. But Monica pretending to be my friend just so she could screw with me? That was so not cool.

  Aris bopped by my head. That’s right. Way not cool.

  “Max?” Callie touched my arm. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  I shrugged her off, offering her my biggest smile. “I am. Don’t worry about it. I don’t want it to ruin our night.” Turning to the rest of the room, I gestured toward my dad to get off his phone. “And while I have you all here, I have an announcement I’d like to make.”

  When I had everyone’s attention, I shifted so that I was next to the guys. I pulled Dale and Paul over to stand with Ian and Aidan. “I know everyone has been asking me who I’m going to have to escort me tonight. I haven’t been shy about what my thoughts are on the subject.” My grandmother made a rude sound, but I ignored her. “I know choosing someone to present me to the magical community is a big deal. It not only aligns me with that person’s family but also tells everyone that I have the intentions...” I softly smiled at the guys. “... of one day marrying them.”

  The mix of expression before me didn’t do anything to dissuade me from my big moment. “So, I thought long and hard on who should escort me, and I’ve decided...” The tension in the room was palpable and I swear my grandmother was holding her breath. “... that I’m not choosing any of them.”

  “What?” my grandmother’s voice rose, echoing in the room. “You can’t just do that. It’s not heard of. Do you know what people will say if you show up alone? At least have your father escort you!” She gestured an arm at my dad who didn’t seem too thrilled by the prospect. He’d never been the kind to want to be the center of attention.

  I rolled my eyes. “If you would let me finish, I wasn’t done.”

  “Oh,” my grandmother’s eyes widened, and then with a sardonic smile, she waved an arm in front of me. “By all means, your highness. Please continue.”

  Ignoring her sarcasm, I stuck my tongue between my teeth and faced the guys. “What I was going to say was that I’m not just choosing one of you. I want all of you to walk me out tonight. Because I care about you, all of you, and I want everyone to know it.”

  It was Aidan’s face that I noticed first. The usual stoic expression he kept on his face had broken. And not just one of his little half smiles but a full-on dimples-flashing, toothy grin. He even out beat Ian with his panty melting grin. It was so good.

  “Hey, stop that.” Ian elbowed Aidan. “None of us can get a look in with you flashing that crap around.” Aidan chuckled and dimmed his lips drooped slightly.

  Paul didn’t say anything. He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me. Either not caring my dad was watching, or despite it, he kissed me full on the mouth, not letting me go until Dale cleared his throat.

  Releasing me to Dale, Paul blew me a kiss and took his place back by his brother. Dale took my hand in his and half bowed kissing my fingertips. I sort of giggled in return at his actions.

  “I’d be honored to escort you.”

  “We all would be,” Ian added on to Dale’s words.

 
; “This is going to be great.” Callie clapped her hands giddily, her brown hair bouncing in the curls she’d put in it. Trina laughed at her side, a bit too pleased with herself.

  “Well, I think it is ridiculous.” My grandmother sniffed, crossing her arms defiantly. “After all the work, money, and time I put into making this a special day for you and you’re going to ruin it all with this...” She waved a hand at us. “... sideshow.”

  “Mother,” my mom came between us with a proud grin on her lips, “I think I speak for everyone when I say, get over it. You couldn’t control me, and you’re not going to control my daughter. I don’t know why you ever thought you could.”

  My grandmother blew a harsh breath out through her teeth. “I don’t know why I even bother. You’re going to do what you want no matter what.” She waved a wild hand at the guys and me. “What are you going to do when one of these young men gets her pregnant? How will you know who the father is? Will one of you marry her?”

  Dale and Paul held my hands while Ian and Aidan stood at my back. “Well, I think that’s an us problem. Not a you problem. Now, if you want me to be in your life, you have to accept that I’m not going to play by your rules.”

  “Then whose rules are you playing by?” my grandmother sniffed.

  I laughed. “Hell, if I know. I’m making this up as I go along. And so far,” I smiled softly at the guys. “I think I’m doing pretty damn good.”

  Chapter 19

  A large set of double doors was all that stood between the party and us. The music from the inside poured out through the walls, making my blood dance in my veins.

  Trina’s sister Belinda knew how to play. I had no doubt the music was making my grandmother and her older friends grimace. They were no doubt muttering under their breaths about kids and their loud music, but I didn’t care.

  This was my day, and I wasn’t letting anyone ruin it.

  “Are you ready?” My mom pressed in at my elbow. “Your dad and I are heading in.”

  I bobbed my head. “Yep.” I glanced around at my four handsome guys. “I think I’m good.”

  Laughing, she gave me a sideways hug. “I have no doubt about that.” To the guys around me, she pointed a finger. “You take care of her. There might be more of you, but I’ve been doing magic a lot longer.”

  I grinned at her defensive tone. “Thanks, mom.”

  Dad snuck between the guys and embraced me. “You look beautiful, and I’m so proud of you for standing up for yourself.” His eyes slowly moved to the men around me. “And I don’t have to make threats because you and I both know how devious your mom can get.”

  We shared a chuckle as my men watched on. They didn’t seem the least bit worried, but it was good to know my parents had my back.

  Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my skirt and checked my tiara to be sure it was still pinned to my hair. My fingers wiggled at my side and sort of bounced in place. My parents went through a side door, leaving me at the front for my big entrance. I’d been giddy about it all until now. Now though, my nerves decided to show.

  A warm hand slid into my sweaty palm and squeezed it. I tilted my head up to meet Aidan’s firm gaze and said, “I’m alright.”

  “How do you want to do this?” Ian asked, sliding an arm around my waist. “We could lift you up above our heads?”

  Paul scoffed. “Leave it to you to pick the weirdest of options.”

  “What do you suggest we do?” he shot back at his brother.

  “We could simply walk at her sides,” Dale suggested. “Two in front, two in back, her in the middle, or would that be showing favoritism?”

  “No, I like that.” I gave him a shy smile, not wanting the others to argue. “But who gets to be where?”

  “Pick a number,” Aidan offered up.

  “Okay.” I cocked my head to the side. “The two closest stands in front, the other two in back.”

  Ian snickered. “Sounds like my kind of party.”

  Rolling my eyes at him, I thought of a number. Seventeen. That’s a pretty good number.

  “Pick between one and twenty.” I turned to Dale first.

  “Eight.”

  Then Ian. “Nineteen.”

  Paul next. “Twelve.”

  And lastly, Aidan. “Seventeen.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “You didn’t use your powers, did you?”

  “Of course not.” His lips ticked up at the edges, making me not believe him completely.

  “Fine.” I decided to leave it alone. No time to argue. “Ian and Aidan in front. Paul and Dale in back.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Dale smirked, and Ian jumped up to my side. “Shall we?”

  I took a deep breath. “Yeah, I think so.”

  With a flick of their wrists, the door opened. The music faltered for a moment and then the song we had decided on for my entry began. It was light and bubbly. Just how I wanted it.

  The crowd parted as we stepped into the room. The first set of eyes on me were my parents. They gave us an encouraging thumbs up. My grandparents, well, my grandfather lifted his glass to me while my grandmother managed to keep a straight face. That woman could beat anyone at poker, I swear.

  There was a collective gasp and then a tittering through the crowd as they realized I had not one escort but four. Lifting my chin a bit higher, I made my way into the middle of the room. I caught sight of cousin Addy near both of my best friends. She inclined her head at me with a big grin, thoroughly enjoying the drama my men and I were causing.

  Stopping in the middle of the ballroom, I nodded to those watching. Ian turned first, taking my hand in his and pressing his lips to my fingers. Then Aidan, with his large hands and massive shoulders. More than a few women were already eying him. Dale followed Aidan as I spun around to face them. Paul was last. He bowed before taking my hand. His mouth brushed across the knuckles of my hand and then he straightened.

  Standing at his side stood my dad. Paul handed me over to him, and the music changed. The waltz began, and we took our places. Moving around the room, I tried to focus on my dad’s face and not the people staring.

  “I think that went rather well.” My dad grinned at me. “Don’t you?”

  I let out a harsh breath. “Well, no one is throwing fruit or running from the room screaming.”

  My dad’s hand squeezed my waist. “The night is young.”

  Giggling, I let myself enjoy my first dance with my dad. Normally, that dance would be with the man who escorted me, but since I had four escorts... well... it was just easier for my dad to do it. I wasn’t a great dancer. I’d save my boyfriends’ feet for one night.

  Eventually, the rest of the room stopped staring, and others joined us on the dance floor. My dad led me off the floor when the song ended and handed me over to my group of guys. Dale held out a glass of some pink liquid which I took but didn’t drink.

  “What’s in this one?” I asked warily.

  With a knowing laugh, Dale shook his head. “It’s just champagne. I promise, no magic.”

  My lips still twisted in a distrusting frown, I took a hesitant sip. When the familiar carbonated alcohol touched my throat, I took an even bigger drink. When Professor Morison walked up to me, I almost choked on my drink.

  “Max,” he greeted in his real accent, taking a look at the group around me. “I half expected you to let your grandmother turn this into another one of those boring events where everyone is talking about how much money they have or the latest issue of Witch’s Weekly.” He chuckled, taking a drink of his glass. “But everyone can’t stop talking about you and your men.”

  “Well, what can I say?” I clucked my tongue. “I’m just chock full of gossip for the masses.” I started to ask him something, but Callie bumped my arm, almost dumping my drink. Scowling over my shoulder at her, I sighed. “Professor Morison have you met my best friend, Callie?”

  “Hi,” she pushed forward between us. “So, you’re from England?”

  Morison chuckled.
“Yes, but now I teach Etiquette of Magic at the school. Are you a student there?”

  “No way,” Callie beamed. “I go to Brown. I’m human.” That was Callie for you. Not at all ashamed of who she was not even if she was one of the sole humans in a room full of witches and wizards.

  “Well, then.” Morison offered her his arm. “You can call me Rupert.”

  “Alright, Rupert.” She took his arm and then winked at me, mouthing ‘oh my god.’

  I giggled as I watched them walk away, Callie chatting his ear off. I just knew it was a matter of time before she found a wizard to latch onto, I just never figured it would be one of my professors. Turning around to watch the room, I hummed. “So, how long do you think?”

  “How long until what?” Paul asked, turning from Callie who he had been speaking with to me.

  “Until someone freaks out on us,” I replied with a cheeky grin. “I’m surprised one of your parents hasn’t come by and accused me of bespelling you all.”

  Aidan blew a puff of air out through his nostrils. It sounded a bit like a horse huffing.

  “You don’t think they will?” I glanced over my shoulder at him.

  “I think our parents are the least of your worries.”

  I didn’t have a chance to ask him about what he meant before an annoyingly chipper voice called my name. Monica Magenski appeared before me with a man I didn’t recognize at her arm. She wore a white dress quite similar to the one she’d destroyed. A quiet way of telling me she was the culprit?

  “I’m having so much fun at your party.” Monica giggled, shifting from side to side as if she couldn’t stay in one spot. “And the look on everyone’s face when you entered?” She let out a hyena laugh and looked to her date. “It. Was. Priceless.”

  I arched a brow at her and then to my guys who looked about ready to rip her bouncing head off. I shook my head at them, silently telling them that I would handle it.