Big Witch Energy - Kelly Jamieson Page 0,77

my WED,” I continue. “But to prepare for today, I did some extracurricular research. I wanted to explore what Ruckers think of witches. To be honest, I never thought much about it before I discovered my witch family.” I pause to make eye contact with a couple of the men. “I learned that throughout history, witches have been typically thought of as female and have been a symbol of female empowerment. But with her magical powers, the witch is also a challenge to patriarchal narratives. Oppressors demonized witches and targeted free-thinking women.” I pause. “Society has always feared powerful women. Witches were women who stood apart, who refused to conform. That made them objects of fear, derision, and, unfortunately, violence. I’m grateful that doesn’t happen in the Orb of Night coven.” I give them a small smile.

“Today social and political movements aim to define and establish the equality of the sexes—political, economic, personal, and social. Women have been treated unjustly. And while I’m happy that strong women witches aren’t being persecuted, I do feel that women in the coven aren’t given equal opportunities. Having strong, empowered witches of all genders will only make the coven stronger and more powerful… and isn’t that what we all want?”

My companions behind me all let out a cheer. For a moment there’s bedlam in the boardroom. Then Ziggy, sitting in the middle of the table, bangs a golden gavel. “Order, order!” he barks. “Have you finished, Ms. Larson?”

I smile. “Almost. I want to add that I know rules are important. We need rules to function. I’m working hard to learn the rules. My intention in creating apps was to be helpful, not harmful. I’ve been juggling a lot of things since I started my tutoring, and I needed ways to be efficient and save time. I think these things could be helpful to all witches, but I don’t intend to push anyone to use tools they’re not comfortable with.” I pause once more, take a breath, and let it out.

“And the last thing I want to say is that Trace has been incredibly supportive and helpful to me. He’s so knowledgeable and patient. Please don’t blame him for any of this. And if you have further concerns about me, please come to me directly. Trace isn’t my keeper. I can speak for myself.”

“Yes, you can, girl!” a voice shouts behind me.

“Thank you for your time and attention today.” I take my seat.

The room breaks out in thundering applause. I turn, my heart brimming with gratitude to these women and relief that I got through it without peeing my pants. I might have cast a small spell to prevent that from happening.

22

Romy

“What are you doing here?” Ziggy greets one of the women as they all rise from their seats and mingle in the room.

My mouth falls open, watching. It’s the girl who picks up Danny from my Saturday morning art classes. She’s a witch too!

“Grandpa.” She hugs him. “Of course I’m here. I one hundred percent support everything Romy said.”

Whoa. She’s Ziggy’s granddaughter!

He studies her with a bemused expression on his face. “Does your mother know you’re here?”

“Yes, she does. And she would have come too, but she had patients booked already.”

Ziggy still stares. “Oh.”

“Listen to Romy.” She pats her grandpa on the chest and turns away. Catching my eye, she smiles and winks, then disappears.

“Let’s go for drinks!” Felise says to me, gripping my hand. “You did fantastic!”

“Thank you.” I inhale a long breath. “A drink sounds great. Maybe ten.”

She rounds up Magan and a few other of their close friends in the thinning crowd, and we leave the skyscraper. “There’s a wine bar just around the corner.” Felise points.

We enter Acapella, a big, modern space with lots of tall windows on the main floor of another office tower. We’re seated at a table for six in front of windows looking into the office building lobby.

“Let’s get a charcuterie board,” Felise suggests, studying the menu. “We can all share it.” She also orders bottles of wine for the table, prosecco, which we’re soon also sharing.

“Congrats to Romy.” Magan picks up her glass in a toast. “You did fantastic today.”

Everyone lifts their glasses, and I feel my cheeks warm. “Thanks, but we should wait and see what happens before congratulating me. I could have made things worse.”

“They know they’re not just dealing with you now,” Saige says.

“That’s right,” Ashlyn puts in.

We talk more about some of the things I mentioned. Saige and Ashlyn haven’t seen