goddess,” Cassie murmurs.
“I can’t believe that.” Joe frowns.
I swallow. “I feel terrible about it. I caused problems for all of you and especially for Trace with the Board of Elders. That’s the last thing I ever wanted to happen.”
“We know that, honey,” Cassie says.
“It made me realize I’m not cut out to be a witch. I k-keep messing up.” I fight to control my shaky voice.
“Romy, you’re not cut out to be a witch… you are a witch.” Joe’s frown deepens.
I forge onward. “I gave this a lot of thought. I’m not going to take my WED exam. So I don’t need to study anymore and I don’t need a tutor.”
They all gape. Then noise erupts as they bombard me with protests.
“What?”
“You can’t quit!”
“Why? That’s insane!”
“Don’t do this!”
“I’m sorry.” I speak above them. “I know I’ve disappointed you. I think this is for the best. For everyone.” I try not to look at Trace, but I can feel his displeasure radiating across the room in scary waves.
“But you won’t have powers if you don’t do that!” Felise cries, hands clasped in front of her.
“I know. It’s better that way.”
“If you don’t do it, you’ll lose your powers forever,” Joe reminds me.
“Yes. It’s okay.” I fix a smile in place. “I lived my whole life without them. It’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” Cassie asks.
“I’m sure.” I suck on my trembling bottom lip, then stand. I wobble a bit. Oops. All that wine. “I should go home now.”
“You can’t drive,” Cassie murmurs.
“I’ll take her home.” Trace’s words cut through the tension. He stands too, his eyes cold and hard, his jaw set.
“Thank you, Trace,” Cassie says.
I want to argue, but I know I can’t drive. “That teleporting would come in handy now,” I say. “I’m sad I’ll never get to do that. Oh well. I’ll get my car tomorrow.”
“Your car will be at your place tomorrow,” Joe says.
Cassie speeds over to me and wraps me in a hug. “Are you okay?” she whispers.
“I’m fine.”
“I’m here for you. I’m not your mom, but I’m a mom and I love you and you can talk to me about anything.”
My heart squeezes. “Thank you. I love you too.”
Felise is next. “Have you really thought about this?”
“Yes. I have.”
She looks like she’s going to cry.
“This sucks,” Magan says, also clearly disturbed.
“It’s fine. I love you both.”
“Love you too.”
Then Joe hugs me. “We need to talk more.”
“I’ve made my decision.” I lift my chin.
“Please. Don’t do anything until we talk.”
I nod reluctantly. “There’s nothing to do, really.”
Trace and I walk out to his truck. I clutch my purse tightly and slide into the passenger seat. When we both have our seat belts on, Trace says, “Hold on.”
I open my mouth to ask why, but before I can, I’m floating through darkness. And then Trace’s car is parked on the street in front of my building.
“You can do it with a car?” I ask, eyes wide.
“Sure.”
“Wow. I had no idea.”
“Romy. What the fuck is going on?”
23
Trace
It didn’t take long for word to get around about Romy’s second meeting with the Board of Elders. Apparently she kicked ass, and not only that, she didn’t do it alone. She had the support of about five hundred women (I think that’s exaggerated) who showed up to support her. Those old dudes were apparently impressed with Romy’s speech but also floored by all the women with her.
I’m so fucking proud of her. It ballooned in my chest, making me smile the rest of the day.
Until she started blowing me off.
Was I worried about repercussions from her speech? Sure, a little. But we’ll deal with them.
Together.
We’re a team. We’ve been working together on this for so long. I’ve never had this feeling with a woman before—a feeling of being a part of something bigger than just myself.
I couldn’t wait to see her, but when she finally texted me, she was too tired and drunk, apparently. I was happy at first; good for her for celebrating a bit. I bet Felise and Magan had something to do with that.
It’s been a rush seeing those three sisters come together, finding commonalities, finding love. And seeing Joe and Cassie’s happiness at that is also touching. I won’t do anything to damage that.
But she told me not to come Saturday for tutoring because she wasn’t feeling well and didn’t answer my calls. Then she told me she’d see me at Joe and Cassie’s.
My instincts were standing up and waving red flags.
Now I know