Shadows of the Redwood - By Gillian Summers Page 0,12

her that she could look it up in the Compendium. Yeah, if she had ten years.

Scott shook his head. “Lucky cat. But why isn’t Knot in love with her? Are animals immune?”

“No,” Sean said, looking at Keelie once more. “But fairies are.”

Keelie had to find how long the potion would last, and what else Risa had up her sleeve. Wait until Grandmother found out what the elf girl had done. Using magic against another elf was forbidden. Risa would be in a lot of trouble, once she got over her kitty love.

“Keelie, are you ready to go?” Grandmother stepped out from the shadows at the back of the shop, pushing stray strands into her heavy braid. “I’m really tired, and I need to rest. I think we can finish up tomorrow.”

“Almost done, Grandmother,” Keelie called back.

Grandmother looked behind her. “You would not believe what I just saw. That foolish girl Risa chased Knot out the back door. I’ve never seen that cat looked frightened before.” She chuckled, then turned her piercing glare on Scott. “Who are you, young man?”

“I’m Scott. I’m your neighbor across the street.”

“You’re our competition?”

“Here at the festival, we like to think of ourselves as an extended family.” Scott looked at her curiously.

“He was Zeke’s hu …” Sean stopped himself, looking over at Keelie as he tried to control his face. “He was Zeke’s assistant, the one who abandoned him before the start of the Wildewood Faire.”

Grimacing, Scott turned toward Grandmother. “I had a better job offer, and it was closer to my family. My mother got sick and sent for me.”

Keelie reeled with surprise. “Why didn’t you say that your mother was sick? You just left a message saying that you had a better job offer in California.”

“Because it was a family matter. I wanted to keep it private.”

“I understand.” Grandmother’s glare eased.

Scott’s expression was tinged with relief. Grandmother was the type of person whose disapproval you didn’t want. A flicker of irritation flashed in Sean’s eyes. Keelie didn’t know whether to laugh or kick him.

“If you need help with anything at the festival, give a shout out. Like I said, we’re all one big family.” Scott seemed at ease with the old dragon.

“Thank you. I’m sure we won’t need any assistance,” Grandmother said. “May I see your shop? I’m curious as to how you arranged your wares in that tiny building.”

Scott forced a smile. “Of course. Be my guest.” He watched her stalk across the street, then circled around to Keelie. “I’ll be seeing you.” Lifting his head so that he was eye-to-eye with Sean, he looked at his rival for what seemed a long time before turning to stride back to Tudor Turnings.

Scott had definitely changed. Who knew a geeky woodcarver could transform into such a take-charge guy?

Sean cleared his throat.

Keelie blushed. Sean stared down at her disapprovingly. “You like him.”

Indignation gushed through Keelie. “He’s a friend.” Then an image of Risa popped into her head. “Just like Risa is your friend.”

Sean pulled her close. He brought his face to hers, then kissed her full on the lips. “But you’re not just a friend.” He let her go and stepped back. “I’ll see you at the camp tonight.” He sauntered away, his walk the one of a man who was totally pleased with himself.

Keelie stood there, stunned by the kiss and by Sean’s reaction to Scott. The kiss had been great. But Sean hadn’t given her this much attention in weeks, and now, just because a cute guy acted as if he liked her, he decided he was going to act like a boyfriend again. A jealous boyfriend.

“I won’t be there,” she shouted after him.

Sean turned quickly, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Grandmother and I are staying in the forest.”

His eyes widened and he took a couple of steps back toward her. “At the Redwood Forest elven village?”

“I guess. Is that good?”

“The redwood elves don’t let anyone into the deep parts of the forest.” Sean seemed impressed, then looked over at Tudor Turnings and laughed. “Guess you won’t get to hang around here much after all.” He waved to Grandmother, who was walking back toward them, and walked out.

Meow.

Keelie looked down to find Knot at her feet. “Did you ditch your girlfriend?” Knot gagged as if he was about to hack up a hairball.

“Yeah, I figured as much.”

“Well, Keelie, I see that you and Sean have mended your rift.” Grandmother leaned against one of the Heartwood shop’s posts, trying to suppress a smile and looking almost