Chili Cauldron Curse - Lynn Cahoon Page 0,27
or glazed?”
“Blueberry cake.” Mia pointed to the line at the door. “We’re going to bring in some money for the food bank.”
“Thanks to you. Putting your life on hold for a week and coming up here has been a godsend. Thank you both.” Grans patted Christina’s hand.
“I didn’t have much of a life to put on hold.” Christina admitted. She met Mia’s gaze. “I guess I’m going back to school next week.”
“School isn’t a bad place to find yourself.” She took a voting ballot from a young girl that had arrived at the table. “That was fast.”
“I don’t really like chili, but Mom said coming here helps other kids eat. Now we get to go to the library.” She glanced at her mother who was still eating at a table. “At least we will when she gets done. I have a book to read until then.”
“Thanks for spending your last Saturday of summer with us.” Grans added.
“School starts Monday and I’m going to be in fourth grade. I’m so excited.” The girl pulled out a chapter book Mia had loved as a kid. She started to walk away, but then stopped. “Thanks for caring about hungry kids.”
The three of them watched as the girl went back to the table and sat with her mother. In just a few seconds, she was lost in the book.
“She reminds me of you at that age.” Grans wiped a tear from her eye. “You loved your books.”
Two hours later, Mia stood to take a break. The crowd had ebbed and flowed, and this was a slow spot for them in taking votes, but she saw new people standing at the door coming inside. “I’m going to grab us some water and walk around a bit. Do you need anything?”
“I’m good.” Grans had pulled out a scarf she was knitting in a deep purple. Christina was fascinated, so Grans had set her up with needles and a ball of yarn. So far, Christina was doing more ripping out than actually making progress on her project.
“Christina?”
“What?” She snapped, not looking up from the needles. “I’m doing it right, I think.”
Mia chuckled. “Do you want anything besides water? Some chili or something?”
“No. I ate earlier when I walked through.” She glanced at the apple pie at the table behind them. “Can I have a piece of pie though?”
“Of course. Finish that row and then go get a slice.” Grans patted Christina’s arm. “You’re learning really fast.”
Mia left them talking about knitting and purling, and was glad Grans had another victim to torture. Mia had tried knitting and crocheting but had never caught the joy of making her own fabric. Now, cooking, that had always been her love.
She went to the staff kitchen and grabbed the last three water bottles from the fridge. “No one refills this thing. It’s just like being at home.”
She went out to the back to get a case of water bottles and heard loud voices in the alley.
Pausing at the door, she glanced over and saw Cal and Bethanie standing by the trash bin. She stepped back inside the doorway, wondering if she should interrupt or just let the next person refill the fridge.
“You won’t be Daddy’s choice, no matter how many of these volunteer projects you sponsor. You might as well go back under that rock you crawled out of.” Bethanie poked Cal in the chest. “I’m a Miller. That goes a long way in this town. I’m the one who will take over the coven and Daddy’s business.”
“You can’t run a business.” He growled at her. “You’re too busy buying clothes and showing up as a fashion model. You got a spot on your shirt.”
Bethanie glanced down then swatted her half-brother. “I do not. And that’s not funny. Do you know how much I paid for this outfit?”
“I’m sure Dad knows. He’s just waiting for you to screw up and then he’ll disown you. What will you do without the unlimited credit card I wonder? Do you have any skills besides being a fashion plate?” Cal taunted her.
“I’m not talking to you about my skills. I’m stronger than you. I can survive without Daddy’s money. I just don’t want to.” She squared her shoulders. “I don’t know why I even waste my breath talking to you. You’re nothing. You don’t even have any power.”
“Really? Then why does Dad no longer have a rival to his coven leadership position? Do you think he’ll really cast me aside when I’m so helpful?”
“You’re about