Enchant the Night - Amanda Ashley Page 0,37
for a visit.” It was partly the truth.
Vivian frowned. “Are you sure going off with him is a good idea? I mean, you just met.”
Callie took a sip of her soda. She couldn’t very well tell Vivian that Quill feared her life might be in danger. And if the truth be told, she couldn’t help being a little nervous about going away with him. Like Vivian said, she hadn’t known Quill very long.
“Callie?”
“I know it’s sudden, but I feel like I’ve been waiting for him my whole life. It’s as if we’re . . . we’re . . .”
“Soul mates?”
“Something like that.”
The pizza arrived, and they ate in silence for a moment. Callie wished she could confide in Vivian. It would be so nice to tell someone the truth.
“So, how long will you be gone?” Vivian asked.
“He didn’t say.”
“Do you want me to house-sit while you’re away?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind.” She hadn’t given a thought to who would water her plants while she was gone.
“You’d be doing me a favor. I’ve been wanting a break from my roommate. Dana’s a great gal and fun to be with, but the girl’s like a whirling dervish on steroids. I could use some peace and quiet. What about your business?”
“I don’t have anything scheduled for a couple of months. Things are kind of slow right now, anyway.”
Vivian finished her last slice of pizza. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I promised my mom I’d meet her at the Rug Emporium at two and help her pick out some new carpet. She’s decided to redecorate the living room. Again. So, when are you leaving for California?”
“Monday.”
“Okay. Keep in touch. And don’t worry about a thing while you’re gone.”
“Thanks, Viv. I’ll leave my key under the potted fern in the corner of the front porch.”
* * *
After leaving the pizza place, Callie went shopping for a new pair of boots. She also picked up two pairs of jeans, a couple of long-sleeved shirts, and a warm jacket.
Back at home, she went through her wardrobe, deciding what to take with her. She emptied the dirty clothes hamper and put in a load of wash, then went looking for a suitcase.
She finally found one in Ava’s closet. Pulling it down from the top shelf, she carried it into her room and dropped it on the bed. She pulled several pairs of jeans and shirts from her closet and dumped them beside the suitcase with her new clothes, then added underwear and socks and a pair of gloves. She rifled through the dresser drawers, looking for her favorite sweater, only then remembering it was in the wash.
Lifting the lid on the suitcase, she was surprised to find a notebook inside. Another journal? Picking it up, she thumbed through pages and pages of handwritten spells and incantations. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, she went back to the beginning, where she found a letter from Ava that she’d missed.
My dear Callie ~ These are the first spells my grandmother taught me when my magic manifested itself. They are simple and easy to master, meant to give you confidence as your magic grows stronger. They gradually grow more difficult. Remember, the power is within you. You must focus and concentrate to make it work.
Many witches use wands to help direct their spells, but they aren’t necessary. You will find a few of my things in the toolshed in a box marked Old Photos.
Know that I love you and that, wherever I am, I miss you. Always remember to trust your heart.
Your loving grandmother. Xoxoxo
Callie read the letter again. She hadn’t given much thought to exploring her powers in the last couple of days, but then, she’d been distracted, what with Quill being attacked again and his unexpected suggestion to move to California.
Putting the notebook aside, she went into the backyard and unlocked the toolshed. She found the box between a large, navy-blue suitcase and an old trunk. Feeling a surge of excitement, she carried the box inside and set it on the kitchen table. After cutting away the twine that held it closed, she lifted the lid. There was a witches’ treasure trove inside—a dull, black cauldron for brewing potions, a wrought-iron candelabra, a jeweled dagger wrapped in a silk cloth. A wand made of polished ebony wood. A smaller box inside the suitcase held a variety of interesting bottles.
Callie shook her head as she read a few of the labels: EYE OF NEWT, ST. JOHN’S WORT,