Tiger Lily - May Dawson Page 0,56

I held up my hand. If he came too close to me, I was afraid I’d crumble.

Blake was always so in-control, so confident, but there was worry written across his face now that wrung at my heart.

“I’m not your mate,” I told him. “Not your girlfriend. It’s over, Blake.”

“Lily,” he said, his voice lost. The pain etched across his face echoed the pain that burned through my own body, and I swallowed a sob.

Hs voice sounded the way I felt.

I turned and headed for the doors, my vision blurring with tears.

“Lily!” he called behind me, but I didn’t dare look back.

I walked out through the open bay door into the bright morning sun, but the light and the fresh air didn’t feel beautiful anymore.

31

I spent most of the day hanging out with Lupine, who had plenty of experience seeing me through heartbreak. The incoming texts from our friends made me laugh, even though it was shaky, as Brad did indeed careen through Silver Springs.

This guy came into my shop and just let me tell you, he does not deserve dildos. Working on something….

Um, I think I found your creep. He came into the pet shop and looked at all the cats. He had so many questions. I am so squicked out!

He must have somehow heard about the Pumpkin Spiced Lattes because he downed three. One right after another. No one loves PSL that much. That’s not how this works! That’s not how any of this works!

And then, finally, a text from Juniper: I’ve got your potion ready.

I texted back, You’re my hero. I felt terrible that she’d seen me at my bitchy, whiney worst earlier today.

Juniper texted back a few seconds later: Remember, he came into my shop too. I’m on your side, girlfriend.

Juniper came by. She and Lupine and I all sat around Lupine’s table. Lupine made another round of tea. Then she went in the freezer and carried over a bag of frozen green beans.

I glanced at Juniper, wondering if the frozen green beans were for her. That was definitely not my snack of choice.

Lupine reached into the bag and pulled out a box of Thin Mints. “They’re better frozen,” she explained, “and better safe from the kids.”

My girlfriends knew I didn’t want to talk about my feelings. Instead, we hung out drinking our tea and eating cookies for a few minutes, making small talk that had nothing to do with my guys.

Although the mere mention of kelpies made me choke up, and Juniper and Lupine traded a horrified look.

“I’m fine,” I said. “The kelpies may hate me now, but it was the best night—nevermind. Do you have anything for Brad?”

Juniper nodded, reaching into her black fabric purse and pulling out a small bottle.

“Can you get him to drink this?” She held up a small bottle. The blue liquid in it seemed to glow.

“Can I mix it with a pumpkin spice latte?” I asked. “Because if I can, yeah, I think that won’t be too difficult.”

“That would work,” Juniper promised.

I frowned. “Does it taste like anything? Is it going to turn his drink blue?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Once he drinks it, he’ll forget about any magic he’s seen to that point. And as a bonus, he should feel an aversion to being in Silver Springs.”

“That is perfect!” Gratitude washed over me, but then I remembered his confident smile in the coffee shop and I heaved a sigh. “That means I have to actually….talk to him.”

“I’ll go with you,” Lupine said firmly. “You shouldn’t be alone.”

“Save the momming for the kids,” I told her. “From the sounds of it, Amon needs it all, you don’t have any to waste.”

I was fine. I could make jokes. Maybe I could even mention the guys. “You should get Blake over here if you need him. He’s got bossy to spare.”

“He is over here,” Lupine said. “They all are. They invited Amon to work in the shop with them. They come over and help me fix things up around the place, and they bring the kids way too many presents.”

Of course they did. They were such nice guys, and my heart ached with the loss.

“That’s nice.” I managed to smile and nod, but I didn’t think it convinced anyone at the table.

Juniper gave me a sympathetic look. “How did things go with those men of yours today?”

“They’re not mine anymore,” I answered.

Juniper gave my hand a squeeze. “I guess we’ll see.”

32

After an oddly comforting hot dog dinner with my grandfather, I went