Mathilda, SuperWitch (Mathilda's Book of Shadows #1)(9)

He paused for a (very) long time and then said this:

“A bit short notice.”

I said:

“Oh, sorry.”

(Cambridge-educated plumber Aidan probably going to big party with Princes William and Harry or something.)

He paused again and then said, kinda quiet and very sexy:

“I’ll change my plans.”

Yayayayayayayay!

No William and Harry – just me! (And all the other people at the party but still.)

Yay!

(May be baddie but can use him for personal sexual pleasure then vanquish him or something.)

Had espresso machine lesson and although Pandora (another member of our coven) had a bit of trouble with it (her curse caused a minor delay when espresso machine only gave out burgundy sludge with gold flecks in – Octavia had to mindwash espresso machine teacher man (don’t worry – mindwashes not done very often, only in urgent situations like said espresso machine mishap) while Mavis released machine from curse – was sort of amusing (only after curse was lifted and I wasn’t having silent conniptions at maybe having to buy another £3,500 espresso machine!), rest of coven showed signs of being natural-born baristas (with Fay and Beatrice being obvious standouts).

Only bad thing is Sebastian has taken to having breakfast in the kitchen. He is always there when I arrive in morning, sitting with his long legs stretched out and reading The Times. Does not say good morning and did not appear to recognize or appreciate my early attempts to look attractive once I realized he was going to make a habit of breakfast sharing. So have given up and come down in fluffy slippers, flannel pajama bottoms, sweatshirts and no makeup.

Screw him.

(Mm.)

PS: No sign of the boy.

PPSS: Or his dog.

Chapter Three

The Month of January

2 January

Witches Dozen a Huge Success!!!!!!!

First, must report that I found a great outfit for Grand Opening, simple little black dress – sexy cle**age, showed good leg and clingy but without being slutty. Nice.

The shoes were (I must say) kickass (tad expensive but never feel guilty when buying expensive shoes as always prove to be totally worth it).

The piece de resistance was the fab wrap that was all webby and lacy in way of Stevie Nicks (“Stand Back, Stand Back!”)

Second, had so much fun cooking with Lucy pre-party. She is a total giggle and a great cook so feel some pressure taken off me. Food at Grand Opening was very big success with Lucy and me at the helm so am relieved.

Third, Mavis told me to be ready early (early? nutty) as had some important things to go over with me. We took taxi to Coffee House (is walking distance but not in four inch heels).

When we got there the coven was already there. All the ladies dressed to the hilt and made up, I was proud of them as a few had taken some of my subtle (ahem) hints.

The blinds were closed, the decorations up and all was ready to be laid out for the party.

The coven had lit tons of candles, incense and there was soft music.

We had a glass of champagne and toasted The Witches Dozen (yay!).

Then they formed a circle around me while I stood in the middle of the sliver moon carpet and they told me to close my eyes and hold out my hands.

There was some chanting and when I opened my eyes again there was a big broomstick laid across my palms. It was gorgeous. Yay!

The handle was laced with satin and velvet ribbons in a bunch of bright colors with the ends hanging amongst the bristles (so pretty).

With great ceremony, I hung it on the front door and I felt happy thoughts about being a witch and a part of my coven who had woven good charms into broom (and thus whole coffee house).

Felt powerful and warm and loved.

* * * * *

Grand Opening:

All things going well as:

Complexion had decided against stress-induced breakouts (!);

Regardless of loads of testing of culinary delights – dress still fit (!!);

And shoes were miraculously comfortable even though they were drop-dead gorgeous (!!!).

(All magic?)

Guest list was huge and most everyone came and were very complimentary on décor (ha! take that Stupid Wesley!) and food (yee ha!).

Lucy and I decided we deserved to get a little drunkie poo and Lucy had very nice boyfriend who didn’t mind making sure our champagne glasses were always full. (Good boyfriend.)

Began to worry about Aidan as night was no longer young. Also surprised by Sebastian for, as far as I could tell, I still had a body and he was meant to guard it but was nowhere to be seen. (Shirking duties?)

Would not let apparent abandonment of male units in life ruin my evening. (Humph! Why did I spend so long finding perfect dress, f**k-me shoes and Stevie Nicks wrap when no one to appreciate it but Lucy?)

Then felt a hand on my waist.

Turned around, thinking it would be Sebastian there to be wet blanket but it was Aidan.

He looked delicious with nice suit and tie replacing usual jeans and t-shirt.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said.

Mm.

Was not upset, was drunk and happy and had successful café and many friends and pretty broomstick and very lovely man standing next to me.

Mm.

“Congratulations,” he went on (meaning hit of café, not successfully finding perfect not-too-tarty outfit, although the way he was looking at me made me think it was more the outfit.)