Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles, #2)(74)
Instead, she turned to meet Violet’s annoyed huff. “I will never forgive you for this, Rose Marie Maxwell.”
“For—”
“Divulging something this juicy involves wine, ice cream, and quite possibly a Magic Mike rewatch, and now we’ll have to hear it from inside the car.” Vi shooed her toward her bathroom. “Get a move on, because if we’re late for this grand opening and Mom breaks into one of her rants, that’s another thing I’ll never forgive you for.”
Rose grinned, knowing her sister would do no such thing, and practically skipped into the shower. Not even the threat of earning Christina’s ire could dampen her current mood.
“Hey,” Olive called out, “what lively plans do you have tonight?”
“Mrs. Powers,” Rose answered back. Hearing Vi’s chuckles, her mischievous giggle turned into full-blown laughter.
Having been Mrs. Powers’s neighbor for years before moving in with Lincoln, the oldest triplet knew exactly what kind of night lay ahead … and it made Rose a little happy knowing Damian had absolutely no clue.
* * *
Wolves and witches and angels, oh my! An eclectic array of Supes and Norms came out to celebrate the grand opening of Supernatural Spirits Winery, a boutique vineyard located on the outskirts of Westchester. The idea had been their father’s brainchild, an offhand comment made while talking with friends, and Christina had latched on and run with it, the winery becoming their mother’s latest obsession.
Most Supes had to consume copious amounts of alcohol to feel even the slightest buzz, but the spirits brewed at SSW catered specifically toward Supernaturals and their higher-than-average tolerance.
No one was more surprised than Rose to find the entire winery had an understated, comfy atmosphere. Christina did things to excess, but the entire facility featured a rustic, natural beauty and had the homey feel of Napa Valley wineries, right down to the hardwood floors and creamy walls. Upcycled wine barrels doubled as decoration and provided accent touches to everything from hanging artwork to the doors and handles.
It was adorable and not the least bit ostentatious. Maybe Rose’s father had had more say in the design than she’d previously thought.
Sipping a sweet raspberry rosé, Rose eyed Vi and Edie across the room. Edie listened raptly to something Angel Representative Ramón said and her sister pretended to. Olly had retreated to the bathroom fifteen minutes ago and had yet to return, but what concerned Rose most was that she’d lost track of her mother.
In social situations like this one, that was never a good thing because the second you lost sight of her, she’d pop up with a surprise, and not one involving horn-blowers and confetti.
“And there’s my elusive daughter now,” Christina’s songlike voice chimed.
“And let the games begin…” Rose conjured every drop of patience before turning toward her approaching mother.
A tall, lithe blonde walked next to her, both wearing near-matching smiles. Rose reflexively pushed one to her face, too.
“Rose, sweetheart.” Christina pulled her into an affectionate hug that caught her off guard. “I wanted to introduce you to someone I think you’d get along with fabulously. This is Callie Sanderson, from the Massachusetts coven. Callie, this is my second-oldest pride and joy, Rose.”
Callie held her hand out, gifting her a genuine smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so many great things about you.”
“Sanderson? From Massachusetts?” Rose accepted her hand with a teasing smile.
Callie laughed. “Oh, and it gets worse. Even though I live in New York now, I was born and raised in Salem, and I have two sisters. Every day we thank Goddess our parents didn’t name us Sarah, Winifred, and Mary.”
They laughed, and Rose’s hesitancy about this woman melted away. “My sister Vi would definitely have a field day with that. She’s the biggest Hocus Pocus fan on record.”
“Don’t steal my witch card, but so am I.”
They laughed.
“I was excited to get an invite to this opening, because I’ve been wanting to meet you for quite some time,” Callie admitted, almost bashfully. “I hope this doesn’t sound too stalkerish, but I’ve been a huge fan of your charity work for years. It was one of the reasons why I began my own nonprofit organization a few years ago. Sparks of Hope.”
Rose’s eyebrows lifted. “I’ve heard of you. Your organization has done a lot of great work all over the globe, especially with medical access and with LGBTQ+ youth.”
“We try to do as much as we can, but the need is limitless, so if someone such as yourself has heard of us then we must be doing something right.” Callie blushed. “My curiosity is forcing me to ask you this, but what are you working on right now?”
Beaming proudly, Christina laid a hand on Rose’s arm affectionately. “Rose is working with a nearby animal sanctuary, and has even taken it upon herself to volunteer her own personal hours to help with the running of the place.”
Rose tried clarifying, “Well, it’s not like—”
“Oh, if you’ll excuse me. I’m being summoned by Rose’s father.” Christina hustled away, leaving the two of them alone.
“So, an animal sanctuary?” An impressed look twinkled in Callie’s eyes.