Cover Spell (28 page)
My decision made, I walked to my surprise date to give him my hand, but he stopped me.
“You might not know this about me, but I’m kind of an old-fashioned guy.” I stifled a giggle, remembering this was the same speech he gave me in the Starlight penthouse. “So, let me start over.”
He straightened his tie and adjusted his collar. “Ivy Grace, will you please allow me to accompany you to the premiere of your clever, flawlessly written, and critically acclaimed movie tonight?” He cleared his throat, and I thought I saw brushes of crimson surfacing on his cheeks. “As work colleagues, of course.”
This time I did giggle. Oh, Jack, always the consummate professional. I played along with his work charade. I had become quite practiced at it since Vegas. Plus, it helped to calm the red flag that was rippling in the back of my mind.
I tilted my chin toward him, smiled, and projected my best flirty attempt to make him squirm. “Of course, Mr. Coleman. I would be delighted to attend the premiere with you.” I winked. “As colleagues.”
Well, I couldn’t expect him to do a complete one-eighty. Professional relationship or not, I was going to enjoy being on the arm of my handsome and sexy editor even if it was only for one night.
And with that, I placed my hand in his, ducked into the car, and drove off into the New Orleans sunset, toward the red carpet. Yes, there was no doubt that New Orleans was the perfect place to heal a broken heart.
A Page from Ivy Grace’s Spell Journal
CHARM * Finn’s convincing way of persuasion.
ECLIPSE * Seals the seam.
ERASE * A girl’s best way to clean a room and make sure there’s no trace she was ever there.
ERASER * Holly’s answer to erasing memories, which need to be forgotten.
EXTINGUISH * Quickest and easiest way to turn out the lights, anything electrical really.
FADE * The only way I know how to make myself invisible. Also, involves lots of shimmering, a plus I think.
GLAMOUR * By far, the best spell ever! Makeup, hair, clothes all in perfect order.
GUARDIAN * Performed as a protection spell only by those who can protect, like Finn.
ILLUMINATE * Comes in handy when a girl needs a floating flashlight.
LOCALITY * This one I borrow from my brother. With a little help of a personal object, we can usually find someone’s location on a map.
OPEN * There are those times when you need to get in a locked door or drawer.
RADIANCE * When it’s time to get back in the real world, this sheds the awesome shimmer from the FADE SPELL.
REMEDY * Cool way to repair things I’ve broken (accidentally, of course).
REVEAL * Definitely, the only security system I really trust. The orangey glow particles let me know when someone has stopped by.
STUN * I like having a little defense in my back pocket. Still working out my stunning speed.
TWINKLE * Love this one! Throws the night sky on my ceiling wherever I am.
UNFOLD * Opens the seam.
VOILA * I borrow this from Mama every once in a while. It’s great in a hostess pinch! Sets the table, lights candles, might even pour a glass of wine.
Reader Discussion Questions
Besides Ivy’s ring, what symbolic elements of time are in the book?
Do you think Ivy made the right decision in the hotel lobby given the choice between Evan and Finn?
Did Josette have any other options in 1945 other than running away?
Do you have any sympathy for the Consulate Henri? What about Meyers?
If you were Ivy, would you have forgiven Finn for what happened in Savannah?
The Shadow Quest is real for Finn, but can you see it as a metaphor for elements in a relationship?
Do you agree with Madame Chantilly’s “all or nothing” policy to protect her mother’s spells?
Ivy blames herself for what happened to Tommy Nichols. What decisions in her life have been influenced by her first Foresight?
I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful team behind my writing. For every word I type, there are multiple sets of eyes on it, giving me feedback, criticism, and suggestions.
My editor, H. Danielle Crabtree, pushes my writing to be better with each sentence. She might not be Jack Coleman, but I have a feeling she could out edit him any day. Thank you, Dani, for all of your advice and for making sure Ivy’s voice is understood.
Jessica at InkSlinger, thank you for your support and encouragement. Working with you has made this writing journey so much more fun.
Stephanie at Once Upon a Time Covers, you have brought Cover Spell to life in a picture. E.M. Tippetts Book Designs, you have turned this book into a magical reading experience. Thank you for the formatting.
I’m lucky to have such an encouraging sibling. Christopher, thank you for your comedic consultation and daily reinforcement. Never in a million years did I think I would get to thank you in the back of one of my books.
To my best writing partners in crime, Mary-Kathryn and Jennifer, please keep reading and consulting. Ivy wouldn’t be the same without you.
My dear sweet family, thank you for putting up with all of the craziness that comes along with the writing world. I know I couldn’t write without your support, and if I didn’t have it, there would be no reason to write. My husband is patient and giving beyond any fairytale I’ve ever read or could ever write. Thank you.
Last, but definitely not least, a huge thank you to all of the Ivy Grace fans. Thank you for reading!
T.A. Foster is a Southern girl whose heart and spirit are connected to the beach. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks, and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children, and two canine kiddos.
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Finding Haven, Evan Carlson’s story and an exclusive preview of Fire Spell (Book 3 in the Ivy Grace Spell Series).
