No Shoes, No Shirt, No Spells (Mystic Cafe Series) (25 page)

“
I’d like that. You come by anytime you want.” She handed me the white bag containing my purchase. It had lime green tissue paper peeking from the top and a lime green ribbon secured to the handles. “Just come by to chat if you’d like.” Her big brown eyes twinkled in the light.

“
I will.” I waved over my shoulder as I bounced out the door.

That trip had been unproductive other than me spending money I didn’t have. The other visits yielded nothing, either. Someone had to have seen something. With any luck, Tom had turned up a clue. Or even better, he might have already solved the mystery of the missing spell book.

The Mustang sputtered through the narrow streets, passing an old, weather-beaten gas station and a produce stand along the way. As I neared the café, a red light caught me. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel and looked around. That’s when I spotted them.

Unless my eyes were playing tricks on me, I saw Kim standing next to the building across from Mystic Café. I didn’t need eyeglasses. Nope. It was her in a tête-à-tête with Tom. As I sat at the red light, waiting for it to change, I watched them. Why would he be talking to Kim? Was it about the magic? She hadn’t been on the list.

Kim touched his arm and laughed, tilting her head back as if he’d said the funniest thing she’d heard in ages. I’d only seen Kim a few times, but it didn’t take long to discover the touchy-feely thing was part of her attempt to charm everyone she came in contact with. But in spite of her efforts at charisma, there was an aura of intimidation about her. As if she’d better get what she wanted, or there’d be hell to pay.

The stoplight was taking an insane amount of time to change. Of course, I was a wee bit curious and wanted to know what they were talking about, so that may have had something to do with the drawn-out time. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel harder, taking my gaze off them and glancing at the light every few seconds. Okay, a lot curious.

Mostly it seemed as if Kim was doing all the talking, though. Tom nodded a half a dozen times, then he finally stepped away. Kim watched him for a moment, then sashayed down the sidewalk. At least she hadn’t followed Tom to the café. I didn’t want to deal with her at that moment. Actually, I didn’t want to deal with her ever, but I digress.

When the light turned, I punched the gas and steered over to the curb in front of Mystic Café. Time ticked away for me to find the book and reverse the spell. I sensed it. Soon, it would be too late.

Chapter
Thirty-Five

When I pulled up to the café, Tom was waiting for me. He was leaning up against the side of the building. “It’s about time you made it back.”

“
Some people are chatty.” I left my purchase from The Plaid Peacock in the car. No need for him to know I’d shopped while interrogating Kiki. I figured she’d be more likely to talk if I bought something. Men wouldn’t understand that line of thinking.

“
What did you find out?” he asked.

“
Other than where to buy local candles and how to escape a buzz cut? Nothing. Nothing at all. No one saw anything and they certainly weren’t telling me if they took anything. I didn’t sense any lying from them either, if that’s what you were getting ready to ask.”

He held his hands up in surrender. “Don’t be so sensitive.”

“
It’s hard not to be, I’m under a little pressure here. What did you find out? It didn’t take you long.”

“
I’ve been doing this for a long time, I know what to ask, and I get right to the point.”

I did spend too much time sniffing the candles at Kiki's place, but I didn’t need to share that with Tom. I opened the door to the café. Tom held the door open for me while I walked through, then he followed.

“
Where’s Mary Jane?” I asked.

“
She went home.”

“
What did you do to her?” I set my purse on the counter.

“
What makes you think I did something to her?”

I looked him up and down, then frowned. “Oh, lucky guess.”

“
I didn’t do anything. Guess you’ll have to ask her.”

“
Fine. I want to wish her good luck on her test in the morning, anyway. I’ll call her and if you did anything, she’ll tell me.” I stuck out my tongue. “What did you find out from her?” I poured myself a glass of water.

Tom frowned. “Nothing.”

“
See, I told you.” I took a gulp.

“
I have to talk with everyone, those are the rules.”

“
Rules, rules. I’m kind of sick of hearing about the rules.” I ran my finger along the rim of the glass.

“
Well, if we don’t find the book, you won’t be hearing about the rules for much longer. There’s no need for rules if you’re not doing the magic and the café is closed.”

“
Thanks for reminding me. I’d almost forgotten.” I plopped down at the nearest booth and Tom sat across from me. “What did you find out from the others?” I looked at him, searching his face.

He folded his hands together and placed them on the table. “Nothing.”

“
I thought you were an expert at this investigating stuff?” A wry smile pulled at my lips.

Tom didn’t respond to my sarcasm. “Mrs. Perkins said she heard the glass break. She lives all the way across town and never goes out at night.”

“
How did she hear anything?” I asked. “As a matter of fact, I thought her hearing was bad.”

He took my glass of water. “She has an ear for magic. She may not hear anything else, but she can hear magic from miles away, especially when it’s bad. Her words, not mine.”

I placed my
head in my hands
. “This is not going to work and nothing will help.”

“
You’re not being very optimistic.” He held the glass to his lips for a moment, then took a long drink.

I looked up. “By the way, I thought I saw you talking to Kim.” A casual way to mention it, I thought. Smoothly slid into the conversation.

“
Oh yeah, she stopped me. Not sure what she wanted. She asked if we were dating.” He set the empty glass down.

“
What? I can’t believe her.” I shook my head in disbelief. “What business is that of hers? You did tell her no, though, right?”

He frowned. “You mean you wouldn’t date me?”

My stomach flipped. I hated being put on the spot like that. Tom was handsome and he was growing on me, I had to admit. But he was there for business and not good business, either. It was never good to mix business with pleasure. Did he expect me to become his magical investigative assistant when they closed the café? Plus, I couldn’t get Rory out of my head.

Tom grabbed my hand and squeezed. “What about when my business here is done?”

Before I could answer, Rory opened the door and I was like a deer caught in the headlights. Like a robber who’d just been caught with one leg out the window and a bag full of loot.

“
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I saw the light on.” He froze on the spot.

I jumped up and hurried over. “You’re not interrupting anything.” I pointed toward Tom. “We were just discussing business.” Yeah, while
holding hands
was what it looked like to him. Some business meeting. Of all the rotten lousy timing.

“
It’s none of my business.” He held his hands up. “Y’all continue and I can talk with you later.” Rory frowned and moved toward the door, grabbing the handle.

“
No need. I was just leaving,” Tom said as he jumped to his feet.

Rory backed away from the door, and Tom rushed out without saying another word. He seemed upset and I didn’t know what to think. I hoped I hadn’t hurt his feelings. What if he closed the café without helping me anymore? Was he really interested in dating me?

“
I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Rory said again once Tom had disappeared out of sight.

“
Really, it’s not how it looks. We were only discussing business.” It never ceased to amaze me how easily I put my foot in my mouth.

He held his hands up once more. “Like I said, it’s none of my business. You can do whatever you want.”

Maybe a subject change was in order.

I gave an awkward smile, then said, “Kim asked if Tom and I were dating. Isn’t that an odd question?”

Okay, that stupid statement wasn’t much of a subject change. The fact that he wasn’t the only one who thought we were dating only reinforced the idea.

“
She’s nosy like that. She always wants to know what’s going on. I’d ignore her if I were you.”
He dragged his hand through his hair and let out a deep breath.

Believe me, I tried. I wished he would follow his own advice. Did Rory know what he wanted?

“
Do you want to have a seat?” I gestured toward a chair. “Can I get you something to drink or something to eat?”

He moved closer, invading my personal space. “Something to drink isn’t what I want.”

When he looked at me, it sent a tremor of longing through my body.

I swallowed hard, then held my breath, wondering what was next. “What do you want?”

“
This.” He pressed his lips against mine. They were cool and my lips tingled as his brushed across mine. Rory wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer.
Being in Rory’s arms felt natural, as if I’d come home.

A knock rattled the window. Rory released me from his embrace. We spun around to find at least ten women huddled around the front door, peering through the glass. Talk about a mood killer.

“
It looks as if we’re wanted,” I said, gesturing with a tilt of my head.

Though I knew it wasn’t both of us, but Rory they wanted.

The pack of ladies waved feverishly. They were a mixture of ages—a couple of grandmothers, mothers and daughters. Fortunately, there were no teenagers. That was the last thing he needed.

I stepped out onto the sidewalk. With any luck, I’d disperse the crowd before they had a chance to pack Rory off like a piece of meat. Rory followed me, although in hindsight, he probably should have run out the backdoor.

The women didn’t seem to notice me. They never looked in my direction as they reached out their hands toward Rory. It was like a scene from
Night of the Living Dead
.

“
What do you think they want?” Rory looked at me wide-eyed.

I winced at the thought of answering his question truthfully. A couple women ran their fingers through his hair, while others rubbed his chest. He pushed at their hands as politely as he could.

“
Please, ladies. What is wrong with you?” He brushed a grandma’s hands away from his hair. “I have to get out of here.” He twisted, stepping to his left. By his expression, he must have been too stunned by their behavior to run.

“
Don’t leave, Rory,” a blonde woman said.

“
Let’s go for a walk.” The redhead looped her arm through his.

Why? So they could capture him and chain him up in a basement as their love slave? No way. I felt so bad for him, but what could I do? Beating them off with my rolling pin wasn’t an option. Or was it? No. No violence. I’d have to think of something else.

Rory stared at me with a look that was a cross between apologetic and desperate, as if pleading for my help. There was no way I’d not put up a fight for him if they tried to drag him away. They were like zombies looking for their next victim to drag off into the night. I’d seen clips of Elvis being attacked like this. But I was no Colonel Parker. How would I save him?

I sucked in a deep breath and pushed forward as if plowing through a blockade.

“
Hey, back off, honey,” Amy Strong protested. I hadn’t seen her sidle up. Were there more women coming? This would turn into a mob soon.

“
He doesn’t want you.” Was that my mom’s friend yelling at me while poking me in the ribs with an elbow?

I grabbed Rory’s arm and pushed him back, away from the women.

“
Ladies, back off.” I nudged Rory’s arm and he took off in a run. “Rory, hurry.”

We ran toward his truck, which was only parked a few feet away. I yanked open the passenger door, jumped in and locked the door.

Rory glanced my way and I motioned for him to jump behind the wheel. “Hurry. Save yourself.”

Once he rounded the front of the trunk and hopped in, the women converged around the truck like a pack of wolves circling their prey. He let out a few deep breaths and cranked the engine. He gestured for the women to get out of the way. After a brief pause, they slumped their shoulders and stepped away from the truck. But not without some protesting that I’d taken him away. A few pumped their fists at me.

What did I say to him? He had to be extremely embarrassed. Maybe if I acted as if it was no big deal? If Rory knew the truth, he wouldn’t be embarrassed. No, if he knew the magical facts, he’d never speak with me again.
I opened my mouth, but the words didn’t form. Why was I such a coward? Of course, Rory would be mad at me. But I needed to suck it up and deal with the consequences. Thoughts whirled in my head and I clutched the leather seat with a death grip. Maybe if I braced myself, I could push forward with telling him the truth. But no. I sat there and continued to allow Rory to think there was something wrong with him…something wrong with the world.