Part 23 (2/2)
Silver and blue sparkles flew up in the air.
They swirled higher and higher and higher, dancing on the wind, streaking like a jet stream across the black velvet sky.
Then, just as quickly disappeared.
Evelina breathed a hearty sigh of relief. ”Thank you.”
”Not at all.” Udora inclined her head regally. ”It was wise of you to advise us.”
Evelina nodded. Well, one problem solved. Now, if only she could get her necklace back.
Evelina squinted against the sun at the empty spot on the wharf where the Six Doubloons had been.
Disappointment engulfed her.
It was nowhere to be seen.
Even the ticket booth was gone.
Her pulse drummed in her ears.
How would she ever get her necklace back?
She s.h.i.+elded her eyes with her hand, peering up and down the bay, but there were no sails in sight.
She needed that necklace. It was one of the few things she had left of her parents-a tangible reminder of their love, despite all opposition.
But the s.h.i.+p was gone.
Who was she kidding?
Having the necklace wouldn't change things. Whatever her parents had defied the odds. It was a special love that rarely happened-according to Udora. Most Time Keepers were content to accept their fate of an arranged marriage. Or, most witches were smart enough to stay away from them-guard their hearts against them.
Too bad someone hadn't warned her before she'd laid eyes on Frankie Holler. Her life would have been a whole lot easier without wondering where he was or what he was doing at every moment. Clearly, she was obsessed.
It wasn't love. Love was something people shared-like her parents. They couldn't do without each other.
Well, it had to stop.
She had to cut her losses and move on.
It was hard enough figuring this witch thing out without being distracted by a golden freakin' Time Keeper with a fiance in tow.
They oughta' ear tag them or something-let a girl know before she speaks to one-before she gets involved.
Why hadn't he told her?
As if by magic Frankie appeared, as though her very thoughts had conjured him up.
She gasped.
In truth, his magic, not hers had popped him there.
He smiled. ”I heard you were here.”
She managed to defrost her tongue to croak, ”Yes.”
”I thought you might need some help.”
So much for avoiding him. Luckily, he was a Time Keeper and not a Soul Sifter, reading all of her crazy thoughts-feeling her sweat. He'd know exactly what kind of a hot mess she was in. There was no help for that.
”Nope.” She veered to the right of him down the sandy path to the Old City. ”I'm good.”
”Look, I know you're upset.”
”What would make you think that?” She kept walking.
”I thought maybe we could talk.”
She shrugged. The situation was pretty self explanatory as far as she was concerned, but she was dying to know what he had to say. ”About what?”
He put a hand on her arm to stall her progress. ”Her name is Eydis Turtlemoon.”
”From the apothecary?”
”Yes.” Frankie expelled air as though he'd been holding his breath. ”Her grandfather runs the apothecary. She's very nice, but I hardly know her.”
”She's just your fiance.” Evelina strode away. ”I get it.”
Not.
He stepped in front of her, forcing her to a halt. ”Look,” he spread his hands wide, ”if I could break it off I would. But I can't.”
She shrugged. ”I understand.” She made to go around him.
He cut her off. ”Only she can dissolve the match. If I do it, it ruins her reputation. It's a huge insult to her family.”
”Look, you've got to do what you have to. We all have our obligations. You don't have to explain it to me. I understand.” Family expectations messed with everyone's head. She of all people knew that. Even though her parents were dead she felt the need to honor their memory by becoming the best witch she could be. Still, she'd never give up her dream of becoming an artist. Somehow she'd find a way to make both work. ”I've got to go.” She had to find Psycho Sally.
”I'll come with you.”
Evelina didn't argue. He wouldn't have heard her if she did. Chatter and laughter engulfed them as soon as they hit the crowded main street.
Tourists spilled into every nook and cranny.
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