“Celeste Black. Same as your grandmother, right?”

Both eyebrows went up. “Yes. So…that means we’re cousins.”

He nodded. “When Maria talked about meeting you, and then after I talked to you at the shop, I looked it up. Your dad is Leo, right?”

“Yes. Wow, that’s…pretty neat.”

I felt like I was starting to use the phrase as my standard answer to Tim’s chatter about the history of the Black family. As I watched him talk, I wondered if he might know anything about Theresa and the feud that had happened here so long ago.

When I looked over at Maria, though, I thought better of asking about anything to do with Theresa, trying instead to look interested in the conversation.

Tim chuckled. “I don’t know if ‘neat’ is the word I’d use. I thought it was all nonsense until Maria here confided that she was a witch, too, but I don’t put much stock in that kind of thing. Anyway, I’m Oliver’s son. My dad and your dad are brothers, the only children of Celeste Black and Alder Bishop.”

I couldn’t quite grapple with the shock of finding out that I not only had a cousin, but that my dad had a brother. He’d never once told me about any siblings. Tim kept up a constant stream of chatter, though, so I didn’t have to worry about trying to explain why I had no idea about any of this.

Maria stood and began clearing plates.

“Are you ready for dessert, Sage?”

Maria had created a masterpiece of a cake; triple layered fudgy chocolate with vanilla coconut frosting and topped with candied pecans. It took a lot of self-control not to take another slice. To my delight, though, Maria offered to pack up a Tupperware of leftovers for me, including another large slice of the cake.

“I remember being young and on my own. Any free meal was welcome, so I try to return the favor where I can,” she explained.

I slipped my jacket on and took the offered bag of food, giving her a hug before I turned to the door. “Thanks again, both of you. This has been really nice.”

Maria beamed. “Our pleasure. We’ll have to do this again sometime.”

As I walked down the driveway, I heard a familiar meow at my ankles. Looking down, I saw Jade walking beside me, her step springy as if she was amused.

How was the dinner with the annoying man?

I let out a short, sharp laugh. “Hey, he is a member of the Black family. Be nice.”

A cool laugh rippled through my head. Oh, I know. I feel sorry for you, being related to him and all. I could hear him prattling on through the walls.

I turned a questioning eye on her as she gazed up at me. “Were you…spying on me?”

I like picking up information where I can. It’s one of the only useful things about being a cat. I wasn’t about to go in there and be bored to death, though. That guy never shuts up.

I covered up an involuntary laugh. “Aren’t you bound to all members of our family? Surely that means you have to serve Tim, too.”

She let out a yowl. I can still choose who in the family I want to associate with.

“You associate with me,” I pointed out.

I do.

I laughed again. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Chapter Eight

Iwaited expectantly at the counter in the shop the next morning, hoping that I’d have at least a few customers. My balloons and poster were in place, and the shop was right on Main Street. People weren’t likely to miss it.

My heart leapt when the bell over the door rang. Two older ladies came in.

“Hi! Welcome to Woods Crossing Wellness and Herbs!”

One of the women peered closely at me. “Good Lord, she looks just like Celeste, doesn’t she?”

Her friend nodded. I felt a surge of excitement, having never even seen a picture of my grandma and never knowing what she looked like. The woman who’d spoken extended her hand.

“Hi honey, I’m Lily and this here’s my friend, Eva. We were regulars of your grandma’s shop when she was still alive.”

“We’re so excited to see the place up and running again!” Eva chimed in, her tone wistful. “We were pretty good chums with your grandma.”

I wondered if they were witches, but I didn’t dare ask. Instead, I gestured to the sign on the counter.

“I’m so glad you both came in. I’m giving away a free lip balm and an herb sampler for my first twenty customers who buy at least ten dollars’ worth of merchandise.”

The women looked at each other, both wearing gleeful expressions.

My pitch did the trick. Both of them browsed for about a half hour before bringing their purchases to the counter.

As they looked, a few more women came in, looking around the same age as Lily and Eva. Maria came in at a quarter to ten.

“I’ve got your things all wrapped up,” I told her. “Hold on a second, okay?”

I explained the promotion to her as I rang up her purchases. Her eyes lit up as she looked at the free goodies. “That’s really smart, Sage. People love a giveaway.”

I beamed. “That was the plan. Here’s hoping it works.”

After Maria left, I kept up a steady stream of customers throughout the day and managed to give away all of my freebies. Some kids even came in after school, though they were more interested in my candy display than anything else.

At about an hour before closing, the bell rang again. “Hi! Welcome to Woods…”

My voice died in my throat when I saw Jo. Crossing my arms, I glared at him. “Why are you here?”

He shrugged. “Heard you were giving away free lip balm.”

I gave him a withering glare. “I’m afraid I’m all out. You had to be one of the first twenty paying customers.”

My glare didn’t seem to faze him.

“Have you found Theresa yet?” I continued, pleased when he scowled.

“No. That’s why I came to talk to you.”

“I didn’t kidnap her. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”