Winter's Spell, page 8
She’d lain in the street, barely able to move, dazed from the fall, knee suddenly unable to bend, until, through the haze, she was able to fish out her phone and call Jazz. She’d been too embarrassed to call Hazel.
Jazz drove over in her little electric car, picked her up, took her home, and put her to bed. The next day they came back and, no judgment whatsoever, checked up on her. It was only the next day that Jazz came back with Hazel and they sat her down and told her it had to stop. The cycle of destruction had to end. Not only was it affecting her health (she’d sprained a ligament in her knee that night), but it was affecting their friendship with her. They were concerned. They wanted their friend back.
It was the looks on their faces that mirrored back to her what she already knew—she’d taken her anguish too far. She had to stop acting like a selfish teenager and work on becoming an adult. A functioning person.
“Roxy?”
“Hmm?”
She looked over at Mo, slowly leaving her memories behind, for now. Mo’s beautiful face was etched with real concern.
“Your heart has been hurt, yes?”
Roxy nodded.
Unexpectedly, Mo came over to her and folded her into a big hug. It felt wonderful to be held by someone. By a friend, Roxy realized. Hazel was a great hugger, and she missed those best friend hugs. She and Hazel had been texting every day since Hazel and Elizabeth had left for their extended honeymoon, but it wasn’t the same.
When they pulled apart, Roxy was startled to realize that Mo had tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
Mo sniffed and wiped away a tear that had slid down her cheek. “I am so scared, Roxy. I am sad that I am not at home in the ocean and with my many sisters. I miss the ocean so much. And my tail. And I am scared. Scared for what keeps me here.”
“Oh no, I’m so sorry, Mo. I should have been more sensitive.” Roxy put her arms around Mo and gave her another hug. She squeezed her tight—the only reassurance she could provide. “Look, I’ll do what I can. But we’ve got to figure out who or what is keeping you here—and how to break the spell.”
Mo looked at her with hope in her eyes. “You would do this—for me? But how? You are just mortal. How can you help?”
Roxy began pacing the room again. Her first thought, of course, was to text Hazel, but something held her back. First of all, she’d promised herself that she wouldn’t bother Hazel on her honeymoon with her own problems or negativity. Hazel had let her know they’d arrived in Florence and sent her some pictures of delicious gelato that made Roxy’s mouth water, and Roxy had sent pictures of the brewery along with lots of questions about the flight and hotels. But they’d been keeping it all lighthearted. It was Hazel’s honeymoon after all. Roxy didn’t want her worrying needlessly about magical emergencies an ocean away.
Then there was the second issue, which was that Mo’s situation was delicate. Roxy had enough experience with the Otherworldly and magic to know that they had to tread carefully. If they tried to use magical tools to help Mo, they might inadvertently risk exposing her to the very people or creatures who were hunting her. Besides, what could Hazel do from a continent away? Not much. Even magic had its limits.
Roxy paused in her pacing. “What we need is to find someone who knows a lot about magic and spells, but who won’t get suspicious about why we need it. Maybe even someone who knows about your kind, but from a nerdy side of things.”
“What is ‘nerdy’?” Mo looked concerned.
“No, no, it’s nothing bad,” said Roxy. “I mean, someone who likes to know things just to know them, not necessarily because they need that information to do something. Does that make sense?”
“I think so.” Mo did not look convinced one bit.
Roxy stared at the ceiling in concentration. Where could they find a nerd who knew a lot about the ocean, but specifically in terms of magic, myths, legends? She took out her phone and did a quick search. There was a library in town—she supposed they could start there. She was about to check the hours of operation when something else caught her eye on the screen.
But no.
It couldn’t be.
She looked again.
“Wow!”
“What?” There was a tremble in Mo’s voice.
“This is good. This is one hundred percent amazing, actually,” said Roxy. “I had no idea, but apparently Provincetown has a museum all about seafaring history. It looks like they even have an exhibit all about sea monsters and mer—I mean, magical sea creatures.”
“Really?” Mo’s eyes got wide.
“Yep, totally,” said Roxy. “Let’s see what we can do.”
It was too late to call the museum that day, but it was open the following day. Roxy didn’t have to be at the brewery until noon, so she and Mo made a plan to go to the museum right when it opened at ten.
Just as Roxy was putting her phone down to charge, a message came through. Mo was already snuggled up on the couch that was doubling as her bed—she insisted that it was more comfortable than sharing the bed with Roxy—and fell fast asleep. Apparently, mermaids slept twelve hours a day, as Roxy was learning.
Tessa.
Had a great time hanging out today. Any chance you have some free time this weekend? The weather is supposed to be nice, and I was thinking we could grab coffee and go for a walk.
Roxy felt her heart speed up. This weekend would be a bit tricky since she was due to learn some of the front-of-house duties at the brewery, but she would make it work. She wanted to know more about the gleam in Tessa’s eye and the warmth of her gaze on her.
No. She needed to get to know Tessa. Rather than just focusing on the attraction between them, they needed to get to know one another. A lot of time had passed since that year of college they’d shared. What was Tessa really like? What was her personality? What kinds of things did she do for fun? And why was she “Tessa” and not “Teri” anymore? There was a lot to talk about, and Roxy couldn’t wait.
But first, she had to help Mo.
Chapter Eight—Tessa
Tessa took the long way around to the bed-and-breakfast where Lisa was staying. The cool evening air was sharp and bracing, the night sky a deep black, sprinkled with stars. Orion was already rising, reminding Tessa of the quiet power of the stars and planets in the sky. The sight of the glimmering orbs in the sky calmed her, as did the distant sounds of the waves in the bay, lapping on the beach. She was reminded of a short incantation for rest and calm at night, and she paused a moment to repeat it to herself, hoping her hedge witch spells would give her strength to face Lisa.
No matter how slowly she walked, though, or how many side streets and alleys she turned down, eventually, she ended up in front of the bed-and-breakfast. No matter how many calming breaths she inhaled and exhaled, how much she told herself that she and Lisa were finished, and they were going to have a professional relationship now, she felt herself getting nervous, even in spite of her incantation
What if she’d made a mistake casting Lisa in the play?
Before she could steady herself, the door to the bed-and-breakfast flung open and Lisa strode out, as only she could, phone glued to her ear.
“I can’t get any fucking reception in that goddamn hotel room, Ramón, and believe me, I want you to hear me very clearly when I say that nobody here had a goddamn clue that I was arriving today. And whose fault was that?”
Her voice, whose timbre could be clear and beautiful like a bell, was pitched low and angry. Her eyes were clouded with frustration, and Tessa was instantly transported back to their breakup. It had been ugly, and Lisa’s words to her in their final fight had imprinted themselves on Tessa’s brain forever. What had made it all the worse, though, was that Lisa’s anger that day hadn’t been of the kind she was exhibiting today. No. It had been much worse—the cool, almost cold, emotionless anger that was so calm, it absolutely froze her bones.
“Ramón, I’ve got to go.”
Tessa’s thoughts receded and she realized that Lisa had finally noticed her, standing on the sidewalk at the gate that opened onto the walkway to the bed-and-breakfast.
Unexpectedly, Lisa’s face broke into a smile, her voice completely different than when she’d been speaking to her assistant. It was warm. Kind, even. Tessa felt off-balance with the sudden switch, the angry, disappointed ice queen in her memories still haunting her.
“Hi,” said Lisa. “I didn’t think I’d see you again tonight.”
“Oh,” said Tessa. She was still struggling with how to respond to the about-face. “You’re our star. And a friend,” she added. “Of course I’m going to come and check on how you’re settling in. I feel bad about the fact that we didn’t know you’d be arriving today.”
Lisa opened the gate and Tessa walked through. The cold was starting to get to her, and she could feel her body tensing as a gust of wind blew through her jacket.
“As you may have heard, I’ve given my assistant a proper reaming out, and that’s all that can be done for now,” said Lisa. She smiled at Tessa with what seemed like genuine warmth. “You look cold, though. Let’s go inside. The B and B has a fireplace in the parlor, and I think it’s empty right now.”
Lisa held the door open for Tessa and guided her gently to the parlor, which was indeed quite cozy with two perfectly positioned armchairs in front of a roaring fire. Tessa was reminded of all the reasons why she’d been attracted to Lisa in the first place—and why she’d stayed with her for several years.
Lisa could be attentive, kind, even doting. Of course, as Tessa had realized much later, it was all about control for Lisa. She liked to be in control of everything and everyone; this meant being the boss but also being the caretaker, the planner, the “Mom” in the relationship. Living in New York City and trying to gain a foothold in the thankless world of acting had been alienating for Tessa; having someone to take care of her had been a luxury.
“This is nice,” said Tessa, once they were settled in the armchairs. Lisa, true to form, had found a blanket and handed it to Tessa. She had the impression that Lisa would tuck her in if she asked for it.
“Yes, the fireplace is a pleasant bonus,” said Lisa. “I’ll miss it when I move into my regular apartment for the duration.”
“I meant the B and B more generally. But yes, the fireplace is nice. The rental might have one too. I can have Joy check tomorrow. She’s our assistant director.”
“Oh, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it, Tessa,” said Lisa. “Tell me. How have you been?”
Again, Tessa felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath her. Lisa’s presence was so overwhelming, especially in such close proximity, she hardly knew what to say. It was a relief to realize that whatever attraction she’d had to Lisa was gone. Lisa was beautiful—stunning really. In the firelight, she could be a Renaissance painting of Venus, her features lit up in chiaroscuro against the dark of the room. None of that changed the fact that Tessa had no desire to kiss her or be in her arms.
Lisa’s caresses came at too high a price.
Still, there was something about her that was larger than life. She commanded a room, even when she was silent, which wasn’t often. Tessa felt sure she would be a major star very soon, and she wouldn’t be surprised at all if Lisa were to make the jump from the stage to the screen any day now. She was already winning all sorts of accolades, including a Tony nomination.
By comparison, Tessa’s life sounded very small. She lived in a shared rental not far from her folks and where she grew up in south Boston. She commuted to her job. She taught high school kids the basics of acting and dramaturgy. She directed high school plays. It was light years away from the height of her successes in New York.
But unlike her life in New York, she loved her life in Boston. She didn’t dread going to work. She didn’t agonize over every career choice. And she wasn’t stuck in a relationship with a control freak.
She couldn’t say any of that to Lisa. She went with something more neutral.
“I’m great! So excited for this play and this opportunity. And grateful that you can be a part of it. Really, I am. I know this is a far cry from Broadway.”
“Oh, please. You know I’d do anything for a friend. Besides, this role is so juicy. I doubt I’ll ever have the chance to play Leontes ever again.”
Lisa sounded genuine, and the smile on her face was too.
“That’s great. I’m so happy that we’re going to do this. And it’s really great for the local community. We have a lot of community outreach built into the grant—it’s part of the grant requirements—but of course you already know that.”
Lisa nodded. “Yes, I made sure to read through the proposal myself rather than having Ramón skim it for me. I’m aware. Meeting with local high school students. Should be a lot of fun.”
Tessa smiled. She knew that Lisa prided herself on her community outreach, another reason why she was a great choice for this project.
“I’m glad you think so. I’m excited for you to meet my students in particular, of course. They’ll be coming to one of the dress rehearsals later in February.”
“You really like this teaching thing,” said Lisa, and it was more a statement than a question.
Tessa couldn’t help nodding enthusiastically. “Absolutely.”
“And you don’t miss the roar of the greasepaint? The smell of the crowd?”
“I get that and more at a high school dress rehearsal, believe me,” said Tessa with a chuckle.
“True,” said Lisa. “I was just thinking about your career in New York. You know, you didn’t have to leave it all just because we broke up.”
Actually, I did. Feelings that Tessa had been working through for the last year suddenly rose up again inside her. Disappointment. Anger. Resentment. Exhaustion.
Some of those feelings must have shown up in her expression.
“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Lisa’s tone was cooler now. More guarded.
There were so many things Tessa wished she could say to Lisa, but she knew she wouldn’t feel any better afterward, and it would be the end of their working relationship, so she smiled and shook her head instead.
“Nothing. It’s fine. I’ve heard it all before. ‘Come back to the theater. Leave teaching high school. You are so talented.’ Believe me. Everyone’s said it. Well, everyone except my mom. She’s very happy that I’m living a few blocks away, and she can bring me soup whenever she wants.”
“I’d believe it,” said Lisa. Her expression softened again. “I didn’t mean it to sound condescending. I was just wondering if you missed it. Because you could definitely go back. If you wanted to. You are a talented director.”
“Thanks. But I love my life now. I really do.”
There was a lull in the conversation, and Tessa found herself staring comfortably at the fire, wishing that it was Roxy sitting here with her, and not Lisa. She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t realize right away that Lisa was speaking to her again.
“Sorry?”
“I was just wondering if your wonderful new life that you love includes a special someone to love?”
“No,” said Tessa warily. “It does not. What about you? Got someone now?” The question came off more aggressively than she’d intended.
“No,” said Lisa. Her expression and tone of voice were carefully neutral. “All on my own these days.”
Tessa had no idea what to say to that, so she decided she’d wait for Lisa to speak again, which she did and, yet again, managed to take Tessa by surprise.
“Tell me about Roxy. Is she an old friend? Old roommate? The name rings a bell.” She paused, giving Tessa a careful look. “And she just happens to be out here on Cape Cod for the winter? That’s a fun coincidence.”
“Total coincidence,” said Tessa. “Yes, she’s an old roommate from UMass. Freshman year. We lost touch after that, but I knew she’d be at my colleague’s wedding on New Year’s Day here. I had no idea she was planning to spend the winter at Cape Cod. So yes…a fun coincidence.”
“Nothing else?”
Not that it’s any of your business. Tessa tried not to let her growing frustration with Lisa’s interrogation show.
She made a big show of yawning and standing up.
“Wow, this fire is making me super tired. I think I’d better head home and get some rest. We’ve got a lot of stuff to get ready before rehearsals begin next week—as you know.”
Lisa stood up as well, the shadow of a pout on her face. Tessa was glad to see that she’d realized she’d overplayed her hand.
“How about dinner tomorrow then? Or sometime this weekend? I’d love to have a proper catch-up when we’re not both exhausted.”
“I’ll have to take a look at my calendar tomorrow with Joy before I commit to anything.” Tessa put as much finality as she could into those words.
“Of course,” said Lisa. “I’ll check in tomorrow, then. I can stop by the theater?”
Tessa would prefer that she didn’t, but there wasn’t any nice way to say that.
“Sure.” Tessa put on her coat and scarf and folding up the blanket again. “But I won’t be there all day. You can leave a message with Joy. Or text me. But if I’m not there, then I’m sure Joy can give you a tour of the theater.”
Lisa looked disappointed and Tessa couldn’t help feeling a small stab of guilt. Was she being too mean?
