‘Maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, taking in all these extras,’ said Bowow with a sigh. ‘I haven’t been feeling myself these past few weeks.’
Effie understood how that went. Everything had felt topsy-turvy of late, although she couldn’t pinpoint why.
‘I think we all just need to do less,’ she said gently.
‘Maybe I can help with that,’ said Theo, with one of his easy smiles. Still scratching the terrier’s head, he turned to Bowow. ‘Do you think I might be able to foster this one?’
Effie almost dropped the leash she was holding. All right, so he hadn’t said adopt, just foster, but surely that meant Theo had plans to stick around, at least in the short term. Which meant that he might not be taking the job in the city?
The little terrier panted away, giving the cutest doggy smile imaginable. Then he nudged Theo’s leg, as if to saythis is him. This is my human.
Bowow beamed. ‘Bernard? I think you might not have a choice.’
Chapter 32
IMPRACTICAL MAGIC
Bonnie
Trivia Night had rolled around far too quickly, thought Bonnie, waving as the mainstays of The Silver Slipper piled through the door. She’d barely had time to put the questions together, let alone check that they were simple enough for the townsfolk to answer after consuming a pitcher or two of Memory Lane. Just so long as they remembered to buy their drinks and tally up their responses, all would be well. She hoped.
Oh thank goodness, here was Tessa, who was not only one of Yellowbrick Grove’s more intelligent residents, but whose preference for bubbly had kept her safe from the befuddling effects of the charmed drinks. At least someone would be earning some points tonight. And Bonnie would have plausible deniability. Especially since Cassandra of the student newspaper had apparently thoroughly forgotten about their interview.
There was no sign of Effie, though, she noted. Bonnie had barely seen her sister since Effie’s embarrassing display at Tessa’s possible shop space. Apparently she’d been throwing herself into her librarian responsibilities, but really, how many responsibilities could a librarian possibly have? Lots, she supposed, if they involved Theo.
But Bonniehadexplicitly invited Effie to Trivia Night a few weeks back, before things between them had taken a turnfor the worse. And Effie wasn’t one to renege on anything written down on the kitchen calendar, no matter how much pride was involved. But it was odd that she hadn’t shown up with Tessa. Even after their little tiff at Tessa’s shop.
Bonnie wrapped Effie’s friend in a proper, voluminous hug – she’d decided it was time to upgrade Tessa from acquaintance to friend. ‘Good thing you came, because you’re a shoo-in for the prize tonight.’
‘What’s the prize?’ asked Tessa curiously.
‘A gift voucher for Uncle Oswald’s shop. And a meat tray. Ugh, I should’ve prepared a vegetarian option, shouldn’t I? I’ll check with the butcher.’
‘Ah, the butcher. The perfect place to get your veggie treats,’ joked Tessa. ‘But I’m in. You know I love to wipe the floor with the townsfolk.’
‘I do indeed, and I appreciate it,’ said Bonnie. ‘Saves me having to mop.’
‘Alana’s on her way, too. She’s just finishing up a class at the studio.’ Tessa toyed with one of her perfect curls. ‘I texted Effie as well, just in case. But I can’t promise anything, even though I mentioned...’
She trailed off, then course-corrected. ‘She’s been pretty busy recently, I guess.’
Wondering what Tessa had been about to say, Bonnie busied herself popping open a bottle of prosecco for Tessa. The pop of the cork – and Bonnie’s accompanying yelp – coincided with the swinging of the front door, which gave way to reveal a familiar T-shirt and cardigan combo. But styled in a more put-together way than usual.
‘Speak of the devil,’ muttered Bonnie, as Effie strode into the bar with something approaching confidence. She couldn’t wait to hear all the complaints Effie had about the bar and its patrons. Not to mention the dressing-down she was about to be subjected to for daring to speak with Tessa.
‘You made it!’ said Tessa, sounding surprised, but also alittle relieved. She angled away from Bonnie, as though trying to show that the two of them weren’tthatclose, not really, and that Effie didn’t need to be jealous.
‘You invited me,’ said Effie. Fiddling with one of Oswald’s coasters, she turned to Bonnie. ‘And you as well.’
‘Well, aren’t you a regular social butterfly,’ said Bonnie. She paused, then added, ‘You look nice.’
Effie did, actually. She was wearing a habitually terrible T-shirt, yes, but there was something different about her. She’d parted her hair differently, giving extra pop to her white streak, which Bonnie secretly liked, although she’d never admit it. There was a dusting of eyeshadow on her sister’s eyes – not to mention a coat of mascara. And, most important of all, Effie was wearing askirt! One that reached mid-calf, which in Effie hem-length parlance was positively scandalous.
This, all of this, was the equivalent of Sandy inGreasemaking herself over at the end of the film. Effie might as well be in skin-tight black leggings and red heels, with a serious bouffant hairdo and a new-found smoking habit. (As much as Bonnie would never admit it, Effie would actually look brilliant in such an outfit – if she ever had the guts.)
There was no denying it: Effie was in love.
‘Thanks,’ said Effie awkwardly, pulling her cardigan around herself. She swallowed. ‘Besides, Tessa and I are on a team together. Right?’
