Note From Shelly:
I’m trying something new. I plan to put up each chapter of my current work in progress in the paid section to get your feedback as I develop the series and characters. If you notice something wonky or think of something amazing to add in future chapters leave me a note!
This is the first chapter for a novella that will be published in Resting Witch Face - a 10-book anthology series I’m in with other awesome PNR authors over the next two years.
Remember this sucker is only edited by me and Grammarly. The final novella will of course be professionally edited by Striding Ibis Editing before publishing.
Chapter 1
"You sure you can't give me a pass on this one?" I tapped my pen against my chin as I studied the list written in Darla's scrawling cursive. If someone else picked it up they would see a weird shopping list. Me? I saw the ingredients for a potion I did not want to make.
"I should wash your mouth out with soap." Her silver curls bounced when she shook her head. "I remember you put on your application that you don't want to do love spells. I'm sure you have a reason. People always have a reason. But I have to know that you know how to do them before I can officially hire you for a position in Pink House."
My shoulders found their way to my ears at the mention of the dreaded soap. It irked me to no end that Darla required a month of evaluating my witch skills before she would hire me. I got it. I just didn't like it.
"Darla, there’s no way you are getting soap in my mouth again." I raised my hands in the universal stop gesture when her right eyebrow climbed her forehead. "That isn't a challenge. I know you could if you really wanted to. But you also know that I can dye your hair purple again."
"Very well, truce."
Thankfully the eyebrow returned to its normal resting position. Never in my life had I met someone with eyebrows that moved around like hers. If I didn't know any better I’d say the things were possessed.
I returned my attention to the list in my hand. Most of the items were in pretty glass containers on the shelves that lined the workroom in Darla's potion shop. The only thing I would have to gather myself were the violet leaves.
"Remind me where I'm going to find violets in Whynot. They aren't native, and there is no way I'm gonna pick anything from Old Benny’s Garden again." I pulled the hand-drawn map of Whynot out of my notebook.
"Dear, if you were quicker with your gathering he would never have caught you. The man is a hundred if he’s a day." Darla twirled the spoon in her coffee without touching it.
It was hard to keep the sarcasm out of my voice, but I did. "He doesn't have to move fast when he can shoot my butt full of electricity for touching his flowers."
Darla rolled her lips to stop a smile. "I didn't know he had a taser."
I bit my cheek to stop a smile. "Well, he does. Now. Where else can I get it?"
She took my pen and drew a star next to a field on the other side of town. "There are some that grow on the east side of Turnip field. Just make sure to wear something bright and make noise when you're there."
"Excuse me?"
"Wear something bright and make noise." Darla dropped my pen on the map and picked up her cup of tea as if her statement required no further explanation.
"Ok. I'll bite. Why do I need to wear bright colors and make noise when I go to pick a flower at sunset in a field of turnips?"
"It's just called Turnip field, there aren't any growing in it." She took a sip of tea before continuing. "Pretty sure it’s full of pumpkins."
I folded my arms across my chest and waited. She’d get there eventually.
"Never mind it doesn't matter what grows in the field. You need to be noticeable when you go so you don't spook the gargoyles. They live on the land across the street and don't take kindly to anyone poking around when they are not expecting it."
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. They had done so whenever someone mentioned the gargoyles since I'd arrived in Whynot. I have no idea why the little buggers do it, but they do - every single time.
"Right. Bright clothes and make noise so I don't spook the gargoyles." I tucked my things into my bag while running through the clothes in my meager wardrobe. Not a single piece would be considered bright. "The problem is I wear black, gray, and more black."
"I'd offer you something from my closet, but it would swallow your tiny body whole. Why don't you run to town and see what Candy has in the shop? I'm sure she has a scarf or something."
I slid off my stool after a glance at my watch. "I'll set up everything for the potion when I get back. I need to stop by the grocery before it closes."
"Some milk would be lovely. Just put it on my tab."
I smiled at the thought of adding it to her tab. The grocery store in the little town ran a tab like it was still the 1800s. Living here was a definite culture shock from my previous nomad lifestyle.
I live gargoyles! Miri got me hooked on those in her Substack
Holy freaking Hannah! I so wish I could upgrade. I am in love, LOVE with this first chapter. Will we be still be getting them in your newsletter?