Chapter 11

Willow

He kissed me.

I hadn't imagined that, right?

Remembering the feel of his lips on mine again, I knew I hadn't. My body was on fire.

He'd kissed me. It had been amazing, and I'd wanted more. Remembering it made me wish I could just go back to the café and kiss him again. Thinking back to my practically throwing myself into his lap…

This was no reason to freak out. It was fine. I'd be fine. I mean, he had asked me out before this even happened. Wasn't expected, but not unwelcome. And I did think he was hot. So what if he kissed me?

Oh, no. There were so many reasons this wasn't okay.

Really though? Why wasn't it okay? What were my reasons? I mean, I had been thinking about dating him. I even almost brought up the whole "I'm not a witch, you are, could we even be together" thing… and I chickened out. I asked him about Friends, which I love and adore, and he even answered correctly. It was perfect.

And then he kissed me!

And oh, what a kiss it was…Which I ran away from, because I am a complete idiot.

I paused on the sidewalk, carefully looking both ways. I'd somehow made it to the street where I lived. I didn't want to cross the road without looking again. There was no Winston to save me… and I looked behind me just to check that he wasn't following me after my disastrous exit.

Seeing and hearing no cars, I hurriedly crossed the street and ran up to my front door. I unlocked it, opening it to holler, "Tess? Tess, you home?"

I heard the fluttering of her wings as she came into the living room. She flew up close to me, all six inches of her hovering in front of my face.

"Oh, you look like shit."

With a great sigh, I dropped my backpack behind my couch, and sagged back against the door as I closed it.

"Does anyone look good that close up? And thanks. Helps a lot."

"Wait… why do you look so flushed?"

"I ran home."

Tess flew even closer to my face. She looked me over carefully, and I could watch her slowly examine my every pore.

"Because?" Her voice titled up really high at the end, and she looked way too happy.

"No important reason." I pulled my phone out. I needed Piper. She'd be a great help for this.

Or would she? She might never let me live it down…

"Did you kiss?" Tess' voice nearly shattered my eardrums, her voice was so high pitched.

"Well. Maybe?"

"You did! Ooooo, call Piper! She needs to be here for this."

"Why? So you can both gloat over me? It's a weeknight. She gets up early…"

"Oh, hurry up!"

I gave up and clicked on Piper's face. Texting: News. Come over. ASAP.

Piper: OMG. OMG! OMW. FIVE MINUTES, appeared back.

Me: You live more than five minutes away.

Piper: Not today, I don't!

I could almost see the insane driving acts fixing to be committed. With nothing for it, I went back into my bedroom and grabbed pajamas. Tess followed the entire way singing "Willow and Winston sitting in a tree."

"What are you? Two?"

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Walking into my bathroom quickly, I slammed the door before she could follow. Cold water on my face felt wonderful, and I took a minute just to breathe. Then I changed, pulled on fluffy socks and my robe, and went to my kitchen. There was a bottle of Moscato in the fridge, and a bag of Colby Jack cheese squares. Perfect.

I made my way into the living room, sliding onto the couch, and setting down my treats. Realizing I'd forgotten glasses, I went back to the kitchen to grab two, and a small thing for Tess. We'd drunk from the bottle before, but I needed to watch how much I drank, or I'd be a wreck at work tomorrow. My kitchen was a mess, but I certainly wasn't dealing with it tonight.

Since I'd come back out, Tess had been flying from window to window, waiting for Piper to arrive. It was cute, but ridiculous.

"She's here!" She yelled, as I sat the glasses down. With a shake of my head, I took in a deep breath, and poured myself some wine.. I had wanted to talk to Piper, to talk this out. I wasn't sure why now I felt like I had when I'd run from the café. My pulse jumped, beating a mile a minute. Maybe because I knew I'd been an idiot, and Piper would tell me that without qualms if she agreed? Nothing like a best friend to get to the heart of the matter if you're being stupid.

Piper burst through the door, yelling, "Tell me everything!"

"Okay, but really, there just isn't that much to tell—"

"Oh, but there is something! Tell me, tell me. Now, ooo and you got wine! It's serious."

Piper, still in her work clothes, ran and sat down on the couch next to me. The front door was left standing open.

"Tess, can you get the door?"

Tess kicked it shut and flew to the back of the couch.

"Spill the beans!" She yelled.

"You guys are worse than high schoolers."

"We were lame high schoolers. I mean, really. We never got to have this much fun."

I laughed and cringed a little. It was too true. I'd been too awkward, and Piper's parents weren't very keen on the idea of her dating anyone. So we'd wound up at her house, playing games and gossiping away our high school afternoons.

"Earth to Willow? I need details. It's been a crappy day. Give me something to live for here."

Tess laughed as she piped up, "Right? I'm bored!"

"Okay! I was helping Winston in the café again today. And he made and brought me dinner. We were talking about the second potion and spell. Then I started to bring up the whole ‘Maybe can't have magical children with me thing' and chickened out. I switched to asking him a stupid question, and next thing I knew…"

"He kissed you," Piper exclaimed.

"He kissed me."

"Was it paradise?"

A blush creeped up over my chest and cheeks. I could feel the heat, and just started rubbing my hands on the soft robe I was wearing to try and calm me down.

"It… it was rather nice, yeah."

"I knew it!" Piper clapped her hands ecstatically. Tess laughed.

"Why are you two so happy about this?"

"You need a man!" Piper said. "Or a woman, in your case, but since this is a man… you need a man!"

I shook my head and laughed. Tess flew up a bit into the air. "I mean, it may mean I eventually have to move out, or figure something else out, but you deserve someone!"

Touched, I smiled at her. "We will always work something out. I won't leave you high and dry. Hoes before bros, right?"

Tess pumped her fist in the air and yelled, "Right!"

Piper nearly choked on her wine. "Seriously?"

I giggled, and decided I needed some food in my belly. Popping a piece of cheese into my mouth, I chewed while thinking. Piper poured her own glass of wine and refilled mine a bit. After taking a sip, and feeling the bubbles go down my tongue, I ran my hand through my hair.

"None of this fixes any of the other problems. And he is doing me a favor! I can't be kissing a man doing me a favor! Plus, we have only known each other for days. Days."

"Haven't you helped in the café multiple days? I don't think the favor thing counts anymore, especially not as your only contact. Don't couples write together in academics?"

Piper may have had a point. "Yes. But they are already together as a couple. And usually both academics. We aren't together nor is he an academic. I asked him for help. I don't want to muddy the waters."

"Oh, but it's an adorable meet cute for the whole thing. You could share it at parties. How academics brought you your soulmate! Plus, who cares about the whole academics thing. He kissed you, so it's him doing the muddying, and surely that means he doesn't care."

"I doubt we are soulmates. If those even exist."

"Done the potion yet?"

"Well, no, but –" I was cut off.

"Will you still? Do you believe in soulmates?"

I didn't know if I ever had. Maybe the idea was far-fetched. Though if even witches spoke of it… maybe there were certain people who were meant to be together…Perhaps our meeting that early in the morning, with saving my life on his first day back was a sign.

"So now what on earth do I do?"

"What do you want to do? Figure that out, and do that. I suggest going back tonight, kissing his socks off, and then making sure other clothing follows."

"Piper, that is way too… simple. And, no to that idea."

Tess laughed. "Yeah, and you know Willow cannot be simple. Or easy."

"Hey!" I yelled, throwing a piece of cheese at her. Piper cackled.

"It's very true," Piper added. "I mean, you might not like it… but it is true."

With a very heavy, overly dramatic sigh, I replied, "Overly simplistic, and leaves out the fact of what he wants to do."

"Oh, I think who he wants to do is quite clear my dear. Why do you have to overthink everything?"

"I do not!" Yes, yes I did, but I was not verbally admitting it to Piper, who would never ever forget it.

The evening devolved into fits and giggles, Piper pretending to be Winston in love with me, and Tess howling in the background. Eventually I turned on the TV and blasted the sound until I could not hear them. Piper gave in and watched a movie with me.

"While that was relaxing and fun, I've a big day tomorrow. Seriously. Try not to overthink and ruin this, okay?"

"I will attempt it. No guarantees. Now shoo. I also wanna sleep."

In no time at all, I was lying on my bed, falling asleep to the remembered feel of Winston's lips on mine.

The next morning, I actually woke up on time. That didn't always happen when I had wine. Showered and dressed, I surprised Tess when she showed up in the kitchen, already there and drinking a cup of coffee.

"Coffee?"

"Always."

"But you never make it at home." She gasped. "You aren't going to stop by the café."

"Okay, maybe I'm not ready for that, and the thought had crossed my mind I could just avoid it by making my own coffee here."

"Poor Winston."

"Look, he's a grown man. He'll be fine. I'll see him later. I'm grabbing my stuff. Are you coming with?"

"Eh, not today. It's getting chillier. I'll just hang here, since I have no work at the university."

"I'll see you this evening."

The walk to campus was brisk. There were days I regretted my decision to drive as little as possible. But the walk was good for me, and hopefully it would help clear my head some. The life of an academic was often pretty stationary, so I tried to challenge myself to move about during the day as much as possible.

Goddess knows my dreams last night had done absolutely nothing to help me. I had woken tense, and ready to kiss the first person I saw.

Shaking my head, I banished sexy thoughts from my thoughts. I had two meetings today for different committees, and I needed to keep working on my book. I had a class to teach, and also an advising appointment. It was a busy day. One I needed focus for. One I did not need to catch myself daydreaming about a certain man during.

The breeze was gentle, but chilly. The semester was quickly counting down. I looked forward to the holidays, Halloween included, and all the lights that would soon be appearing. This was one of my favorite times of the year. Leaves falling, weather changing, sweaters and boots, and hats. It was perfection.

I'd dread walking through snow later in the year when I had to, but I'd ignore that for now.

Till then, I'd revel in the times before me and enjoy every moment I could. I did hate that it was harder for Tess to enjoy it though. Maybe Winston could brew her some kind of a potion of warmth? I'd pay for one of those actually. Some days it was so cold, my toes and fingers refused to cooperate.

And there I was, thinking of Winston again. Luckily, I'd reached my office, and had to teach soon. Time to go through my notes, get ready, and look towards the day. The life of an academic was ever hectic, but I enjoyed the variety. And the students, even when driving me crazy, were worth it. The few I managed to help grow and see things differently were worth every moment of frustration.

With that in mind, the day passed quickly. I tried not to think about leaving Winston in the dark. Not stopping by for coffee when I'd done so every day. I'd even been there when they weren't open. Coffee. My coffee pot was nothing compared to the things at the Witches' Brew, and my coffee this morning, and in the office, had been lacking. I'd thought about texting him, but we'd never exchanged phone numbers since I'd been at the café so often. I could call the café… but… no.

On my way home, I seriously pondered popping into the coffee shop. We were both grown adults. We could easily handle the situation and talk it out calmly. Hell, we didn't even have to talk. There was no guarantee he'd be out front - I could even peep through the window first. Then I could just see Charlotte, grab some coffee and run.

Except, I really didn't feel like it. Not even for better coffee.

I rushed home, as the dark was beginning to set in. The wind was picking up, and I wondered if it was supposed to storm. My fingers always went numb quickly in the cold, and my jacket was starting to seriously not be enough. I'd need to dig into my closet for my heavier things soon.

Home filled me with cheer, as my solar powered lights had switched on, and little globes of light twinkled at me over my garden. I decided a fire would be just the thing, and going through my front door, I was greeted with the TV playing another episode of Schitt's Creek, and Tess bundled on the couch to watch it.

"Hey, Tess." The room was a bit chilly, and not that much of an improvement over outside.

"Welcome back. Wanna watch?"

"I'll join in a minute. First, fire."

"Woohoo! Fire! I always love a good fire or two."

"Yeah, just stay away from it. Your habit of nearly giving me a heart attack because you want to fly too close is getting old." I had scary nightmares for weeks the one time Tess almost fell into the flames. I would never have made it to her on time–she'd caught herself on the grate.

I could perfectly picture Tess' wicked grin, even though I couldn't see it. Her daredevil ways were always making me worry about her.

Finally, having the fire roaring, and behind the grate, I stood up and stretched, holding my hands out to the warmth. I felt a soft thump hit my back.

"You are blocking part of the TV. Remember, I'm looking up from down here!"

I laughed, turning to find a marshmallow had hit me.

"How many of these have you eaten?" I asked.

"Hey, sugar is good for me. Now, what's for dinner? And mooove!"

With a pull, I got out of my scarf and jacket, and went to hang them up by the door. The kitchen was on the other side, so I went to look in the fridge.

"I could make some pasta. Or heat up pizza. Or… sandwiches?"

"Real chef there," Tess replied. She hadn't moved from her spot on the couch. I may have let the temperature get too low in the house for her. Looking up, I saw it was 66 on the thermostat. Not dangerous, but not the best for her. I went over and kicked on the heat, so it'd pick up the slack from the fire.

"Never said I was. Cooking has never been my thing. I think pizza."

"Pineapple and ham?"

"Always."

Turning around, I started the oven heating, and went to the bedroom to change into something comfier.

"Alright, 15 minutes, and we have dinner. Did you start this over?"

"I'd finished it again, so yeah, I'm back towards the beginning."

"I'll read a bit and watch, too. I'm tired, so I don't think my brain will have much in the way of concentration."

"Hmm, tired, huh? I don't see any coffee."

"I drank some more at work. And grabbed some from the cafeteria there."

"So you didn't stop at the Witches' Brew."

"No. It was cold. So hush."

Tess gave me a look that I knew said a thousand things I already told myself, and that she and Piper had stressed to me last night. I chose to ignore all three of us as a group, and picked up my book from the side table.

Time for some dragons, romance, and less real-life drama. That sounded fantastic to me.

I read, occasionally get distracted by scenes in the show, or Tess laughing merrily at something said on the screen. This was one of her favorite things to do in the winter, and I was pretty sure by this point she could act out this and several other shows as a one-person act, line for line. I tried to get her to read some, but she said it just wasn't her style.

The oven dinged, right as the characters in my novel kissed for the first time, and I don't think anything has ever had better timing. I'd already been imagining them as Winston and I. Not good.

"Earth to Willow—Pizza?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going."

"Good scene?" Tess asked while trying to look at the page I was on. She loved to sneak up behind me and read the spicier scenes aloud.

"No." I slapped the book closed and sat it on the table. My blanket took most of my warmth with it, and I wished I'd had the ability to just zap the pizza to me. Or levitate it out of the oven. With neither of those choices available to me, I went to get it out, so it'd stop cooking in the still hot oven—even if it did switch off.

I chopped up half of the pizza in normal slices, then took a slice and cut it into rather small squares for Tess. Putting ranch into two dipping bowls, I dropped the plates onto the coffee table.

"Heavenly." I said, as I smelled the sweet pineapple and all that bread. Divine creations, no matter what anyone argued.

"The best." Tess agreed. We ate while watching the show, and I began to look towards tomorrow. Would I still avoid the café?

I couldn't. Tomorrow was Friday. The night of potion brewing. I could avoid it in the morning though….

That seemed like a much better idea, really.

Yep. I'd make my own coffee in the morning.