43. Daisy

CHAPTER 43

Daisy

D espite her lingering worries, Daisy has to admit that the town has been abuzz with excitement for Mixing Our Spirits, and during the couple of shifts she has worked at the Acorn, it's been all the patrons can talk about. The response has genuinely surprised her and, at times, left her speechless, which is a feat in and of itself. Apparently, the participating businesses have been advertising their involvement pretty heavily, and people are already asking if they can attend the next one. The next one? Goddess, she hopes to make it out of this one unscathed and, with any luck, with a girlfriend.

Her phone vibrates on the table beside her bed. Picking it up, she sees an incoming call from Stella. She swipes answering it and taps to put it on speakerphone. "Hey, Stel. What's up?"

"Hey. I'm calling to say a preemptive congratulations for this weekend. I can't wait to hear all about it when you come back up for air afterward."

"Thank you so much. I hope you're right. Everything is set, and bearing any sudden issues, it should be great. I've heard from many attendees, and they are so excited. It's been inspiring to see how this event, even before it happens, is already impacting people."

"That's so exciting," Stella says. Daisy can hear her smile through the phone and feel the genuine joy and excitement she has for Daisy. She wouldn't have thought they could be in this place with how things ended between then. To end up legitimate friends. But having Stella as a friend has proven to be the best part of their failed relationship. Knowing they weren't right for each other, as painful as it was to find out, helped Daisy get here. It helped lead the way for her to find Sloan.

"It is. I'm continually at a loss for words. When the council assigned me to this thing, I never thought it would gain traction. I felt like it was a pity offer. That I only received it because of Petra's insistence. Maybe that part is still true. But I feel, to my core, that this will be good. That it will help to breed connection and a greater sense of community," Daisy says, trying not to get misty-eyed as she tosses more clothes into her bag.

"The community needs this. I am so proud of you, Daze. You've come so far and through so much fire."

Daisy gives a short laugh. "Thankfully, not literal fire. Though, with the increased grimoire magic, I've definitely lit some things on fire."

"But you've learned to control it. Speaking of the grimoire, did you ever find out how it got to you?"

Daisy stops in place. She hadn't thought of its mysterious arrival since bonding with it. A part of her figured it found its way to her on its own. It does like to move around the house by itself, so that wouldn't be entirely out of the question. "No. I kind of forgot about that. But it is a magic book. Maybe it just appeared by magic." She laughs, realizing how silly the idea sounds out loud.

"I've never heard of that happening. Granted, your situation is a bit different."

"To say the least," she replies, zipping up a dress bag and then tossing it beside her other bag on the bed. She returns to her closet and grunts as she moves bins out of the way to get to the shoes she wants to wear with that dress.

"Anyway, it sounds like you're busy over there, so I'll let you get back to it. Again, congratulations. You should be proud of yourself. This is simply the beginning, darling."

"Thanks, Stel."

"Anytime. Talk soon!"

"Bye," Daisy responds, ending the call.

Daisy flicks her wrist, causing violet tendrils to emerge. They dance around the room, gathering the last few items of clothing she needs for the weekend, and then disappear into her ensuite to collect her toiletries. Only a few short weeks ago, she was setting fire to bedding and causing windstorms when she got flustered. Now, she can control her power so much better.

Once all is done and packed, she loads it into her car and drives over to The Dandelion, filled with excited energy bouncing around her insides and a hint of trepidation. So much is riding on this event being an actual success, and as much as she's excited about what it could bring to the community and how it would help Petra's push for inclusion, that little voice at the back of her mind still tells her it's going to all blow up in her face.

* * *

Willow glides toward them, a brilliant smile gracing her face as the sunbeams from the glass windows in the ceiling highlight her soft blonde hair flowing behind her. She looks angelic. If she greets every guest, they will be off to a great start as she radiates such a welcoming and peaceful presence. It's different from when they were in their meeting last week. As Daisy watches her, she wonders if this peaceful effect is related to some power she has. If so, it's useful as her worries melt away the closer Willow gets.

"Good afternoon, ladies. It's wonderful to see you again."

"Thank you," Daisy and Sloan say in unison while extending their hands to return Willow's handshake.

"Have you been checked in yet?"

"Yes. The room looks lovely. I was under the impression that we would have separate rooms this time, though?" Sloan asks.

At the same time, Daisy says, "Thank you so much for the welcome package. Is that the same one that the guests will be receiving?"

Willow pauses, parsing what they've both said. She turns to Daisy first, "Yes, guests will receive the same package. Minus the details specific to you two as the planners. Otherwise, it will have the same swag—sweater, tote, travel mug, and itinerary alongside the various treats." She turns to Sloan. "My apologies, I had it noted that you two would be sharing a room. Unfortunately, we are fully booked and cannot move one of you. Is this a problem? We could see if a neighboring site has a room available, but I think for the purpose of the event, it makes sense for both of you to be on-site."

Rather than respond and risk upsetting Sloan by speaking for her, Daisy pauses, allowing Sloan to share any concerns. She notes the large breath Sloan takes—and perhaps how it pushes out her beautiful breasts—before she speaks, "It's fine. We'll make do," she says, sounding defeated.

She doesn't seem as angry as last week; perhaps she's calmed down, or maybe it's Willow's essence influencing her mood. Either way, Daisy will take it. Granted, the call to the reception desk to ensure they were roomed together may prove to be helpful too, but Daisy isn't going to 'fess up to that little maneuver.

"Alright. Again, my apologies."

"It's fine," Sloan repeats.

Willow, likely sensing it's not fine, but since she can't do anything about it, says, "Well, our esteemed guests should be arriving in the next hour or so. Please feel free to visit the restaurant for a snack or a drink. If you need me, send me a text."

"Will do. Thank you, Willow," Daisy replies before Willow turns and vanishes into the inn.

"Drinks?" Daisy suggests to Sloan, who huffs reluctantly, blowing a strand of hair into the air, but still nods in agreement.

They find a high-top table, where Daisy awkwardly climbs up on the stool. They always seem to be a smidge too high for her short legs to be able to sit easily, so she's stuck shimmying up onto the seat and having to do a weird shuffle to seat herself properly. Sloan watches the maneuver with great interest and the tiniest bit of amusement visible through the upturned corner of her lip.

"Are you sure you're okay with sharing a room again?" Daisy asks once settled.

"Yeah," Sloan breathes. "I don't have much of an option though, do I?"

"No, I guess not." Daisy may have orchestrated their sharing of a room, but looking at Sloan and noting the defeated look about her, she's concerned it may not have been the greatest idea. Being forced together seemed to have helped the first time, so she hoped this would provide them another opportunity to work through everything. Daisy needs to be able to tell her that she was wrong, that she didn't mean she didn't care about Sloan. Rather, it is the complete opposite. She cares too much and has been afraid to admit it.

"Good afternoon, I'm Calliope. Would you like to start with drinks?"

"I'll have a chocolate martini, please," Sloan says.

"That sounds delicious. I'll have the same."

"Wonderful. Will you be needing menus?" Calliope asks.

Daisy looks at Sloan, and she shakes her head slightly. "No, I think the drinks will be good," Daisy responds.

"Great. I'll be back shortly with two chocolate martinis."

Calliope leaves, and silence falls over the table. Daisy watches Sloan as she fiddles with the place setting before her, readjusting the positioning of the cutlery, shifting it in such minuscule ways that if Daisy weren't seeing her do it, it would look untouched. The light from the overhead lamps cast a warm glow over them, and as she lets the quiet continue to ride out, Daisy notices how the light picks up on the soft hints of red and gold in Sloan's hair. She sparkles in pure beauty, and it's taking everything in Daisy not to reach out and tuck the stray strand of Sloan's dark tresses behind her ear. To stop herself, Daisy takes the cloth napkin from her place setting, unfolds it, and lays it across her lap. They may only be getting drinks, but it gives her hands something to do that's not reaching out to touch the gorgeous witch across from her.

"So…" Sloan says, breaking the silence. "What's the first thing on our itinerary after everyone arrives?"

Daisy pulls out the list from the folder they received to confirm.

Mixing Our Spirits Event Itinerary

Day 1: Friday

- 3:00-4:00 p.m. Guest arrival

- 4:00-6:00 p.m. Welcome message, cocktails, and passed appetizers in the main hall

- 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner service

- 8:30-10:30 p.m. Community movie night held in the garden

"Once guests get checked in, they will head to the main hall, and we will welcome them. You were still doing the welcome speech, correct?" Daisy asks.

"If that's still okay with you?"

"Absolutely."

"Cool," Sloan replies.

Daisy takes a deep breath. She hadn't planned on talking to Sloan about what is happening between them yet, but she doesn't want this distance between them to be so readily apparent when the guests arrive. "I was wondering—" Daisy starts before being interrupted by Calliope with their drinks.

"Here you are. Are you certain you don't want any food?"

"No, thank you," Sloan replies, picking up her martini and sipping. "Perfect."

"Wonderful. Well, flag me down if you change your mind or if you need anything else," Calliope says before turning and making her way to another table.

Daisy sips her martini, hoping it will give her the courage to start again. Goddess, this is delicious. The alcohol flows smoothly over her tongue, like the silkiest chocolate she could ever imagine. "Great choice," she says.

Sloan nods in agreement. "You were saying something?"

Daisy clears her throat, pulling back her shoulders and sitting up straighter. Manifest the confidence, she tells herself. "Yes. I was wondering if we could have a quick talk about us."

Sloan tenses. Her hand fists the stem of the glass, her shoulders lock, and her eyes move from Daisy's face to stare at the centerpiece in the middle of the table. "There is no us to discuss," she says through a tight jaw.

"I think there is. And I think you do as well, or at least you want there to be. If you didn't, you wouldn't be as upset as you are."

"I'm not upset," Sloan lies.

"Uh-huh. And I am the most beloved witch in all of Leeside." This earns Daisy a minor lip quirk that could eventually become a full smile, giving her hope that they are not entirely broken. "You are upset with me, and I get it. I fucked up. As I said after our meeting last week, I accidentally ran over my phone. It took me a couple of days to get a new one. I'm so sorry. Had I known, I would have reached out to you another way to explain."

Sloan deflates. Daisy can practically see the thoughts running through her mind as they play across her face. The hurt makes her want to stay angry. Other potential feelings pushing her to forgive Daisy. But knowing Sloan, it won't be that easy.

Daisy continues, "But I think there is still something here. Something we both know is here. I get that you're hurt. I don't want to push you toward something you aren't ready for. However, I also don't think we can run an event about connecting with others when we don't appear connected, let alone friendly. So we need to pretend a little, if you will."

"What do you mean, ‘pretend'?" Sloan asks, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What all does that entail?"

"Well, I think we need to behave as though we're friends, that we like each other. The guests aren't going to buy into this if we don't model it. So we need to demonstrate how members from the community who have notoriously been seen as opposites have bonded. How we've come together."

Sloan raises an eyebrow at the choice of wording at the end. "So you want to fake being friends? For the benefit of the event?"

"For the benefit of the community. Let them see that it's possible," Daisy clarifies.

She watches as Sloan rolls it over in her mind, sipping her martini as she does. Waiting for an answer is painful because she knows Sloan could say no. But she also knows that Sloan wants this, needs this event to work.

Sloan finally nods. "Fine. I will fake being your friend for this weekend for the sake of the community."

Daisy smiles broadly. The first step in her plan is complete. Now, for the rest of it to follow.