3. Natalie

3

NATALIE

A few days later, I sit across from my boss Maxwell Steinberg in his sleek, modern office, trying to focus on our weekly check-in meeting and ignore the lingering confusion about Myrtle and my family history.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the city skyline, while expensive abstract artwork adorns the walls. Maxwell’s massive mahogany desk proclaims his success and status within the company.

The kind of success and status I’ve worked so hard to earn for myself, too.

But despite the luxurious surroundings, my mind keeps drifting to everything I learned in Elderberry Falls last week. The revelation of my magical inheritance, the grandmother I never knew, my father’s secret life as a mage—it’s all too much. I want to shove it into an emotional box and put it on a high shelf in my brain, never to be touched again.

Maxwell leans back in his leather chair, his gray eyes appraising me. “Natalie, are you with me?”

I snap out of my thoughts. “Yes, sorry!”

He nods, then drops a bombshell. “Good. Because I have news. The partners have unanimously decided to offer you a partnership at the firm.”

My heart leaps into my throat. I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. All those years of hard work—the long hours, the grueling clients, the sacrifices. It’s finally paying off. This partnership opportunity means everything to me… and to my mom, who I’ve been supporting.

“Maxwell, I don’t know what to say. Thank you, this is incredible news.” I use my best professional talking-to-clients voice, and hope my tone doesn’t betray anything about how much I’m freaking out inside.

Of course, this is what I’ve been working toward. Maxwell and I have had several conversations over the past couple of years about my track to partnership. As my mentor, he knew this was my goal, and he’s been coaching me on how to get there.

Even then, I thought this was still a few years away. It takes all of me not to leap out of my chair and hug him in excitement.

“You’ve earned it, Natalie. Your dedication and talent are unmatched.” Maxwell smiles, but then his expression turns serious. “Of course, you know there are certain financial requirements for becoming a partner. You’ll need to buy into the company.”

Reality hits me like a ton of bricks. This was part of our mentorship discussions. It costs $100,000 to buy into the company as a partner. I’ve been saving up money over the past decade but…

I recently paid off my mother’s mortgage, leaving me short on liquid funds. I still have $50,000 in rainy day emergency savings, but there’s a big shortfall between what I have and what I’ll need to claim this partnership.

The irony is not lost on me—my act of love and generosity for my chronically ill mom is now standing in the way of my ultimate career goal that can help the both of us. I wouldn’t take it back, though. Knowing my mom will always have a roof over her head…

It means the world.

But damn, I’m going to have to get creative to make this partnership happen. I thought I had a few more years to replenish the coffers.

Taking a deep breath, I meet Maxwell’s gaze head-on. “I understand. I’ll find a way to make it work, whatever it takes. You know I won’t let you down.”

Maxwell nods, seeming satisfied. “I have the utmost confidence in you.”

His approval sends a warmth through me, and I sit up straighter, mind already racing, searching for a solution. I won’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

Not when I’ve come this far.

The sun-warmed driver’s seat of my sensible sedan greets me as I slide in, still reeling from Maxwell’s bombshell. I take a moment to just breathe, hands resting on the steering wheel, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

Pride, for how far I’ve come.

Gratitude, for the opportunity I’ve been given.

And underneath it all, a simmering sense of unease. How the hell am I going to come up with the money to make this happen?

I shake my head, pushing the worry aside. I’ll figure it out. I always do. Right now, I need to focus on the good news.

And I know just who I want to share it with first.

The drive to my mom’s house is a familiar one, the streets passing by in a blur of suburban sameness. Before I know it, I’m pulling into the driveway of her modest but well-maintained home.

I pause for a moment, taking in the sight. Despite how often she lays sick, her flower beds are always meticulously tended. Freshly painted shutters and a colorful wreath on the door greet my arrival.

Every detail speaks to my mother’s pride in her home. Our home.

A home that is now fully hers. No more mortgage payments looming over her head, no more worries about where the money will come from. A type of certainty and security that she’s never had, not once in my entire life—and I provided that for her. The thought fills me with a burst of satisfaction.

I make my way up the front path, the scent of late-summer roses wafting around me. Before I can even knock, the door swings open, revealing my mother’s smiling face.

“Natalie! What a wonderful surprise,” she exclaims, pulling me into a hug.

I squeeze her tight, mindful of her frail frame. The years and her health issues have taken their toll, but her strength and love have never wavered.

“Hi, Mom,” I mumble into her shoulder. “I have some news to share with you.”

She pulls back, her eyes searching my face. “Good news, I hope?”

I nod, a grin spreading across my face. “The best. But also… well, some complicated news too. Let’s sit down first.”

We settle in the cozy living room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of home. My mother barely touches the couch before she springs up again at my rush of words.

“I did it, Mom! I made partner!”

“Oh, honey! Congratulations!” She hugs me again before sitting back down, eyes shining, clasping my hands in hers. “But that’s wonderful news! It’s everything you’ve worked for, all these years, all those late nights! What do you mean about it being complicated?”

I exhale, suddenly nervous. “That’s not the only news I’ve gotten these past few days. And…”

I don’t even know where to start.

“Mom,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. “What did you know about Dad’s family? Did you know… did you know his mother, my grandmother, was still alive for most of my life?”

She furrows her brows in confusion. “What? No, that can’t be right. Your father always said his parents passed away long before you were born. He barely ever mentioned them to me.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Apparently, that wasn’t true. I found out some things when I was in Elderberry Falls last week...”

As I fill her in on the inheritance, the storefront, and the revelation of Myrtle’s existence—not to mention the fact that Myrtle and my dad were both magical—I watch shock and anger play across my mother’s face. The same emotions I’ve been grappling with.

“I just can’t believe it,” she whispers, shaking her head. “All those years, all the struggles we went through... and he had family out there? Family that could have helped us? Magical family?!”

My mind flashes back to the lean times. The years on food stamps, the nights spent in shelters when my unreliable alcoholic dad would disappear for weeks on end. The constant, gnawing worry that we wouldn’t be able to keep a roof over our heads.

And through it all, my mother working herself to the bone, doing everything she could to provide for us. While I, just a kid, took on any odd job I could find to help make ends meet.

The unfairness of it all brings in new rage. Dad had family, a support system, and he denied us that. He left us to struggle and scrape by, while he did who knows what, always with a bottle in hand.

Not to mention that his mother was a witch! That he grew up in the magical realm and was a mage himself.

She reaches out, re-taking my hand in hers. “I’m so sorry, Natalie. I had no idea. If I had known… Gods, I swear, I would’ve let Myrtle into your life.”

I squeeze her hand, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “I know, Mom. It’s not your fault. It’s his. He chose to keep this from us, to leave us to fend for ourselves.”

My dad was a selfish asshole. Full stop. I’ve spent a ton of time in therapy making peace with that. I have sympathy for his addiction; he often couldn’t control his behavior, and he struggled for a long, long time. But even when he was sober, he was mean, irresponsible, and callous. This decision he made, to keep such a big part of his life from us, is just proof of that.

Even from beyond the grave, I can’t escape the trauma he inflicted on us.

We sit in silence for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts. Finally, Mom speaks, her voice low and pained.

“I just don’t understand why. Why hide that he had magic? Why hide that his mother was alive? Why would he do that to us, to you ?”

I swallow hard. I’m so tired of my father’s bad choices hurting my mother, even after all this time. “I don’t know, Mom. I really don’t. But I do know one thing—we survived. We made it through, together. And we’re stronger for it.”

She nods, a small smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “You’re right. We did. And look at you now—my brilliant, successful daughter. Partner! I’m so proud of you, Natalie.”

I scooch over on the couch and lean into her, resting my head on her shoulder like I used to do as a child. For a moment, I let myself just be her little girl again, soaking in the comfort of her presence.

The aroma of sautéing garlic and onions fills the cozy kitchen as Mom and I work side by side, preparing our favorite comfort meal—spaghetti with homemade meatballs and marinara sauce. The familiar rhythm of chopping, stirring, and seasoning settles my frayed nerves, and for a moment, I lose myself in the simple pleasure of cooking with my mother.

As I slide the diced tomatoes into the simmering pot, Mom glances over at me, her brow slightly furrowed.

“I want to focus on your good news, honey. But… I have something else to ask you, though…” Her tone is cautious yet curious. “If Bruce was secretly a mage, or a warlock, or whatever he was… and his mother was an herb witch, like you said… do you think that means you have magical powers?”

I pause, the wooden spoon hovering over the sauce. Turning to face her, I raise an eyebrow. “Mom, have I ever shown you any sign that I’m anything other than one hundred percent human?”

Inside, my stomach is roiling with nerves, her words giving voice to the same question that’s been dogging my own thoughts. But I struggle to stay nonchalant, not wanting to worry my mother.

She purses her lips, considering my question. Her gaze drifts to the ceiling as she thinks. “No, you haven’t,” she admits after a moment, shaking her head.

“See?” I say, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “So, as usual, Mom, I take after you!”

Mom chuckles softly, wrapping her arm around my shoulders and pulling me close as we stand before the stove. I lean against her, savoring the closeness we’ve built throughout the years.

But even as I lean into her, a small part of me remains uneasy. A nagging whisper in the back of my mind that I can’t quite silence.

What if I do have magic? What would that mean for me, for my life, for everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve?

I push the thought away, focusing instead on the simmering sauce, the sizzling meatballs, and the love and strength of the woman beside me. But as we plate our dinner and settle at the kitchen table, the questions linger, like wisps of smoke curling in the corners of my consciousness.

And I can’t help but wonder if the answers lie waiting for me, back in Elderberry Falls.

The sleek lines of the Munchin’ Morsels meeting room greet me as I step inside, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The company’s logo, a playful illustration of a smiling muffin, is prominently displayed on the far wall. Its familiarity speaks to their rapid rise as one of the most successful breakfast chains in the country.

Sylvia, the dynamic marketing head I’ve been emailing with, rises from her seat to greet me. Her polished demeanor is evident in her tailored suit and perfectly coiffed hair. She exudes confidence as she extends her hand, her grip firm.

I’m glad I wore my new suit—the sleek lines help me feel like a match for her confidence, and I return her firm squeeze.

“Natalie, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” she says, her voice warm yet professional. “I’m thrilled to discuss our latest campaign idea with you.”

I nod, settling into the chair across from her. “I’m all ears, Sylvia. What do you have in mind?”

She leans forward, her eyes bright with excitement. “We’re planning a major expansion into the magical realms, and we believe Ecco Waverly would be the perfect spokesperson to help us establish a presence there, as the face of our new marketing campaigns.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “Ecco is quite popular in both the human and magical worlds. I can see how her endorsement could be a significant boost to your efforts.”

Sylvia nods, smiling. “Exactly. Her unique appeal spans both realms, and we believe she can help us connect with a new audience in a meaningful way.”

“It makes a ton of sense,” I say, my mind already racing. “I know Ecco is a fan of your brand; I’ve picked up coffee from Munchin’ Morsels for her more times than I can count! I think she could be interested; I’m excited to run this opportunity by her.”

As Sylvia continues to outline the details of the campaign, lingering on their focus on the expansion in the magical realms, I feel a sudden spark of realization.

My Elderberry Falls storefront could be the perfect opportunity for Munchin’ Morsels.

And, perhaps, a solution to my own financial need.

I lean back in my chair, my thoughts whirling, struggling to stay focused on Sylvia’s words.

The partnership buy-in has been looming large in my mind, a daunting financial hurdle that stands between me and my ultimate career goal. But now, I see a glimmer of hope.

“Sylvia,” I say, my voice casual yet purposeful, “how is Munchin’ Morsels progressing with finding its first storefront in the magical realms?”

She sighs, a flicker of frustration crossing her features. “It’s been a challenge. Prime retail space in those areas is scarce, and the competition is fierce. Plus our brand just doesn’t have the same power there. At least, not yet.”

I nod, my excitement quietly building. “What if I told you I might have a solution to your problem—and it might help solve a problem of my own?”

Sylvia’s eyes widen, her interest piqued. “I’m listening.”

The words tumble out in a rush. “I recently inherited a prime retail space in Elderberry Falls, a charming town right in the heart of the magical realms. And… I’m open to the possibility of selling.”

Sylvia leans forward. “Tell me more.”