Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

" I 'm so thrilled to have you all here tonight," Harmony Honeycutt shouts to the crowd gathered here at the Harvest Feast festival, eager to learn a tip or two on how to stave off World War Three on the most delicious day of the year via her quasi-witchcraft. "This evening, I'm going to teach you how to manifest your best Thanksgiving ever! One that includes peace, harmony, and very little indigestion," she teases, and the crowd titters at her command.

Cooper leans in and whispers, "We can use all three in my family."

I stifle a laugh and whisper back, "Ditto. Let's hope she's got some serious magic up her sleeve. I've got a family feast coming up that could use a little divine intervention."

Harmony nods to the crowd. "Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. But it can also be a time of anxiety, stress, and tension. Tonight, we're going to change that. By the end of this workshop, you'll be armed with the tools to create a harmonious and joyful Thanksgiving with your family and friends."

She pauses, letting her words sink in, and then gestures to the yummy table next to her. "First, let's talk about the power of visualization. Close your eyes and picture your perfect Thanksgiving feast. Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells. Feel the love and joy in the room. See yourself getting along with your family, everyone happy and relaxed."

I sneak a glance at Cooper, who has dutifully closed his eyes and is probably picturing a Thanksgiving where I'm not a prime suspect in a murder investigation.

I close my eyes, too, trying to imagine a peaceful family dinner without any drama, but it's hard when the scent of roasted turkey is making me want to sneak a bite while no one is looking.

"Visualization is just the beginning." Harmony's voice is soothing as she continues. "To truly manifest your best Thanksgiving, you need to align your thoughts, words, and actions. Speak positively about your family and friends. Focus on their good qualities and let go of any past grievances. When you change your thoughts, you change your reality."

I open an eye again and sneak another peek at Cooper, who seems to be taking this all in with a budding frown on his face. I bet he's thinking about me again. I seem to sponsor that look on his face more often than not.

Harmony encourages everyone to turn to their neighbors and share one positive thought about the upcoming holiday and perhaps your neighbor.

Cooper and I exchange a look, and I roll my eyes.

"Fine," I say, giving in. "I'm grateful that I'm not alone in this, and that I have someone who puts up with my—unique lifestyle." Talk about outing myself in a public venue.

Coop twitches a brow. "I'm grateful that you make life interesting, Effie. And that you're always up for a challenge, even if it's manifesting a peaceful Thanksgiving—which I'm not sure is entirely possible."

We share a quick laugh, and for a moment, it feels like maybe, just maybe, we can manifest some normalcy into our chaotic lives.

Although I wouldn't put any money on it.

Harmony is back at the mic as she wraps up her speech. "Remember, everyone, the key to a perfect Thanksgiving is gratitude and positivity. You have the power to create the holiday of your dreams." She scans the room as if she were looking for someone to steal the spotlight at a funeral. "I need a volunteer to come up and give a demonstration," she announces, and before I can even blink, her gaze lands on me. "You there, in the lovely autumn sweater! Come on up!"

Lovely autumn sweater? Really? I look around, hoping to find someone else dumb enough to robe themselves in knitwear, and, sure enough, she has an entire tent full of women to pick on.

With a resigned sigh, I make my way to the front as the rest of the tent dwellers buzz away. Most likely thanking their lucky stars their autumn fashion choices kept them off the chopping block.

This is exactly why I never sit in the front row. Everyone knows the front is known as the fun zone, and that it is rarely ever fun.

Next time I'm choosing our seats—way in the back, near the exit, and perhaps a buffet.

Cooper gives me an encouraging nod, and I can almost hear Aunt Cat and Carlotta cheering me on from somewhere under the tent, probably hoping I'll trip and fall just for the entertainment value.

I'm about two feet from the podium when my foot catches on an electric cable and I trip and nearly tackle Harmony Honeycutt to the ground.

" Geez ," she wheezes as I catch her before we both faceplant in the dirt and she offers me a somewhat affable smile in return.

"Thank you for volunteering," she sings out the lie. "What's your name?"

"Effie," I say, trying to muster up some enthusiasm while my entire body breaks out into one big ball of sweat. A few more minutes of this and I might be moved to whip off my sweater and entertain the crowd with my autumn bra .

"Wonderful, Effie." She winks my way and I can't tell if she remembers me from the other night. "Now, let's manifest your perfect Thanksgiving. Close your eyes and take a deep breath."

I close my eyes, feeling more than slightly ridiculous but willing to play along.

"Picture yourself surrounded by loved ones." Harmony's voice takes on a mystical tone, dripping with all the hocus-pocus one could ever dream of. "The table is laden with delicious food. The air is filled with laughter and joy. And there, at the head of the table, is the one you adore most, looking at you with all the love in the world."

I do just that and my Nona Jo waves to me from the head of the table, but before I can pretend to wave back, her face morphs into Cooper's as he blows me a kiss and announces his undying love for me in front of both of our entire families.

And oddly enough, my brothers don't pull a weapon on him.

A sigh escapes me. Now that would be something.

I sneak a peek and Cooper is watching me with a bemused smile on his face. I close my eyes again, trying to focus.

"Now"—Harmony continues—"imagine Cooper standing up, raising his glass, and saying those three magical words that will make your heart soar."

Okay, so she didn't say that. She said some hooey about toasting to a peaceful, joyful evening.

I can't help but snicker inwardly at the idea of Cooper declaring his love for me in front of both our families. Now that would be a Thanksgiving for the record books.

But hey, a girl can dream, right?

"Open your eyes"—Harmony instructs—"and let the manifestation come to life!"

I open my eyes, expecting to see a room filled with positive energy and maybe even a magical unicorn.

Instead, I see a horror that makes me want to commit a homicide for all to see.