Putting on the Witch by Joyce and Jim Lavene Read Free Book Online Page B

spent her life traveling the world and meeting wealthy, famous witches like Drago and the council. She wouldn’t have felt intimidated at all. But this had come too late for her. It had to be enough for her that Dorothy was there in her place.
    Being part of Brian’s family now as his coven meant that we had to support him in times like these. We had to set aside our feelings about this glittering world he’d grown up in. It also helped to know he didn’t want to be there either.
    Dorothy didn’t stop talking. She had a tendency to be that way when she was nervous. Elsie was grinning and staring at the rings on her fingers. I fingered my amulet, feeling its coolness against my skin, and hoped for the best.
    The entire trip didn’t take more than a few minutes—at least we didn’t have to spend much time worrying about what was to come. When we emerged from the car, we were in a different weather pattern with unusual landmarks.
    â€œI really don’t think this is our world,” Elsie said, glancing around as we got out of the car.
    â€œMaybe it’s a magical realm created by the Fullers,” Dorothy suggested.
    â€œIf that’s the case, I don’t want to see the monthly billfor additional magic.” I took the driver’s hand when he offered to assist me from the car.
    We were outside the same castle as last time. It was a huge, imposing structure with mullioned windows and immense double doors. But this time the stone was glowing a soft pink color.
    â€œI think the castle is happier this time,” Dorothy said as we started up the wide staircase to the front door.
    â€œI should hope so, since the last time we came for a funeral,” Elsie said. “If they have so much magic, why don’t they have moving stairs?”
    Dozens of people in elaborate, expensive clothes were moving slowly toward the arched, open doors where Abdon, Brian’s parents and Brian were greeting their guests. Dorothy waved to Brian and then stumbled in her very high-heeled sandals. I caught her arm to keep her from falling, but Brian was there a moment later.
    â€œAre you okay?” he asked with an arm around her.
    â€œI guess I should’ve worn flats like usual,” she said. “I’m kind of clumsy in heels.”
    Unexpectedly, Brian lifted her in his arms and kissed her. “Maybe, but you’re also beautiful, and I’m so glad you’re here with me tonight.”
    People around us stared but didn’t remark on the gesture as Brian carried Dorothy the rest of the way up the stairs.
    â€œI don’t suppose he’d be willing to come back for me,” Elsie wondered as she huffed and puffed up the stairs.
    â€œProbably not.” I took her arm and drew her close. “But you can lean on me.”
    â€œCan I take off my shoes when we get inside? I’d forgotten how much I hate being dressed up.”
    â€œThat’s why we don’t go to many of these things, I suppose. We’re just too settled and we’re happy to be comfortable.”
    Elsie chuckled. “I suppose we are, Molly. But we can do this for Brian, right?”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    There was no sign of Brian or Dorothy by the time we reached the entrance. A few guests milled around at the top of the stairs after being greeted by Brian’s family, but most descended into the ballroom right away.
    We were greeted by the Fuller family. There was as much warmth in that greeting as one might expect from frozen fish. Not so much as a smile graced the three party-givers’ faces. We barely touched hands and then moved on through the doorway. They didn’t want us there and we knew it. Always a fun way to start a party.
    We stood at the top of another set of stairs, this one leading down to the bottom of the large ballroom. With dozens of crystal chandeliers above us, we watched the glittering crowd of wealthy witches as they stood in groups