Page 65 of A Witch in Notting Hill

“Oh, don’t be so literal.” She waved a paw. “You know what I mean. This just wasn’t part of the plan, that’s all.”

“And it isn’t going to get in the way of the plan, either. Trust me. I have the whole thing under control.”

“For an actor, my dear, you are a terrible liar.”

“That’s because I’m telling the truth.”

“You don’t think I know you well enough by now to know when you have things under control and when you don’t?”

I groaned, flopping back onto the chaise. If I wanted this treatment, I would have called Ivy.

“If you’re really into him, Willow, then perhaps we need to be having a different conversation altogether.”

“It doesn’t matter either way.” I sighed. “My focus needs to be getting my magic under control. And we both know focusing on Oliver would do the opposite. And we’re going back to LA at the end of this, so.”

“Why do you sound disappointed?” she asked. “Wearegoing back to LA, aren’t we?”

“Of course we are,” I said. Though I had to admit, I wasn’t as excited about the idea as I was when we first arrived. It was my home, of course, and it was where my career was, but did I feel like myself there the way I was starting to here?

“You know, maybe I should meet him,” Vera said, thankfully moving on from that topic. Though I wasn’t sure this one was much better. “Get out of the flat, do some sightseeing... What do you think?”

I could already tell there was no getting out of this. It wasn’t like anyone but me could hear her speak, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world to bring her along. Especially to the Heath, which I’d learned by now was a park with a few ponds and acres upon acres of grassy fields. It would be cruel to say no. Even ifthe real reason she wanted to come was to spy on Oliver on my behalf.

“Fine,” I said, throwing up my hands. “But don’t be too critical, okay?”

“Am I ever?”

“Almost every time you meet someone, yes.”

“For your own good,” she said, putting her paw over my hand. “This way we can figure out what’s really going on here. Because at the end of the day, if you’re going to lie to yourself, Willow, the least you could do is tell the truth to me.”

The problem was, I didn’tknowthe truth. Was this a harmless flirtation? Or was my infatuation with Oliver on the brink of turning into something more legitimate? Did it even matter?

But I couldn’t stop spending every day apart from him wondering what he was doing, wondering if he was thinking of me. Couldn’t stop dreaming about what it would really be like to be his to protect, to take care of, to share things with. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to shed my identity as Willow James, Celebrity, and just be plain old Willow.

Either way, it was beginning to feel like I had to add “seeking the truth” to my list of things to do before I left London. With only five months left to go, I had to get a move on. I had a feeling this step was going to be the hardest yet.

Interstitial

Forage for Clinopodium menthifolium, grown locally. Prepare and consume locally in accordance with your preferences. ??

Conduct an Orientation spell with the Wharram Percy Pendulum. Use its direction as a guide. ??

Complete the Ritualistic Restoration Cleansing in a pond, lake, or slow-moving river to prepare the body for the Reversal.