Spells A La Carte (Mystic Cafe Series Book 3) Read Online Free

where she’s been. Why she came back. You’re good at that stuff, Grandma.” 
    She turned her attention back to the café. “But for now let’s go inside.”
    As we started toward the door, movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. Rory Covington was walking down the sidewalk. He was on the opposite side of the street and he hadn’t looked over to notice us. Rory and I had been dating for a little while now. We were the perfect match for each other. At least that was what everyone in town said, and I believed them. Rory was good-looking and had a gentle, caring nature. He had a farm on the outskirts of town and he even rescued retired racehorses. He was my dream boyfriend, so what was the problem?
    “Isn’t that Rory?” Grandma Imelda pointed.
    “Yes, it is,” I said as I stared at Rory.
    He walked inside the new shop and never even looked our way. That was odd.
    “I suppose he will be over to see us soon,” I said, trying to sound casual.
    I guided Grandma Imelda toward the door. I glanced over my shoulder one more time to see if I spotted Rory. He was still inside the shop. Grandma Imelda and I stepped inside the café.
    She took a big whiff. “It smells just like I remember.”
    The aroma of fresh baked goods and the lingering scent of bacon hung in the air. Grandma Imelda wasted little time marching across the floor and back into the kitchen. I was worried that she would hate the way I had organized the herbs and spices. We all had our own unique way of doing things though. Before I even had time to cross the floor she popped back from the kitchen.
    She draped the apron over her head and then secured it around her waist. “I’m all ready for work.”
    “Grandma, I didn’t want you to work while you’re here. You should relax. I have everything under control.” I took the dishes she’d just picked up out of her hand.
    “Nonsense. I want to help and I won’t let you stop me.”
    I knew that was the case. She’d never been one to take no for an answer.
    She stepped over to the door again. “You know, there is something peculiar about that new shop.”
    I couldn’t believe she felt it too. I thought it had all been my imagination.
    I stepped over to the window beside Grandma Imelda. We watched the shop. An uneasiness fell over me knowing that Rory was in there. Why did I feel as though he was in danger? For a moment I wondered if I should go over there. But before I could act on that thought, a woman emerged from the shop. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Her appearance seemed completely normal until we noticed her stumbling.
    “She acts like she’s been at the bourbon bottle already this morning,” Grandma Imelda said.
    “She does act that way, doesn’t she?” I said.
    We watched the woman stumble all the way down the sidewalk until she was out of sight.
    “I hope she makes it home okay,” Grandma Imelda said.
    “Me too,” I said.
    Just then Rory stepped out from the shop. He stumbled too. My grandmother looked at me. I knew that she wouldn’t be happy if I was dating someone who liked to tie one on at this time of morning. She loved Rory, but she wouldn’t be happy with that behavior.
    “It looks as if he’s partaking too,” she said with disapproval in her voice.
    “Rory really doesn’t drink much. Maybe the occasional beer,” I offered.
    Although it sure didn’t look as if that was the case right now. Rory was headed toward the café. A car honked as it crossed the street. I hoped he was a little more careful when he crossed the street the next time. Maybe I should let him go home alone. There was no way he could drive in that condition.
    Grandma Imelda and I stepped back from the door and waited for Rory to enter. He stepped up to the door and pushed it open. He immediately looked to his left and spotted us. He flashed a dopey-looking smile at me. Just then the goofy look on his face disappeared. He looked like the Rory that I knew. The morning sun streamed