Witchdependence Day: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short (Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts Book 8) Read Online Free Page B

great-aunt. As part of my punishment, I shall go home without supper and think about what I’ve done.”
    “Not so fast,” Winnie said, grabbing the back of Aunt Tillie’s collar and tugging her toward the picnic table. “I know what you’re doing, and it’s not going to work. This is a family dinner. That means the entire family is going to be here.”
    “Does that include me?” Sam Cornell, Clove’s boyfriend, nervously approached the picnic table. He still felt like an outsider despite his new living situation and Clove’s abject adoration. Sooner or later he would relax and embrace the family dynamic. It couldn’t come fast enough for me. He was jumpy – and that made everyone else jumpy. No one needs jumpy witches. Trust me on that one.
    “Of course it includes you,” said Twila, patting Sam’s shoulder as she moved closer to Thistle. “Why is your hair still purple? I think the color is all wrong for you. You need richer hues. The purples and blues wash you out.”
    Since Twila’s hair was fire-engine red any dyeing advice generally fell on deaf ears.
    “Thank you, Mother,” Thistle replied, her irritation evident. “Just for that I’m going to dye my hair purple and blue next time. I hope you like it. I’m going to dedicate it in your honor.”
    Twila slapped Thistle’s hand with a wooden spoon, taking me by surprise with her swiftness. “You’re lucky I’m a good person,” she said. “Otherwise I would punish you for being an insolent pain in the butt.”
    “Insolent?” Thistle arched a challenging eyebrow. “You’ve been watching Wheel of Fortune with Aunt Tillie again, haven’t you?”
    “It happens to be a wonderfully entertaining show.”
    “Yes, I’ve always wanted to watch a grown woman flip letters for a living,” Thistle deadpanned. “It’s a true gift to humanity.”
    I blew out a resigned sigh and pinched the bridge of my nose. Much like Landon, I love all of the Winchester women. When you put them in the same small area, though, headaches are inevitable.
    “What’s everyone doing at the festival tonight?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.
    “I think that would be a cool job to have,” Clove said, brushing her dark hair from her face as she reached for a cookie and earned a warning look from her mother, Marnie. “I would love to dress in an evening gown and turn letters on national television.”
    Thistle snorted. “You would.”
    “I think Clove would be great at it,” Sam argued. “I think she’s great at whatever she does.”
    “Thank you,” Clove said, beaming widely as she blew Sam an air kiss. “I knew there was a reason I moved in with you.”
    “Yeah, he’s full of it,” Thistle said.
    I opened my mouth to admonish her and then thought better of it. If I were the one who told her to take it down a notch she’d take her anger out on me and ruin our entire night. It was better to let someone else take her on – and then deal with the uncomfortable fallout. I could be the sympathetic boyfriend making her feel better following what was sure to be an annoying verbal clash.
    “Be nice,” Twila chided, wagging a finger in her daughter’s face. “I’m with Clove. I think it would be fantastic to dress up in sparkly evening gowns and turn letters. It would be an even better job if I could sing.”
    “I think it sounds boring,” Bay offered.
    “That’s because you won’t wear dresses,” Winnie said. “The Goddess gave you legs. You should show them off occasionally. You always dress in jeans and cargo pants. It’s … stupid.”
    Bay made a face only a mother could love. “Thanks!”
    “I agree with your mom,” Landon said. “I love it when you show off your legs.”
    “That’s because you’re a pervert,” Aunt Tillie said, sticking her tongue out when Landon glared at her. “Don’t look at me like that. Everyone knows you’re a pervert.”
    “Have you ever considered you have a dirty mind?” Landon asked primly.