Page 34 of Hexed & Hazy

“A Hawthorne witch?” He chuckles. “Rowan Hawthorne can do whatever she’d like.”

The Hawthorne witches have good reputations in the community, and Rowan is especially well-known. She helps a ton of local businesses and gives back to charity whenever she can. It’s no wonder he’s willing to help Rowan.

Donnie places a hand on my shoulder. “And you can, too. I trust you.”

That makes one person, at least. I wouldn’t be surprised if even Rowan doesn’t have any faith in me by the end of this, but at least she’ll get some charmed crystals out of it.

My shoulders slump. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“All I ask is that you clean up.” He steps away and smirks. “No bodily fluids on the plants, please.”

“I—what?” It takes several long, blinking moments for me to realize what he’s saying. “No! Not like that. God. Rowan and I are friends, and I’m—I’m not dating right now.”

“I didn’t assume you were dating.”

“Well, I’m not having sex. With anyone.”

It’s weird to say, and probably even stranger for Donnie to hear, considering the way his eyebrows lift toward his salt-and-pepper hairline. “Well, that’s quite the change. Does it have to do with the disaster dates from before?”

“Yeah…” I exhale slowly. “You were right. I’m hexed, apparently. So, it’s better to put that all on the back burner until it resolves itself.”

“Ah. And Rowan Hawthorne is…”

“A friend.” I grin. “And way too smart to get wrapped up in whatever I have going on.”

There are moments when I think she might like to—like when we were in the kitchen, and she was pressed against me. I swear her back arched, but maybe it was wishful thinking. I was internally begging her to look at me, to give me one second, but she didn’t.

It’s all in my head. I’m the weak one for seeking the feeling of our fingers brushing, of my hand on her hip.

“Opposites attract.” Donnie glides to the other side of the room. “Pick up a watering can and get to work, won’t you?”

He’s right. If I’m going to loiter, might as well make myself useful. He uses a purple can, and I pick up a green one with flowers etched into the metal. Donnie and I work like this from time to time, starting on opposite ends of the greenhouse and watering the plants.

“It would be nice to spend more time doing this.” I sprinkle water onto the next one—a beautiful bunch of orchids. “Actually, I was thinking… I might start Mom’s garden again this spring. Want to try my hand at fruits and veggies.”

And I have fond memories of being in my garden with my mom. She won’t be able to join me there on most days, but it might make her happy to see it thriving again. If my dating life is still in ruins, I’ll have plenty of time to work out there.

“That’s a wonderful idea.” When Donnie turns to look at me, there’s a twinkle in his eye. “You’ll have to invite me over sometime. I’ll help as much as I can.”

I give him a firm nod. “I will.”

“And… have you ever thought about something more community-based?” He observes me. “Not to replace your mother’s garden, of course.”

I stand upright and rock back on my feet. “I don’t follow. No? I mean, I guess I haven’t thought about it.”

“Think about it now. A community garden, right here in the park. I’ve been talking about it at town meetings, but I need someone to help me run it.”

Me? Running something for the community? I’ve lived in Starbrook my whole life, and I try to give my all to this town. It’s certainly given a lot to me. When my dad left, everyone gathered around to support my mom. When her sickness worsened, they did the same.

But am I really the right person to take care of something that important? Donnie would be better. Anyone would be better.

I shake my head. “I don’t know if I have time for that…”

“You don’t have to answer right away.” He lifts his hands in surrender. “Think about it. That’s all I ask.”

“Okay. I will.”

But I already know the answer. There’s no way I have time for anything like that.