Page 14 of The Mechanics of Broomstick Racing

“But?” Zephyr prodded.

“No, I didn’t come to unload like that. Not on you,” Neil said with a shake of his head. Zephyr tried to ignore the silent implication. That she was someone who couldn’t possibly understand or help the situation. Neil continued, “I’ll leave you alone about the speeding. I was out of line. I knew Levina looked up to you, and I was just worried you’d be…”

She finished the nasty thought for him. “That I’d be a terrible influence?”

“What? No, that isn’t what I meant.”

“Sure, it isn’t,” she snapped. Zephyr stood, and Neil reached for her, but the blue lightning still surging around his hand made him stop.

“Don’t make me chase after you,” Neil challenged her.

“I can literally fly away,” Zephyr argued. “I’ve seen the tabloids, read what they said about me, but they lied.” I am not just a party girl, and I’m not over-hyped, and I’m not Icarus, she thought bitterly.

“Zephyr, does it look like I’ve ever read a tabloid?” His exasperation and logic made her pause her escape. Neil took the opportunity to speak again. “Levina saw you on your route, how skilled you are, and ever since then, she’s been acting out. Taking risks when she flies. Pushing herself too hard at practice. Her coach is concerned, I’m concerned, and Karah is afraid to stop pretending everything is fine.”

“Is Levina racing?” Zephyr planted her feet and motioned for him to answer quickly.

“She just made Pumpkin Hollow High’s racing team, but her confidence isn’t the same as it used to be.” Neil frowned. “Her behavior isn’t your fault. I know that. I’ve always been the fixer in my family. But,” he grumped, “I’ve never had to deal with an angsty teenager.”

None of that looked easy for Neil, that confession. Storm witches kept conversations light to avoid affecting the weather, especially Neil. Zephyr bit her lip, wishing she had brought Dale with her so she’d have a distraction. She wasn’t great at softer emotions either.

She was confident, loud, and happy that way. Or she used to be.

“I could…” Zephyr began, and then stopped. “I should slow down. You aren’t wrong. Your reasons are crazy, but it sounds like you’ve all been through a lot recently.”

He looked uneasy as he added, “I hate to be particular—”

“I doubt that.”

“It’s not exactly your speed I had a problem with. You need to fly higher.” She turned away, scowling, and he said, “Zephyr, you got hurt. Do you want me to pick you up after every fall?”

She shrugged. “Maybe I do. Maybe you smell nice.”

He sighed. “Fine. If you won’t be serious, then I give up. But thanks for not reporting me to the sheriff for stalking.”

“Who says I didn’t?”

He laughed, nervous again. “Then she’s doing a terrible job. I already have you in the dark and alone.”

“And freezing my ass off,” Zephyr declared. She hadn’t brought her broomstick with her as she had walked to the town hall with Tawny. It was going to be a long walk back. And quiet. She hated quiet. “I need to get home. I’m going to make sure Tawny has someone to go home with—I mean, walk with—first.”

Neil nodded and followed her back to the town hall. Zephyr thought nothing of it, assuming he was returning to reunite with his sister and niece.

Lyle and Tawny were deep in conversation when Zephyr interrupted to check in. Lyle insisted he would walk Tawny home, but Tawny was ready to abandon her forever crush.

Tawny reasoned, “Zephyr, I can’t let you walk home alone. That’s Girl Code 101.”

“It’s Pumpkin Hollow. I will be fine.”

“You don’t even have your familiar with you,” Lyle said pointedly.

Zephyr rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure my two-ounce cardinal will determine whether I live or die tonight.”

“I’ll walk her home,” Neil offered. His voice made Zephyr jump, and as an air witch, the result was almost comical. Her head nearly hit the low ceiling before Neil placed two hands on her waist and tugged her back down to earth.

“That isn’t necessary,” Zephyr protested. She shook out her clothing, as though that could remove the lingering ghost of his touch.

“Here.” Neil shrugged out of the green canvas jacket he wore. She knew he wanted to chastise her insufficient clothing, but he refrained. “Take this. It will be a short walk. You can tolerate me that much.”