Careful What You Witch For Read Online Free PDF Page A

well, we love our Aunt Tillie,” I said.
    “We love her to … death,” Thistle said.
    “You’ll miss her when she’s gone,” Clara said sagely. “It’s so nice you spend so much time with her. Someday, when she passes on, you’ll be happy you did this.”
    Thistle’s face was bland. “Oh, she’ll never die.”
    “Of course,” Clara said, instantly apologetic. “I didn’t mean to upset you. She’ll always live on in your hearts.”
    “I’m not upset,” Thistle said. “She’ll just never die. Evil never dies.”
    Clara swallowed hard, staring down at her plate as confusion washed over her. “Oh … um … .”
    Well, there’s nothing like a pall over breakfast to fire everyone up for a fun day.

Four
    “Have you ever seen anything this stupid in your entire life?”
    Thistle was at her wit’s end, and I didn’t blame her. I scanned the back lawn of the Dragonfly, unsure of what I was seeing. “It looks … kind of fun.”
    “They’re playing croquet,” Thistle pointed out, sipping from her drink and making a face. “This is awful. We need to make some chocolate martinis.”
    “It’s not even noon,” Marcus said. “I can’t believe you’re drinking.”
    “If I have to watch croquet, then I’m drinking,” Thistle said, her face grim.
    “But it’s … themed croquet,” I said. I really am a glass-half-full person. I can’t help it. I want to see the best in people – and the things they try to accomplish.
    “Yeah, but the course is decorated like a cemetery,” Thistle said. “It’s maudlin.”
    “It’s perfect for a magically-themed town,” I countered. “It’s kind of cute. I like the little tombstones – and that mausoleum is adorable. Oh, and look at the gargoyles.”
    “It’s croquet, though,” Thistle said. “Who wants to play croquet?”
    I pointed to the handful of people on the lawn. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”
    “Speaking of a good time,” Thistle said, gesturing to the hammock at the edge of the lawn. “Have you talked to Bay since she got back?”
    I followed Thistle’s eyes, my gaze landing on my blonde cousin as she cuddled with Landon on the hammock. They were looking at an iPad, Bay’s head resting on his chest as they focused on their task. They looked like they were having a good time, Landon’s hands wandering beneath Bay’s shirt when he thought no one was looking.
    Unfortunately, Jack was watching – and he obviously didn’t like what he was seeing.
    “That is inappropriate,” he said.
    “Jack, she’s an adult,” Dad said. “They’re not really doing anything.”
    “He’s … where do you think he keeps putting his hand?”
    “Where did you put your hands when you and Winnie made her?” Dad asked.
    “Yeah, Uncle Jack,” Thistle teased, sticking out her tongue. “Was Bay born to Aunt Winnie when she was a virgin?”
    Jack snatched her drink from her hand. “How many of these have you had?”
    “Two.”
    “Well … you’re cut off,” Jack said. “You’re not old enough to be drinking anyway.”
    Thistle made a face. “I’m only a year younger than Bay.”
    “I know.”
    “Bay has been old enough to drink for almost seven years.”
    “I know.”
    “She’s old enough to have sex,” Thistle charged on.
    “I didn’t say she wasn’t,” Jack protested.
    “Landon is a good guy,” I said, trying to ease the tension. “He makes Bay really happy. They’re just … having fun.”
    “They’re not bothering anyone, Jack,” Teddy said.
    “Are you saying you’d be okay if that was Thistle and Marcus?” Jack shot back.
    “Of course I would. It’s a natural part of … Thistle doesn’t do that,” Teddy said, changing course mid-comment.
    “Yeah, she’s a virgin,” Jack said. “That’s why that blond dude has his hand on her rear end all the time.”
    Teddy made a face. “He does not. Thistle is a good girl.”
    Uh-oh, those were fighting words.
    “And Bay isn’t?”
    “I didn’t say she