The Equinox Read Online Free PDF Page B

chance to meet Kat today.” Hearing Rose call me by my
nickname sounds strange. Even the way it comes out tells me it’s not her
preferred way of addressing me.
    “And please, tell her your Enchantment
stories. Show her how we welcome our newest members—with open arms.
Although we are blessed, we all know how intimidating it can be to enter this world
for the first time.”
    She embraces me once more, her fragile appearance
masking the enormous strength that she really has. Her hold is rock solid.
    That was easy. I am relieved for the
brief spotlight announcement and the quick return to my seat.
    “Now, down to business.” Rose continues. “In
spite of what is going on, we are still planning our annual carnival which is
set to open on the second week of August. That’s five weeks from today, giving
us more than enough time to plan. Everyone in this room is invited to attend,
and please, feel free to invite others. All profit made from the event will be
donated to my charity, Nurture Nature, and the Save the Manatee® Club.”
    High pitched cheers and applause come from
the audience. The six Valli beauties must love the manatees because they are
standing and applauding at the news. I don’t quite understand the roar of
excitement but I follow suit, clapping along with everyone else.
    “I know you girls are excited about
that.” Rose’s voice is light with laughter. “But before we can start inviting
guests and making money, we need volunteers, and not just Enchanters. Ask your
friends, your relatives, anyone who you think may want to volunteer some of
their time toward setup, or to working some hours at the carnival. Darla has
been kind enough to put together a list of volunteer roles, categorized so that
you may pick anything that interests you. We’ll pass the lists around now.”
    With a flick of her arm, Darla propels a
stack of papers in the direction of the audience. They scatter around the room,
landing in different hands. Tinkles of laughter sprinkle the room like
raindrops on metal during the mad rush to contribute.
    Rose approaches me holding a single piece
of paper and puts it down in front of me. “Since you will be working at the
Grille,” she grins, “would you mind working with Roy to order and schedule the food?”
    “Sure,” I say. “I haven’t been hired yet,
but I have an audition. To be honest, I’m not sure I want to work there anymore.”
I don’t know why saying this causes me embarrassment. Perhaps because Roy gave
me such a hard time. Or maybe because Johnny clearly does not want me to work
there.
    She makes a face. “Roy giving you a hard
time?”
    I shrug. “He’s harmless. I just don’t
know if I’ll like the people.”
    Rose’s eyes widen. “Trisha works there.
Trisha Sparks?”
    I nod my head, wondering what that has to
do with anything. Rose’s eyes sparkle as she points at the audience. It takes
just a few seconds to gauge where her finger is directing me—on a petite
blonde haired couple with bright smiles as they sign the volunteer sheets. I
register what Rose is about to tell me.
    “Trisha is one of us?” I just knew there was something I liked about
her.
    “Yes, but not yet,” Rose adds quickly. “Her
birthday is at the end of this month. You should introduce yourself to her
parents. I’m sure they will be grateful to know that Trisha will have a friend
in all of this.”
    I hurry down the steps, careful not to
trip over my heels. Sometimes I forget how much more control I have over my
body now that I’m an Enchanter. I’m lighter on my feet, faster, and stronger.
The chances of tripping and falling all over myself like I did before is
unlikely. My insecurities haven’t vanished completely but they’ve improved
greatly.
    The Stones cut me off once I reach the
center aisle. They glance at each other before looking back at me, hesitant in
their approach. I’m reminded of the first time I laid eyes on them at my party,
awkward—uncomfortable, and I