Chapter 2

Daniel feels like his heart has stopped, and he dares not hope.

“Oh?” Daniel says, trying to keep his face even. The Davis family were part of his first coven, when he was first learning about the magic in the world. They’d had three sons, one his age, Michael, who Daniel lost his virginity to at eighteen, a boy on verge of being a man when he moved away a few months later—and who Daniel had been, still was, hopelessly in love with. Not many people knew about what happened between them that summer, but Maria did.

“They’re helping Michael move back to town and didn’t want to miss doing a solstice blessing together.” Maria has an impish look. She’s talking as if this isn’t some huge bombshell, and maybe it shouldn’t be. It was all such a long time ago.

“Last I heard, he’d gotten his degree and was traveling.” Daniel tries to keep his voice casual, wanting it to seem like he knows but doesn’t really care.

“He’s got a position teaching at the high school.” Maria smiles again, but Daniel feels his childish hope fade. A high school teacher in a small town. It doesn’t seem likely Michael will have come out of the closet.

Daniel is out, at work, to his family, his coven, has been since he was twenty. He’s long past hidden relationships and being anybody’s dirty little secret. He only dates out men, despite the short supply in their small mountain town.

“That’s great. I’ll make sure to say hi. His mom made the best picnic food. Wonder if she brought anything,” Daniel says, trying to change the subject, even in his own head. He doesn’t want to mope on the summer solstice, a night meant for celebration, about the boy who broke his heart years ago.

Maria looks concerned. “Daniel, don’t you want to know…“

“No, think I’ll get a drink and see if I can help anyone set up. You go spend some time with Grace. You know she hates big groups.” Daniel isn’t talking about this tonight. He’ll get drunk on wine with Maria and Grace at their house if he ever wants to talk about his feelings about being a closeted teenager in love with a boy who left.

Daniel goes to where the drinks coolers are being kept before Maria can argue with him. She’s big on talking about feelings, while Daniel is more a fan of bottling them up. He doesn’t like how unpredictable his emotions can make his magic, and here on the solstice, with the whole coven gathered together, there’s a lot of magic in the air. Daniel doesn’t want to lose control and ruin what’s meant to be a happy time, a time of celebration.

There’s solstice sun tea brewing in the light that’s probably ready, but Daniel grabs a beer from a cooler. He doesn’t want tea right now, even though it’s normally relaxing. Not having had a chance to eat much, Daniel picks up one of the tangerines that have been warming in the sun to eat.

“Daniel?” A female voice calls, and he doesn’t recognize the voice, but when he turns, he recognises Mrs Davis instantly. Her graying hair has been tied up in an elaborate bun, and she’s wearing a long flowing dress. She looks beautiful and regal, like she always has.

“Mrs. Davis, it’s so good to see you,” Daniel says in a rush, and it’s not a total lie. He’s always liked her. She was kind and, unlike others he’d known growing up, had never judgmental of the fact Daniel’s parents were divorced.

“I thought it was you. You’ve grown, so tall now. And please, you’re a grown man. You can call me Claire,” she offers. She’s looking him over, and Daniel hopes he looks okay, like Maria said he did. He’s taller and broader than he was as a teen. His hair is still dark curls down to his shoulders, but he has it tied back in a neat ponytail since he’s been at work.

“Okay, Claire. It’s lovely to have you here for the solstice, blessed be. I hope you’ve been well.” Daniel feels genuine warmth for Claire. He’d eaten at her house countless times growing up, played in her backyard and the den in the basement. She always welcomed him. The fondness he feels for her is as warming as the late sun on his face.

“Blessed be. I’ve been well. You remember my eldest, Jason? He and his wife just had a baby girl named Sage, so I’m a proud grandma now. How’s your mother, dear? And I hear you work at a vets. You were always so good with animals, patching up birds with broken wings and such.” Clair smiles.