The Only Purple House in Town (Fix-It Witches, #4)(81)
“Not sure. I can’t feel the cars parked on the streets or other machines—like lawn mowers—at all, but things that were alive like the wood on the house? It’s mine to shape.”
“A little like vivimancers, then,” Mira mused. “Maybe they came from the fae?”
“You’re asking the wrong person. I only found out who I am a little while ago.”
Rowan popped out of the house to see what was up, and they too stared in wonder at Violet Gables. “Is…is this real? I’m not hallucinating, right?”
“No, we have a garden growing up the front of the house.” After pacing twenty steps to the right, Mira added, “Oh, it’s all over. I can’t wait for the press to get hold of this.”
“That cranky lady next door will be so pissed,” Rowan predicted.
Iris allowed herself a faint smile as the faint fragrance of violets wafted on the autumn breeze. “I hope so. Because I’m just getting started.”
* * *
Eli didn’t leave town.
He could have, easily. And probably, he should have.
But instead, he spent the night in an expressway hotel; then the next day, he rented a studio apartment on a vacation rental site. It was an adequate space over a garage, and he didn’t interact with the people in the main house at all. Instead, he received a code allowing him to let himself in using a separate entrance. At this point, Eli didn’t even understand himself, so of course Iris thought the worst of his motives.
In hindsight, he shouldn’t have panicked and gone around her. He owed her so many apologies that he could deliver one daily for the next two months and it still wouldn’t be enough. Maybe that was why he couldn’t cut his losses and move on. Sighing, he set his suitcase in the small bedroom and wandered out to the equally efficient living space.
Ironically, he’d just unpacked his bags, finally feeling comfortable about his place at Violet Gables. Hell, he’d started feeling like he belonged. But before he could get cozy in the hole he’d dug, his phone rang.
Caller ID said it was Henry Dale, and that made him feel a bit better. At least the rest of his housemates—former housemates—didn’t hate him. “What’s up?”
“Where are you staying?” Henry Dale asked without preamble.
“What?”
The older man made a skeptical sound. “You didn’t expect any of us to believe you suddenly flew to Albuquerque, right? We pretended to because otherwise it would’ve been awkward, but you were heartbroken when you left, son. Not worried. As you would’ve been, had your grandmother actually needed you to make an urgent trip.”
“Oh. You truly are a student of human nature, aren’t you?” It was humbling how happy Eli felt over Henry Dale checking in like this.
“I’ve learned to read people over the years. I don’t always care how they’re feeling, but I usually know. And sometimes I act like I don’t because I’d rather not pussyfoot around. But you didn’t answer my question.”
“Uh, I rented a place. You’re right, I just couldn’t…walk away. Not yet. Not if there’s a chance she’ll eventually forgive me.”
“Well, put a pin in that because you wouldn’t believe what’s going on here.”
“Iris is burning effigies of me in the backyard?” he guessed.
Henry Dale laughed. “Dial back the self-absorption. It’s… Actually, why don’t you come pick me up? I heard you’re rich, so you can buy me lunch, and I won’t need to explain as much if you witness this with your own eyes. I’ve seen some stuff over the years, but nothing like this.”
Despite Eli’s grim mood, he started feeling intrigued by whatever had Henry Dale so lost for words. “Fine, I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Should we hit Bev’s?”
The answer came in a cheerful tone. Well, as cheerful as Henry Dale ever got. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’m craving a burger with fries and the big pickle on the side.”
Just as he was about to hang up, he realized something important. “This isn’t just about what’s happening at the house, is it?”
“Of course not. I miss you.” Henry Dale said it quickly, as if he might be arrested for possessing human emotions.
“Me too. See you soon.”
Oddly, that made Eli feel better. I wasn’t just an accessory to Iris. I made impressions on my own. Even if things didn’t work out with her, he’d made real friends, connections he intended to keep. Maybe…he’d sell the condo in Ohio and look for property in St. Claire.
After grabbing his wallet and keys, he headed out. He’d been instructed to park on the far right of the cement pad so there would be no issues getting in and out. It took only fifteen minutes to get to Violet Gables, and Henry Dale was already waiting at the end of the gravel drive. Surprisingly, Rowan was with him.
And then he noticed. Once he did, he couldn’t believe he’d processed anything else. The house was covered in violets, like something out of a fantasy book. He even rubbed his eyes, but the house-garden didn’t go away. Only the doors, roof, gingerbread, and windows weren’t blanketed in tiny purple blossoms.
Rowan hopped in the truck first and slid into the back seat; then Henry climbed in front. He slammed the door and motioned for Eli to take off. “It’s not that I think we’re doing anything wrong, but Iris is unsettled enough right now.”