Read Witch Weigh (A Paranormal Romantic Comedy) for Free Online

boss?”
    “Is that the entire message, fair Fiona? Tell Kennedy to keep Tessa occupied so Fairy Godmother Inc. can snatch the United Paranormal Council seat out from under her?”
    “Basically, yes, that’s it,” Fiona said.
    Darkness had settled in. The rustle of the palms was the only sound to dare the silence. Liam stood and held out a hand to help Fiona to her feet. He draped his arm over her shoulders. “Let’s take a walk and then call it a night. I’m going to have my hands full tomorrow when Tessa wakes up and figures out what she’s got to do to get her powers back. This might be my last chance for a bit of peace and quiet.”
    ***
    Closed.
    Tessa stared at the sign, torn between dismay and panic. Her stomach growled in protest. Yesterday she could have solved the problem of a closed kitchen with a spell. As simple as a few strokes of her fingers and she’d be sitting in front of a prime piece of beef.
    She looked around, not liking the helplessness she felt. This was no way to live. She had no magic. But she had to have some power left.
    Sidestepping the sign, she headed into the dining room. A young, Hispanic waiter stopped clearing a table and looked up, a surprised look on his face. “Can I help you, Ma’am?”
    “I’m hungry.”
    He looked away.
    “Did you hear me?” Tessa demanded, raising her voice so the waiter could hear her over the rumble of her stomach. “I want to eat.”
    “You know I’m not allowed to feed the guests, Ma’am. I’m sorry.” He gathered up the last of the glasses and picked up his tray. “The rules are the rules. I can’t make exceptions.”
    He attempted to move past Tessa but she jumped in front of him, not caring that he had to slam the tray on the table to keep from dropping it.
    “What kind of restaurant is this?” She looked around for some sort of clue but it looked like any other elegant dining establishment she’d visited. Minus the guests. Minus the food. “Wait, what did you just say about the rules?”
    “Have a seat, Ma’am and I’ll see if I can find you something.” Pablo, according to his name tag, pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. “But please keep your voice down. I need this job.”
    Tessa used his absence to examine her surroundings more closely. The décor was tastefully inspired by their tropical locale. There was a simplicity to the design that she appreciated, almost as if it had an Asian flair. Asian. Her stomach growled again and she tried not to think of the Mongolian Beef she’d passed up only a few hours ago.
    Pablo reappeared, a tiny plate in hand. His nervous manner annoyed Tessa but she held her tongue. Until she saw what he was trying to pass off as food.
    “Carrot sticks?” She grabbed the saucer from his hand. The only place something this small could be considered an actual dish was in a doll house. Now that the food was in her possession she felt free to raise her voice. “Celery sticks? I told you I was hungry, not looking for food for my pet rabbit.”
    “Shhh, you’re going to get us both in trouble if you don’t stop yelling.”
    “How am I going to get in trouble? You’re the one refusing to serve me. Let me see a menu.”
    “Lady, the first day is the worst. Just hold on, it gets easier.” He shook his head. “I’m leaving now. I’ll deny it if you tell them it was me who let you have this food so let’s keep this between us. Just remember, you signed up for this.”
    He was gone before she could ask what the hell he meant by that.
    Desperate, Tessa shoved a carrot stick into her mouth. And then a celery stick. She eyed the sliver of radish with distaste but she ate it too. However paltry, it was food.
    Completely unsatisfied, Tessa followed the signs to her room. A few of the outlaying buildings were lit but overall the property was darkened. She wished she knew what time it was but she hadn’t a clue. About anything. The sense of powerlessness was overwhelmingly frustrating and