Read Online Enchantment by Pati Nagle - Free Book Online Page A

Why?
    She felt Pam’s hand on her arm, gently tugging. “Come on, Holly. Really, this isn’t safe.”
    Reluctantly she straightened. “I did see something.”
    â€œI believe you.”
    Holly met Pam’s gaze and was startled by the worry in her eyes. If Pam told Madison about this, Mad might tell Dad and that could be a pain. She managed a wry smile.
    â€œMaybe it was one of those koi.”
    â€œSome of them are really huge. Like three feet.”
    â€œWow.”
    Holly got up and walked back to the shore with Pam, resisting the urge to keep starting at the water. She wasn’t going to see any more. That spirit had fled from her.
    Maybe the lake spirits weren’t as friendly as Ohlan. Maybe they had to be careful since there were so many people around. What if someone saw one and told the cops there was a dead body in the lake? That could cause all sorts of disruption.
    As they walked back to the townhouse, she tried to imagine what it would be like for a guardian spirit in this lake, what they would have to watch out for. Protecting all the ducks and fish. Watching over all the critters that came to the lake.
    Keeping people from drowning? Was that what the mermaid had done for Pam?
    â€œDid your mermaid have a fish tail?” she asked.
    â€œHonestly, I don’t remember.”
    OK, Pam didn’t want to talk about it any more. Holly could take a hint.
    â€œSo, why did you decide to study nursing?”
    Pam was happy to talk about that. Holly listened to her cheerful chatter, asking another question whenever Pam slowed down. It was safe, and it got them back to the townhouse.
    â€œThanks for coming with me,” Holly said, smiling as they passed through the patio. “And thanks for bringing the bread crumbs. That was fun.”
    Pam smiled back. “Sure.”
    The TV was on in the living room, and Pam went in to watch. Holly slipped into the kitchen to check on the sauce. It was sticking a little on the bottom, but hadn’t burned. She stirred it, then got out a big pot and set water to boil for the pasta.
    While she fixed the salad, she kept thinking about the water spirit in the lake. She wanted to go back and try to see her again. She’d probably have to go by herself, though, judging from the way Pam had freaked out. And she wasn’t sure if she’d have the chance.
    When the water boiled, she put in the pasta and checked her watch, then fixed the garlic bread and put it in the oven. With a few minutes to wait, she went out to the living room. Madison was stretched out on the sofa, and Pam and Sheila were lounging in chairs. Sheila looked up with a grin.
    â€œSmells great!”
    â€œThanks. I was wondering if you want to eat at the table, or in here.”
    â€œUsually we eat in here, like a bunch of slobs.”
    Pam shot her a glance. “We could eat at the table.”
    â€œI don’t care, really,” Holly said. “Just wanted to know what’s the routine.”
    â€œThe routine is the microwave special du jour, so that doesn’t count,” said Sheila, standing up. “And since there’s nothing but reruns on, I propose we eat at the table like civilized people, in honor of Holly’s artistry.”
    â€œDon’t say that until you taste it,” said Mad. “Her cooking can be hit or miss.”
    Holly walked over to the sofa, pulled one of the cushions from behind Mad’s head, and bopped her in the stomach with it. “Hit or miss my ass.”
    â€œOK, so it’s more hit than miss.” Madison laughed as Holly continued to wield the cushion. “Oof, enough!”
    Mad grabbed hold of the cushion and tugged. Holly lost her balance, tumbling onto the sofa top of her sister.
    Sheila applauded. “Fight! Fight!”
    Holly disentangled herself and stood up, brushing her hair out of her face. Madison held onto the cushion.
    â€œAww! Rematch!” said Sheila.
    Holly checked