Simply Mystical: Secrets of Edgemont, #1

By Lisa C. Bailey

Welcome to Edgemont, Alabama, where everyone possesses a supernatural gift … well, almost everyone.

 

Gina Palmer longs to read people's minds with a touch or to see auras, things her mother and sister can do as easily as breathing. Even her beloved dog, Jed, senses things beyond this world, but not Gina.

 

Then one day Ben Jackson breezes into town with a fresh spring rain. Ben had agreed to stay on the Other Side this lifetime, but his desire to be with Gina—again—pushes him to break some serious metaphysical laws.

 

It takes a nudge from an incorporeal voice, a visit from her deceased grandmother, and being stalked by an ancient menace to convince Gina to give Ben a chance. But just as the love they've shared through lifetimes reignites, Ben is forced to face the consequences of his unlawful incarnation. Gina must soon learn to harness a power she didn't even know she possessed—or risk losing him until the next lifetime … and maybe forever.

 

Simply Mystical, the first book in the Secrets of Edgemont series, is a contemporary fantasy that features romance, mystery, humor—and a dash of Southern flavor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa C. Bailey
• Release date: Jun 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736995006

Book preview

Chapter 1

A sudden chill shimmied down Gina Palmer’s spine as she wiped tabletops and adorned them with tiny ceramic flower vases at Evie’s Treats in downtown Edgemont, Alabama. Dressed in a red T-shirt and jeans, her light-brown hair pulled up into a ponytail, she walked over to the cooler to check it for leaks. It hummed quietly next to the cash register, its doors shut tight. She shrugged and stepped behind the counter at the back of the store to fold some napkins.

The jingling of the bell on the front door made her look up, ready to greet a Saturday-afternoon regular or someone ducking in from the rain. But she didn’t recognize the man who entered and stood just inside the door, the clean scent of a spring shower blowing in with him.

Her mother, for whom the café was named, burst through the kitchen door accompanied by a whoosh of warm, sugary air. She also wore a red T-shirt, with the café logo imprinted on the front pocket and across the back. Her highlighted hair was neatly pulled back from her face by a visor, her pudgy arms powdered with flour above the clear plastic gloves she wore.

Come on in and dry off! Evie called out to the newcomer. She set down a tray full of cupcakes and started lining them up with military precision in the display case.

I’ve heard your cupcakes are a little slice of heaven, the man said as he wiped his feet on the mat. He ran one hand through his dark hair, dampened by the rain that now pattered the sidewalk. His eyes shifted from Evie to Gina.

The sound of his voice elicited another chill down Gina’s spine, and she almost jumped when she met his direct gaze. She quickly bent down to retrieve the napkins she’d just dropped.

Evie grinned at the stranger. Well, people enjoy eating them, and I enjoy baking them, so it’s the perfect match—a match made in heaven, you might say.

He laughed politely. I’m Ben Jackson, he said as he approached the counter. I believe I’m your neighbor.

Evie’s brows rose. Oh, so you’re the one who moved into the old Clanton place near our house. We’ve been hoping someone would occupy that beautiful old home again. Lucille Clanton is a good friend of mine. She looked to Gina. How about that? She turned back to the stranger. I’m Evie Palmer, and this is my younger daughter, Gina.

Ben smiled at Gina, and a flash of heat coursed through her body.

Welcome to the neighborhood, she said. Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee? She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and tightened her ponytail.

Thank you. I’d prefer a glass of water.

Didn’t get enough of it outside? she asked.

His smile widened. No, I suppose not.

She reached for a glass, grateful that she could turn her back to him for a minute.

Well now, what kind of cupcake can I get you today? Evie asked. If you need a recommendation, the red velvet is our specialty.

That sounds delicious.

Evie tilted her head toward Gina. You know why it’s our specialty cupcake?

Gina cringed like she’d been punched, the tinkling of ice hitting glass a little louder than necessary.

Because it’s been Gina’s favorite since she was a child, Evie said.

Well, that settles it. I definitely have to start with that one.

When Gina turned around with the water glass, Ben caught her eye again. And again a surge of heat flared in her veins.

I’m assuming you’ll be eating this here, Evie said as she picked up a large pair of tongs and retrieved the biggest red velvet cupcake in the case. She placed it on a plate without giving him a chance to answer.

That’s my plan, Ben said.

Just have a seat, and we’ll bring it to you. Evie motioned toward the dining area, devoid of any other people. Wherever you’d like.

Ben slid into a nearby chair, his back to a wall.

At her mother’s nudging, Gina carried the water and cupcake over to him. Can I get you anything else? she asked.

His lips parted briefly and shut again. Then he smiled and said, Not right now, thanks.

She hesitated. Strange. She had never set eyes on him before, and yet something about him seemed so familiar. She retreated behind the counter, but she couldn’t pull her eyes away from him as he ate the cupcake. She fought the impulse to go over and lick the cream cheese icing from his lips before he did. This thought nearly sent her falling forward, but a distinct, whisper-shouted Yes! froze her in place.

It was the same incorporeal voice she began hearing a few months ago—almost immediately after she moved back to her hometown—at first whispering and later yelling one or two words out of the blue and causing her to question her grip on reality. She glanced around the room. Had anyone else heard it? When she returned her gaze to Ben, he was staring at her intently, an empty cupcake holder in his hand.

Well? Evie stood over Ben with a look of anticipation.

He relaxed and smiled up at her. Heavenly indeed!

Evie beamed triumphantly. Would you care for anything else? she asked as she tore off a check and placed it on his table.

That will be all today, Ben said. He stood and reached for his plate and glass.

Oh, I’ll get that, Evie said, moving to pick up the dishes. Their hands touched, and she stared at him for a moment as if committing his features to memory. Ben took a step back, and Evie’s expression softened.

You come back to see us, Evie said, picking up the dishes and backing away. She gestured toward the front window. Look at that. You brought the sunshine back into our lives.

I do what I can, Ben said. And I will most certainly be back. I have to make my way through all the flavors, don’t I?

That’s right! Evie yelled over her shoulder as she slipped behind the counter and disappeared into the kitchen.

Ben met Gina at the cash register. Again his lips parted and shut quickly, as if he wanted to say something.

She took the money he offered and handed him his change. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, she said as she straightened her short black apron and fiddled with its pockets. But if you’re going, you might want to do it now before another downpour comes.

He nodded. You’re probably right. I can only guarantee sun for short bursts of time.

Tease, she said.

He returned her smile. Are these your drawings? he asked, indicating several small pencil sketches hanging on the white walls of the café. They’re very good.

Thank you. A touch of pink colored her cheeks. I drew them all actually. What made you think they were mine?

He hesitated, his eyes searching hers. Just a wild guess. He held her gaze a few more seconds before adding, It was very nice to meet you, Gina Palmer.

Same here, Ben Jackson, she managed to say, a bit breathless from his stare.

He turned and left, but not without one quick look back before the door jingled shut. As if on cue, Evie returned from the kitchen and stopped next to Gina, standing at equal height with her. Their attention remained on Ben as he got into a sporty silver sedan directly across the street.

Well? Gina asked her mother without turning to her.

Well what?

Go ahead and tell me what you saw, Mama, because I know you want to. She had to admit she’d wanted to ask this question since her mother’s hand had come into contact with Ben’s. Why hadn’t she inherited her mother’s gift? What must it be like to instantly know things about people from just a touch? How awesome would that be?

Evie sighed. I don’t know. I couldn’t sense anything. Something was blocking me.

You think he’s hiding something?

Evie shook her head. I don’t think so. It just felt like there was some extra layer of protection there.

Has that ever happened before?

Not that I can recall. She shrugged and returned to the kitchen.

Gina looked toward the front window again and stared out at the empty parking space across the street as more dark clouds rolled in from the west.

That evening, Gina stepped out the back door of Evie’s Treats, leaving her mother and Dot Smallwood, Evie’s partner in the café, to lock up. Thoughts of Ben Jackson and his intense blue eyes occupied her mind as she walked toward her car. She shook her head as if that would rid her mind of him.

A strange gold truck idled in a corner of the small lot behind the row of buildings that included the café. Now that was odd. No patrons were allowed to park in the back, and she didn’t recognize the man inside as one of the other shop owners or employees. Before she could get a better look, he pulled out.

She slipped into her car and slammed the door. As she buckled up, she sent a text to her mother to be on the lookout for any unusual vehicles when she and Dot left the café. Then she headed to her favorite Chinese restaurant to meet her sister, Sydney, for dinner.

The urge to call Sydney and cancel bubbled up, but she resisted. How many times had she bailed on her sister recently only to go home and curl up on the sofa or in bed with her tablet where she would retreat into a book, a game, or a movie? No, tonight she would force herself to get out for Sydney’s sake, if for nothing else. Plus, Ben Jackson’s appearance had sparked something in her, dulling the siren call of solitude her apartment offered, although it irked her to no end to admit it.

Ten minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of the strip mall that housed The Jade Dragon. When she parked, Sydney waved to her from a booth by a double window at the front of the restaurant. Gina breathed easier when Syd’s light-brown eyes—a trait they both inherited from their mother—smiled back at her, framed by her wispy dark-brown bangs.

I already ordered for us—vegetable delight and mu-shu bean curd, Sydney said as Gina slid into the seat across from her. She grabbed a summer roll and dipped it into some plum sauce, welcoming the thick sweetness that hit her tongue.

Jed was glad to see me this evening, Sydney said. He went right out and peed like a horse, and then he gulped down his dinner.

Gina smiled and nodded her thanks, warmed at the very thought of her beloved shepherd mix. Then Sydney leaned in with a grin, eyes wide. The look of devilment mixed with anticipation on her face made her favor their mother so much at that moment. Gina chuckled to herself at the thought of telling her this, but she was cut off before she could get in one word.

So tell me all about the hot new neighbor, Sydney said.

Gina stopped mid-bite. Crap. Evie had already spread the word to Syd about Ben Jackson.

She slowly finished chewing. What are you talking about? she asked.

Sydney rolled her eyes. Don’t tell me he didn’t make an impression on you. Your usual blue is all red today.

This time Gina rolled her eyes. Don’t do that, she said. You know I don’t like it when you analyze my aura without my permission.

It’s not like I can turn it off and on. Sydney sat back and crossed her arms. I see everyone’s all the time. You know that.

I know, Syd, but you don’t have to tell me what mine is doing.

He made your toes curl. A sly grin crossed Sydney’s face. You just don’t want to quit brooding long enough to own up to it.

At that moment, Jason Wen, the restaurant owner, appeared at their table.

How’s business? Gina asked.

Not exactly hopping, but I can’t complain. He motioned with his head toward the back of the restaurant where only one other couple occupied a table.

It was a slow day at the café, too, she said. Probably because of all the rain.

Yeah, we’ll blame it on that, Jason said, with a smile. He hung around and chatted a little longer until the waiter returned with their food. Sydney joined in the conversation, but she thrummed her fingers on the table all the while. When the two of them were alone again, Gina turned her attention directly to her plate, ignoring her sister as she spooned some plum sauce onto one of her mu-shu wraps.

You can try to avoid it all you want, Sis, but I know you, Sydney said before digging into her own food.

Gina rolled her eyes again and began eating. To her relief, Sydney shifted the conversation back to herself and life at the gym where she worked while they enjoyed their meal.

My yoga training is almost done, and I will be able to teach my own classes soon! Oh, and have I told you how much I love my fabulous instructor? She’s psychic, so I can’t get away with anything with her, but she’s so awesome, why would I want to?

Gina winced slightly with a familiar pang of jealousy. It was an unquestioned fact of life that everyone born in Edgemont possessed some kind of supernatural gift. But somehow the magic had skipped her. No psychic aptitude, no special ability, nothing. And now she was hearing a voice in her head, so not only was she not gifted, she was possibly insane.

She reached for a fortune cookie, handing the other one to Sydney. That’s great, Syd. I can’t wait to take your class.

As they unwrapped the cookies, the front door swung open and Gina stifled a small gasp. Ben Jackson walked to the front counter and spoke to the hostess, who disappeared toward the kitchen. He turned and propped an elbow on the counter, facing Gina’s direction. A smile lit up his face when he saw her, causing the heat to rise to her cheeks.

Before Gina could look away, Sydney twisted her neck in the same direction. She turned back to Gina, a Cheshire-cat smile on her face.

No wonder your aura is red, she said. She waved Ben over to their booth.

Gina took a deep breath.

Good evening, ladies, Ben said as he approached them. He introduced himself to Sydney, and then he turned to Gina.

You’re really succumbing to the boredom of small-town life if you’re following me around for excitement, she said.

He smiled and nodded. You seem like as good a role model as any, he said.

Sydney squinted her eyes at Ben, a look of confusion replacing her former joviality. She clammed up—very un-Syd like.

Ben glanced back over his shoulder. I think my take-out order is ready. He looked directly at Gina. Maybe I’ll drop by and try a different cupcake flavor later this week—unless you’re doing something more exciting that I can emulate.

I’ll see what I can come up with, she said, noticing how perfectly his hair framed his face. Her eyes grew wide when the disembodied voice in her head gave a direct order: Remember!

Ben studied her face for a lingering second until she offered him a forced smile. Then he turned to her sister.

It was nice to meet you, Sydney, he said.

Syd stared, and Gina kicked her under the table.

Nice to meet you, too, she mumbled.

What the heck is wrong with you? Gina whispered as Ben walked away. You just missed a perfectly good chance to thoroughly embarrass me. What happened to … you look kind of pale—

Gina, I couldn’t see his aura. It … wasn’t there.

Syd had to be messing with her. But if so, her acting was Oscar worthy.

Are you trying to tell me he’s a vampire or something? Well, I guess that wouldn’t be out of the question for Edgemont. She snickered at her own attempt to make light of her sister’s obvious distress. But she stopped when Sydney grabbed her arm.

I mean there was nothing, Gina. Every living creature emits an aura. But he didn’t. Or I couldn’t see it. And I find either prospect a touch unsettling.

She placed her hand on Sydney’s and squeezed gently. Then she looked out through the window just as Ben drove off.

Chapter 2

A couple of days later, Gina awoke with tears in her eyes, held in the grip of a dream that had haunted her for more than a year now. In the dream, her beloved grandmother, who had died three years earlier, talked to her as they sat together in a quaint stone cottage filled with light. Gran’s hands, free of age spots, nimbly worked a needle and thread as though never touched by arthritis, and despite her unwrinkled face and hair that had returned to its natural dark hue, she spoke with the wisdom of age.

If only Gina could remember what her grandmother said to her in the dream. She strained her brain trying to recall any crumb of their conversation—one that warmed her soul—but the words always faded as night turned to day. She often wondered if it was some kind of punishment, this inability to remember, some karmic retribution for not being there with Gran at the end, for not getting in one more conversation before she died. In the dream she longed to stay in the little cottage with her grandmother, holding her hand and just listening to her.

She wiped her eyes. Jed, his back pressed against her side, turned his head over his shoulder to face her, his tail thumping the mattress, his big brown eyes filled with adoration.

Time for breakfast? she said.

In response, Jed popped up to standing and shook vigorously. He licked her hand once before hopping off the bed to stretch.

Thanks for always being a ray of sunshine in my life, buddy. She patted his head.

Jed’s tail wagged harder in response, and he followed her into the living room where she opened the blinds. Her heart began to pump a little faster at the sight of the strange gold truck she had spotted at the café the other day now sitting in the parking lot of her apartment complex. A remarkably tall man with long, blond hair stood next to it. He looked directly at her, and then he slowly turned, got into his truck, and pulled out of the lot.

She checked the door locks and closed the blinds again before moving to the kitchen. Her nerves remained on alert as she fixed some almond-butter toast and poured a glass of orange juice while Jed scarfed down his dog food. She sat down to eat but nearly jumped back out of her chair when a loud knock sounded at the front door. She crept over to peer out the peephole, relieved to see her mother’s face squinting back at her.

Gina, I need you to ride with me to pick up your daddy’s truck, Evie said as Gina opened the door. We dropped it off at Snyder’s yesterday. They’re done with it now, and I hate to leave it up there until he gets off work. They have the best mechanics, but they don’t care how they park those cars when they’re done with them. Bertie Jones got her side mirror knocked clean off because they parked her car too close to the street.

She ushered her mother inside, giving the parking lot another quick glance before locking the door. Okay, she said. Give me a minute to get dressed—and finish my breakfast. She moved to the bedroom and started throwing on clothes.

Now don’t rush, Evie said. We have enough time for you to put on a little makeup and fix your hair, maybe put on a nice top. You never know who you might run into.

Gina paused, a sense of dread settling over her.

Less than a half-hour later, Gina and Evie pulled into a driveway not far from Evie’s house. I thought we were going to pick up Daddy’s truck, Gina said.

Evie avoided her gaze. We are, but I just need to check on Mrs. Clanton real quick. I haven’t been by in several days.

Gina stared at her mother. I thought you were in a hurry to save Daddy’s truck from imminent mutilation. I thought—

Evie exited the car and closed her door as if she hadn’t heard her. Gina opened the car door and stepped out, resigning herself to the fact that she had been duped into visiting Lucille Clanton, her mother’s elderly neighbor and friend.

Evie rang the doorbell from the carport. After what seemed like an eternity, the metallic clink of lock after lock sounded in the background of Mrs. Clanton’s welcoming screeches. Finally the door opened, revealing a short woman with graying red hair and thick glasses. She wore a floral-print housedress, compression socks, and pink terry-cloth slippers.

Mrs. Clanton headed straight for Gina, arms outstretched. Oh, I’m so glad you came to see me. How wonderful! Come in, come in. She stepped aside for her to enter and reached for Evie. How are you, dear? I know you must be happy with both your girls in town now.

They passed through a small foyer into a mid-size den, where the air closed in around them. Across the room a gas heater squatted, its glowing blue pilot light at the ready to spark one of five panels to life. Gina hadn’t been inside Mrs. Clanton’s since she was a kid, tagging along with Gran for a visit. It brought back memories of Gran’s house, minus all the heavenly aromas of her kitchen.

Evie sat down on a maroon sofa with dark wood trim and heavily indented cushions. She patted the seat next to her for Gina, who glared at her and hesitated before sitting down, imagining she heard the sofa groan with age as she did. What was her mother thinking, settling in like she had no plans to leave any time soon?

Mrs. Clanton slowly lowered herself into a worn pink wing-back chair. You’re fortunate to have such sweet parents, Gina, especially that mother of yours there. She’s a dear friend to me, as was her mother, your grandmother.

Evie smiled. You are a dear friend to me as well, Miss Lucille.

While the two women chatted, Gina canvassed her surroundings. Multiple ceramic roosters in bright and sometimes garish plumage eyed her from perches between and on top of books on the many shelves around the room. But something else outnumbered even the roosters—clocks.

Dozens of timepieces occupied any free space, either crammed between books and roosters, lining the mantel, or hanging on the walls. Travel-size alarm clocks, glowing digital clocks, elaborately painted cuckoo clocks, and even a couple of grandfather clocks tick-tocked, sputtered, and whirred from every corner of the room. It was like stepping into the nightmare of someone whose greatest fear is losing track of time. She had stopped counting the clocks in the living room at thirteen when she realized her mother was standing, declaring she had to get to the café.

I let the time get away from me, Evie said. We’ll have to pick up the truck later.

Gina quickly stood, still irritated but relieved that they were leaving.

Mrs. Clanton looked up at her, excited anticipation in her eyes. You can stay awhile, can’t you, love?

Gina looked to her mother, who was suddenly absorbed in the contents of her purse. She turned back to Mrs. Clanton. I really can’t stay. I have to help Mama open.

One of the part-timers will be at the café this morning to help me and Dot, so we’re covered through lunchtime, Evie said. You take some time and spend it with Miss Lucille. Sydney can come pick you up later, bring you to the café.

She sighed heavily. What was her mother up to?

Mrs. Clanton clapped her hands together like a child who had been presented a new toy.

The last thing Gina wanted to do was spend the morning trying to make conversation with an old woman with whom she had nothing in common. She had no desire to converse with anyone for that matter. She could insist her mother take her home, or she could simply leave on her own. She was a grown woman, after all. But she couldn’t bear the thought of hurting Mrs. Clanton’s feelings. "Fine. I’m sure we can find lots to discuss," she said through pursed lips. She glared at her mother.

Wonderful! Mrs. Clanton said. Now you go on, Evie dear, and don’t be late. We’ll have a grand time, won’t we, child? She took Gina’s hand and squeezed it as tightly as she possibly could. Do you like egg salad?

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