The Witch's Guide to Dating

Back to the Grind

Harper and Sarah met up at a cozy cafe near Harper's office. As they hugged and caught up on each other's lives, Harper asked, "So, what brings you to town, Sarah?"

Sarah smiled, "I heard about your shop and wanted to see it for myself. Plus, it's been way too long since we've seen each other."

Harper laughed, "Well, I'm glad you came. My shop has been doing well and I couldn't have done it without the help of my employees."

Sarah's expression grew serious, "I heard about one of your employees, Maxine. I heard she's a vampire."

Harper nodded, "Yes, she is. I saved her from being hit on in a bar and she's been working for me ever since. She's a valuable member of my team."

Sarah's eyes widened, "Really? That's amazing, Harper. You always were one to take in strays."

Harper smiled, "I believe in giving people a second chance. Maxine is more than just a vampire, she's a hard worker and a good friend."

Sarah nodded, "That's wonderful, Harper. It's good to see you doing so well and making a positive impact."

Harper and Sarah continued to catch up over coffee, discussing their lives and their experiences in the different circles of the Rooted. They talked about the current political climate and the race for the next Coven Mother, but both agreed that it was better to stay out of it and focus on their own lives and careers. They parted ways, promising to keep in touch and catch up more often.

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Harper walked into the Third Wheel office. Maxine, her vampire assistant, was at the counter typing away on the computer. She looked up and smiled when she saw Harper.

"Hey boss, how was your date?" Maxine asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Harper felt her cheeks flush. "It was fine," she said, trying to keep her tone casual.

Maxine raised an eyebrow. "Just fine? I was hoping for some juicy details. Come on, spill."

Harper let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll admit it. I was a little flustered. Alexander is just so... confident and charming. And he's a witch, which I wasn't expecting."

"Ah, I see. So, what's the problem?" Maxine asked, leaning against the counter.

"I don't know. I just feel like I'm in over my head. I mean, I'm an average Rooted witch, he's a high ranking Moonlit Circle witch. Our worlds are so different," Harper explained, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Don't worry about it, Harper. You're a strong, capable witch. And who knows, maybe this could be the start of something big," Maxine said with a reassuring smile.

Harper couldn't help but smile back. Maxine always knew how to make her feel better. "Thanks, Maxine. So, what's been going on around here while I was out?" she asked, changing the subject.

"I've got everything under control here," Maxine said as she settled into one of the chairs in Harper's office.

Harper smiled at her. "Good to hear, Maxine. How's business been?"

Maxine let out a sigh. "It's been a bit slow, to be honest. But I've been keeping things organized while you were away. I've made a few updates to the website, and we've gotten a couple of new clients. Nothing too exciting, but it's steady."

Harper leaned back in her chair, looking thoughtful. "That's good to hear. I was worried that things might have fallen apart while I was gone."

Maxine laughed. "I've got it under control. You hired me for a reason, after all."

Harper smiled. "That's true. So, what have been some of the highlights from the past few weeks?"

"Well, we had a bit of a drama with one of the clients," Maxine said, wrinkling her nose. "They were a bit too demanding, but I was able to handle it. And we had a couple of clients who were really happy with the service. One of them even left us a great review on the website."

Harper nodded. "That's great. I'm glad to hear that everything is running smoothly."

Maxine nodded. "It is. And I'm happy to have the job. I don't know what I would do without it."

"You're a valuable member of the team, Maxine," Harper said warmly. "I'm glad you're here."

As Harper and Maxine were talking, the bell above the door chimed, signaling a new customer had entered the Third Wheel. Harper quickly composed herself and turned to greet the client.

"Good morning, welcome to the Third Wheel. How may I help you?" Harper asked with a warm smile.

The client, a young woman, approached the counter and nervously fidgeted with her purse straps. "Um, hi. I was wondering if you could help me with a blind date I have coming up."

Harper's attention shifted to the young woman, and she listened intently as the client explained her situation and what she was looking for in a partner. As she spoke, Harper jotted down notes and made suggestions on how the Third Wheel could assist her. Maxine watched on, impressed by Harper's professionalism and how she easily put aside her own flustered feelings about Alexander to focus on the client.

"Let's get started," Harper said with a smile, "We'll make sure this blind date is a success for you."