The Fairest Kind of Love Read online

  I stuff a stray cardigan into a suitcase, noticing a glimmer of gold peeking out under the clothes piles. I reach out to find a framed photo of the two of us from middle school, both rocking braces and smiles too big for our faces. We were such an unlikely pair—Amani in a sundress, me grunged out in flannel—but thinking back to when we met, when I was a friendless nobody wandering the halls alone, is the final blow to my fragile heart. I can’t blink back the tears any longer.

  “Hey, um.” I turn to her, sniffling up snot. “Can I tell you something?” Her mouth opens at seeing my blubbering face, but I shake my head vigorously, forbidding her to talk. “You know how we’ve been through everything together?” I sniffle as the crying intensifies. “You are the best person I know. You have made my life, and I’d be so lost without you. I love you, Amani.” And it’s so true. I think of little Jane, just learning how to exist in this crazy, mixed-up magical world, and where I would’ve ended up had I not found a friend who stood by my side no matter what stupid choices I made or trouble I got into. I wouldn’t be the person I am today, I know that for sure. Love that accepts you inside and out is true magic.

  As I completely dissolve into tears, she rushes toward me, crushing my rib cage with her long arms. “Same,” she cries in my ear. “Same, same, same. I love you too, Amber.” We cry until there’s no more tears, laughing when we’re empty. Amani wipes away trails of mascara while I clean my face with a tissue. I guess this is it.

  She walks me to the door, and we hug one last time. I make her promise to text me every five minutes. Amani makes me promise to mail her samples of all my latest culinary creations—a challenge I gladly accept.

  And just like that, I’m out on the street, on the other side of good-bye.

  Even though my apartment is only a short walk away, I don’t feel like being alone right now, especially since I know my fridge is empty and unable to soothe my soul. I find my way to the nearest bus stop, and take a long, lonely ride to Navy Pier, where at least the lingering August heat and hordes of bodies will keep me distracted from what’s going on in my head. As soon as I get there, though, I know it’s a mistake; watching friends share snow cones and good times makes my ache worse, and I resolve to just stop at a 7-Eleven and load up on cookie dough for the trip home. Before I go, I decide to swing by Windy City Magic real quick to see if Mom wants anything, when I spot a familiar lavender fauxhawk heading toward the shop, an unseasonably warm leather jacket hiding wings I can’t see but know are there.

  “Rose?” I call out, prompting the fairy to turn.

  “Amber! Hey!” She pauses by a frozen lemonade stand.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask.

  “Some sightseeing.” She smirks.

  “Liar.”

  She snorts out a laugh. “No, I just wanted to say thanks, for helping my messed-up family. I didn’t realize how crazy it would get when we first met, but it was really cool of you to see everything through. Things back home have lightened up a bit, and while there’s still a lot of progress to be made, they are headed in a better direction.”

  “I’m glad,” I admit, and I truly am. Even if my relationship with Rose has been a little confusing, I’m happy Jane’s home life is improving. I wish them all nothing but the best.

  “Did you ever get your problem worked out?” Rose asks, raising a pierced eyebrow. “Whatever it is you were going to wish for?”

  “No,” I say, sinking lower into my dark mental place. Despite all my efforts, I still don’t know what’s wrong with me, and at this point, maybe I never will. Maybe my visions will continue to distort, eventually fading into a magic that’s only a memory. Maybe happily-ever-after is only meant for fairy tales.

  “That sucks,” Rose says callously before adding, “Oh, I have something for you.” She reaches into her jacket and pulls out an envelope with my name written in messy, childlike handwriting. “It’s from Jane.”

  Opening the seal, I pull out a card with a drawing of me and Jane standing under a rainbow. I have my peacock hair and everything. What a cutie. I start to read:

  Dear Amber,

  Thank you for everything you’ve done. You are an inspiration to me and I hope we can stay friends. I wanted to tell you your match, but I thought it would be more fun for you to see it with your own eyes.

  Love, Jane

  With my own eyes? What in the—

  But before I can think about it more, Rose is sprinkling golden sparkles all over me, blowing dust free from her hands until my face is covered. It’s pleasant, like little drops of sunshine kissing my cheeks. Is this really happening? I’ve been so close before only to have my hopes squashed, but Rose touches my chin with her fingertips, raising my gaze to hers. For a second, I see her match—it’s spotty, like watching a movie through the holes of a colander—but I can barely focus on that.

  I hold my breath as she whispers, “Amber, I wish for your matchmaking powers to be restored. Forever.”

  Warmth runs through me, swirling ’round from head to toe, bringing a lightness to my body I’ve never felt and doubt I ever will again. Pure love rises from within, and I feel like I could cry, though I’m not sure if it’s from the magic or just total happiness.

  Eyes watering uncontrollably, I look back up at Rose, who gives me a lopsided grin. Her match floods my system again, but this time it’s clear, a perfect montage of her and her future beau. I let it play in full, watching her go skydiving and take cooking classes with her husband, and find myself crying by the end.

  I’m fixed. My magic is whole. For the rest of my life, I’ll be filled with love stories, and I’m so unbelievably thankful, I wrap Rose in a tight hug. She recoils at the affection.

  “Yeah, that wish was from Jane, by the way.” She cringes, gently trying to pry my hands off. “And me too, I guess.” Once she’s successfully retracted my claws, she brushes off her jacket, erasing any lingering dust.

  “Thank you,” I sob, eyes still overflowing.

  “Don’t mention it,” she says, brushing me off. “Like really, don’t. I have a reputation to uphold. Don’t wanna come off all soft.” Rose winks and turns on her combat-boot heel, giving me a short wave as she disappears into the masses. For a moment, I’m frozen, stopping to stare into the eyes of anyone and everyone who passes me by, filling my sight with countless happy endings. They’re beautiful, all of them, and I didn’t truly realize how much I missed my magic until it was almost gone. All this love, it’s a sight to behold. I feel so lucky I’ll get to see it forever.

  Forever. Something about the word lights a fire in me, the weight of it buzzing in the space between my ears. I can finally see; maybe now I can finally know. I start running, weaving through the Navy Pier crowds, not stopping until I get to the cab corral, launching myself into a yellow car and yelling an address much louder than necessary.

  I barely register the passing buildings and streetlights as we drive into the city, my heart throbbing at what I’m about to do. There’s no turning back. Once I look, it could change everything forever, spinning my path in a new direction, turning all that I know upside down. Do I want to take that chance? Will it even make a difference? I know what’s in my heart; I know what I want. No matter what happens or who is by my side, I know I’m destined for greatness, and my life will be the stuff of magic.

  I spill out of the cab, waving to the doorman as I mash the elevator button, holding my breath all the way up to the penthouse. I pound on the door, praying he’s home, because I can’t take it any longer.

  Charlie opens the door, instantly confused at the manic girl standing before him, but he smiles anyway as I topple into him, knocking him over as we fall to the ground. Before he can say a word, I stare deeply into his dark green eyes, waiting to see what kind of destiny will unfold before me.

  My heart stops, tears rushing down my face as the vision plays, illustrating a future I thought was only meant for dreams.

  There’s no more need to wonder. The match is clear.
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  I see myself.

  THE END

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I want to first thank you, the lovely person holding this book. Stories need readers to thrive, and thanks to your support, Amber found her happy ending in a truly magical way. Writing this series has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and while it is bittersweet to let this snarky little matchmaker go, I’m so glad she found her way into your heart like she did mine. Thank you for your love, your enthusiasm, and your ongoing readership.

  To Kieran, for guiding me through this series with wisdom and kindness. Working with you makes me want to be a better writer, and I am forever in debt to your insight and collaborative spirit. Thanks for not thinking I was crazy for adding a unicorn to this story.

  To the entire Hyperion team, for seeing this series through to the end. Your belief in me has helped me live out my childhood dreams, and I am in awe of this team’s talents and creative skills.

  To Jess, for your helpfulness and friendship. You always go to bat for me, and I don’t know what I’d do without your strength and smarts.

  To Todd, for keeping me calm when I’m trapped in a hamster wheel. You always listen to my crazy and tell me everything will be okay, helping me reach my goals. Sorry I couldn’t get you a writing credit on this one, but I appreciate everything you do.

  To Molly, for sharing your endless creativity and unique sense of humor. There’s nothing I love more than watching your inner artist come to life.

  To Autumn, for inspiring me with your love of reading. It’s so fun to share your passion for books.

  To Quigley, for protecting the house and being our friendliness ambassador.

  And to all my friends and family, for cheering me on and coloring my world with your beautiful hearts. I am so lucky to have people in my life who I can lean on, learn from, and laugh with. I could not embark on this journey without this community of weird, wonderful people. Thank you.

  CRYSTAL CESTARI lives just outside Chicago with her daughter. Her hobbies include avoiding broccoli and wandering the aisles at Target. She holds a master’s degree in mass communication, and writes all her stories longhand. She is also the author of the first two books in the Windy City Magic series, The Best Kind of Magic and The Sweetest Kind of Fate. Visit Crystal at www.crystalcestari.com and on Twitter @crystalcestari.