Free Magic's Song by Genia Avers

conflicting emotions and concentrated on her task. “I don’t believe you’re magic,” she whispered to the leather cover, “but I’m taking no chances.” Whatever Brent felt, she loved him. If he wanted her, his choice had to be his own.
    “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said louder. The words, I don’t want Brent to do anything that isn’t of his own free will , formed in her mind, but she didn’t voice them. If she learned anything from her previous wishes, it was that she must be very specific.
    “I want Brent to be with me only if that is what he would have done if I hadn’t made any wishes.”
    There. It was done.
    ****
    Tanith didn’t know why she’d bothered to join her study group. Her mind, filled with memories of Brent’s body, hadn’t been able to focus. She returned to her apartment after the session with her daydreams battling in her mind. In one fantasy, she and Brent made love every night. In the other, he said, “It’s been fun, toots, but it’s me, not you.”
    The Tough Guys were booked every weekend, so Brent had reduced practices to once a week—Thursdays. Surely he wouldn’t wait five days before he talked to her.
    Brent didn’t call.
    On Thursday, she dressed with special care, wearing a new purple lace bra and thong she’d purchased on a positive day. She’d washed her hair with an expensive shampoo, also new, pleased with the result. She ran her fingers through the shiny tresses, hoping they’d beckon Brent’s touch.
    She’d hemmed an old tank top so it would reveal a little midriff and donned her new jeans. After one last glance in her new mirror, Tanith removed the bra. She stared at her reflection, liking the way her girls pressed against the fabric, liking the memory of Brent’s tongue on her breasts even more.
    Her bravado died when she reached the club. Now that the Tough Guys were playing regular gigs, the group practiced on stage instead of in Brent’s garage.
    The security guard glanced up, and then looked back at his magazine. He raised his head again for a double take. “Hey, Tan. You’re looking extra sexy tonight.”
    It took her a couple of seconds to realize the security guard had spoken. Beyond the guard, Brent smiled and waved her forward.
    Tanith wrapped her arms around her midriff. At least he isn’t acting weird. That’s got to be a good sign.
    The practice session went well. Brent didn’t pay her any special attention, but he didn’t rag on her either. After every song, he critiqued, “Good...not bad…great.”
    His earlier hostility had vanished completely. Definitely a good sign.
    During their break, Marcus commented, “See, I told you Brent was a decent man. Now that our debut is over and the talent scouts have seen us, he’s a regular guy again.”
    Tanith nodded, even though there was nothing regular about Brent. Naturally it wouldn’t occur to Marcus that she and Brent had been intimate. Brent was a cool dude. She was just the shy singer.
    “You mean since the reviews weren’t bad?” she joked, trying to ignore the sting. She also wished she could feel excited about the rave reviews, but she didn’t like the direction things were going. Small town celebrity had been great, but she didn’t want real fame.
    Marcus laughed. “Not bad? You’re joking, right?”
    “Yeah,” she replied.
    “The reviews were bloody great,” Marcus growled. “And you’re our shining star.”
    She worked to keep her forced smile on her face. Strange she didn’t want something she’d once hungered for. Since when had she become such a private person? And why couldn’t she think of anything other than the fact Brent hadn’t called.
    She hurried to the bathroom and splashed water on her face. Brent had been busy. That’s all.
    After another set of songs, the group took another break. Tanith went searching for Brent, hoping to get some indication of where they stood. She’d almost given up on finding him, when she spotted him in a