Page 39 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

She nodded, reached her arms out wide and touched the tips of her plants as she went. A green goddess greeting her subjects with a sweet caress.

I took in a deep breath then pushed through the glass door back into the office. Her father didn’t so much as lift his head from his work as I passed, obviously not having paid any attention to the drama that unfolded outside of the office. I was thankful for it because I did not want to get a stern talking to by Summer’s father.

I left the building, hauled myself into the SUV and exited the farm. Destination unknown.

* * * *

Not having any idea where to go or what to do, I ended up back at The Pink Lady. As I parked in front, I noticed people entering the storefront at the corner. I don’t know what led me to follow, knowing I’d find Autumn there working, but I felt drawn to the location all the same.

The scent of spicy herbs and floral notes enveloped me the moment I walked in. The space was rather large, each wall set up with a different theme. The wall behind the primary counter was loaded from floor to ceiling with herbs, all categorized in glass jars and hand labeled. Autumn was behind the counter, scooping something into a brown paper bag for a customer. She lifted her head, and her gaze reached mine. Autumn frowned when she realized I was alone.

I waved nonchalantly and went over to the wall of crystals. There was something available in what seemed to be every color of the rainbow. Some with polished points, others rough as though they’d just been pulled straight from a mountain. Some were in spherical and obelisk shapes and even some that had been carved into animals. On the tables were various bowls of small rocks with names like amazonite, African bloodstone, howlite, rose quartz and more.

I continued walking around and found an entire section of incense, home-made candles, and other pieces of art and jewelry. Everywhere I looked revealed something unique and interesting to see and purchase. Against the final wall was a pair of giant amethyst geode wings, the mighty rocks stretched out wide. Teenagers were standing in front of them taking photos, likely to post the cool find to their social media platforms.

A wooden table in the corner caught my attention. On it was a massive tray filled with palm-sized, smooth rocks or crystals, I assumed. A shiny black one with striations caught my attention. I picked it up and was surprised to find it cool to the touch. Iheld it in my hand and picked up another one, a teal blue that reminded me of Summer’s eyes.

“Tourmaline and aquamarine, huh? Need a little understanding, protection, and empathy my friend?” Autumn said while looking over my shoulder at the two stones I held.

“Is that what these are for?” I didn’t have any clue about crystals and their energy. I knew scientifically that quartz was used in timekeeping but I didn’t know the specifics.

“You piss someone off?”

I chuckled dryly. “Actually, I think I messed up pretty good.”

“Well, working with those two stones would be a good start. But there’s a better way,” Autumn stated cryptically.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Tell me what happened with my sister, and I’ll tell you how to get back into her good graces.” She grinned wickedly.

“How did you know?” I wondered if her observation was part of the magic and witchery this family had.

“I’d love to say it was my intuition or my spirit guides, but I’d be lying. My sister’s fiancé walks into my store, not an hour after the two of you left to see the farm, and she’s nowhere in sight. My guess? You saw what she grows and lost your mind.” She chuckled.

I frowned. “Is it that obvious?”

“That you don’t smoke weed and likely know nothing about it?” She blinked, her expression neutral. “Yeah. You literally look like the poster child for those oldSay No To Drugscampaigns. It’s not a stretch to believe that a hardcore, über rich businessman who comes from Norway and likely spends all his extra time at business-related charity events or galleries, wouldn’t exactly be the first to light up a joint and go for gold.”

My shoulders slumped as I clung to the two stones in my hands. “Your sister is really unhappy with me. I may have saidsome idiotic things in the heat of the moment when I found out and”—I shook my head—“I don’t know what to do.”

“Come with me.” I followed her back around the counter and to the wall of herbs. “Help me fill these web orders while we chat. Fill the scoop to bursting each time,” she instructed.

I set down the stones and read the first line item on a sheet of orders. “One scoop rosemary.” I scanned the herbs and found they were in perfect alphabetical order. Each jar had its own scoop, which was very efficient.

Autumn reached for something called amaranth. “So, what’s your problem with weed?”

“You mean besides the fact that it’s illegal in my country and almost all of Europe? Nothing.” I dumped the rosemary into a bag and folded the top then checked the list for the next item. Two scoops basil.

We swapped places and I went for the basil as she went for the spearmint.

“It’s legal here. In most places. Which means it’s going to be legal in all places once the federal government realizes they can tax the holy shit out of it. When that happens and the rest of the world sees how much money there is to be made, it’s going to explode. It already has. Dad can give you the numbers since legalization. We’ve been tracking it forever.”

“It’s not that I’m against it or anything…” I shared.

“Could’ve fooled me with that staunch attitude and gruff tone.” She snickered.

“I was just surprised and worried about the ramifications to Johansen Brewing…”

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