Page 38 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“Get used to it. I’m going to annoy you even more now that I know we get to match people with magick. Show me who you think for Edina.” Esther tapped the book, stern as a strict schoolteacher.

“Right, okay. I tabbed them.” Flipping through the book of past clients, I found the two I’d marked. “The first one is Samuel. His favorite book isTheMartianby Andy Weir.”

“And what’s hers?”

“The Housemaid.”

“Och, that’s a good one. But hmmm.” Esther tapped a finger against her lips. “Not sure how they’re connected, lass.”

“The other is Randall and his book isItby Stephen King.”

“Hmm. Small town. Horror. Maybe the small town link? Mystery in a small town?” Esther wrinkled her nose. “I know Randall and I can’t say that I’m overly impressed by him. Are you certain he’d be a right match for Edina?”

“I literally know as close to nothing about these people as is possible,” I pointed out.

“On the surface, I’d sayItandThe Housemaidwould link. But it doesn’t feel right. What would connect the other book instead?”

I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes for a moment, thinking back. I’d read bothThe MartianandThe Housemaid. An idea formed.

“They were both outsiders.”

“What’s that now?” Esther leaned forward.

“The protagonists. They were outsiders coming into a new situation. What do you know about Samuel?”

“He’s nice enough. Quiet. Moved here a few years ago and manages the local Tesco.”

“And Edina?”

“She’s really kept to herself since the divorce. Her husband embarrassed her about town, if you catch my drift. She hasn’t been out much.”

“So both might be feeling a bit like outsiders?”

“Well, lass, write it down and use the glass. Let’s see if you’re right.”

I did as instructed and we held our breaths. When I held the glass over my writing, a shimmery word appeared in the air, dancing across the page.

“Outsider!” I crowed.

“We’ve got ourselves a match.” Esther high-fived me. “Och, this is great fun. Now, to make it happen.” She rubbed her hands together gleefully and I realized the flaw in my plans.

“Oh shit. How the hell am I supposed to get them together? I can’t just give her his number and tell her to call him.”

“What about your opening party?” Esther suggested.

“You want me to throw a party on top of doing this window competition?” I asked. Seriously, did these women not understand that not only had I left my entire life behind two days ago, but I’d also just discovered magick? And I was supposed to be entering a cutthroat window decorating competition and hosting parties?

“Aye, lass. It’s a good way to meet everyone in town. You can invite Samuel and Edina. Don’t worry. I’ll take it from there.” Esther rubbed her hands together, and a gleeful light shone in her eyes.

“You’re looking a little scary there, Esther.”

“Thank you.” Esther beamed at me.

“Not sure that was a compliment.”

Esther’s watch beeped and she glanced down, fiddling with it before standing and reaching for her purse. “I’m off to thedentist. I’ll sort out the designs today and we can discuss everything later. Oh, and enjoy your time at Alexander’s.”

“Oh, thanks. I can’t wait to meet his puffin.”

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