Page 7 of Upside Down Magic

Shetook a couple of steps back toward the hallway. “I’mfine.Why?”

“Nothing, just making sure.”Igave the counter a last look-over. “Ithink we’re done here.”

“Great.”

Nataliaescaped into the shop asIcalledIan.

“Yes, angel?”

Hisdeep voice immediately melted my insides. “Hi,”Ianswered breathlessly.

“Needanything?”

“You.”

Hischuckle made my toes tingle. “Asidefrom that?Didsomething happen at the shop?”

Thequestion snapped me back to attention. “Ian, are you feeling okay?”

“Sure, why?”

“Nothingwrong with your shifter senses?”

Ian’svoice turned serious. “Areyou feeling sick?”

“Notme.Canyou checkAlexandShaneare good too?I’llfill you in later, okay?”

“Sure.”

Wesaid our mushy goodbyes andIwent into the shop.Nataliawas opening the blinds, revealingNormanstanding outside, waiting patiently for us to open.

Iflipped the closed sign and opened the door. “Hello,Norman.”

Hisusual good-natured smile stretched his cheeks. “Goodmorning,Hope.I’mhere for my usual.”

Forbeing the owner of an art gallery filled with the art pieces fromHell,NormanMoorewas surprisingly upbeat.Apparently, not being a paranormal shielded him from the discomforting vibes emanating from pretty much every piece of art now hosted in theCornerRose.

“Ofcourse.”Igestured towardNatalia. “Thisis my new employee,Natalia.She’llbe working shifts this month.”

“Hi,”Nataliasaid cheerfully, slipping behind the counter. “WhatcanIget you?”

Onthe outside—or like, the few times she’d visited my shop asking for illegal love potions—Nataliamight’ve appeared to be a romantic, self-obsessed teen, butIhad seen the cunning, business-oriented side of her during theHalloweentours, andIknew instinctively that she’d make a great addition to my shop.

Normansmiled wider and approached the counter. “Theday’s special to go and a muffin, please.”Hestudied the offerings on display. “Bananatoday,Ithink.”

“Perfect,”Iexclaimed, barely restraining myself from clapping my hands. “I’llleave you to it, andI’llbe right back.”

Ifilled a cup with coffee, grabbed a chocolate muffin, and hurried out of the shop.Itook a few steps to my left and knocked onSharpClaws’ front door.

THREE

Dru’sshopwas the epitome of simple elegance, and its growing success was a testament to that.Itwasn’t opulent and didn’t make you feel bad about yourself and the status of your wallet, but the moment you peered into the display windows, you were filled with the knowledge that the owner had taste and nothing you found in here would ever steer you wrong.

Dressesand blouses of different styles hung from racks along the walls, and a table in the middle showcased artfully folded cardigans and sweaters along with vintage shoes and the occasional handbag.Shelvesbetween the racks displayed more shoes and accessories, while a beautiful array of jewelry shone from under the glass counter at the back of the room.

Thespace was light and chic, andIeyed a green bohemian style top with interest.Thecolor totally matched the streak in my hair.Iwas usually aT-shirt kind of girl, but maybe for date night?

“Camein yesterday,”Drusaid from where she was folding clothes on top of the counter.Shewas dressed in an elegant cream pantsuit paired with small silver hoop earrings. “Olmedadesigner.One-fifty.”

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