Page 24 of Beautiful Thing

Opal runs a competing vegetable booth on the other side of the market. Her produce is never quite as big or as fresh as Rainbow’s, and she just seems to be missing that certain ‘sparkle’ that Rainbow has.

The angry vendor huffs out loud. “She’s damn jealous. She’s just bitter that everybody passes right by her wilted-ass lettuce to come buy veggies from me.”

Karli and I snort a laugh.

Opal is a brave woman, trying to make an enemy out of Rainbow. She may be sugar and spice 99 percent of the time, but Rainbow’s voodoo powers are not to be messed with.

With a vigorous shake of her head, the woman seemingly resets her mood. It’s almost like magic. She strokes the top of Sky’s head and offers me a concerned look. “So, how’s the new living situation, moonbeam?”

I offer her a shrug and a weak smile. “It’s good. Archer’s been really good to us. I just feel bad that we’ve overrun his house.”

“Oh, I have a feeling Archer doesn’t mind you taking over his house one bit.” Rainbow waggles her eyebrows. “He stopped by here for grapes the other night. The man’s aura was radiating like never before. He’s happy to have you there with him.”

Karli laughs under her breath. “He’s more than happy to have you there. He’s in heaven.”

I glare at her.

She pushes forward. “My brother is clearly in love with you, Layla. I don’t know how you refuse to see it.”

For half a second, I’m tempted to entertain that idea. Then I get a painful flashback to that night I tried to kiss him, the night he turned away from me.

I scoff. “Archer’s not in love with me. Trust me on that.”

“In time, you’ll come to see that you’re wrong.” Rainbow gives me one of her wise stares that sends a spooky shiver down my spine. “Even still, this whole situation must be so stressful for you. How areyoudoing, Layla?”

I shrug a shoulder. “Pretty good, all things considered.”

Rainbow doesn’t look convinced. “This is me you’re talking to. Be honest, moonbeam.”

After a pause, I emit a sigh. “I’m hurt,” I admit. “I know I should just be grateful to have a roof over my head and a safe place for my son, but it hurts, driving by the house every day, knowing that Razor has some other woman living their after he kicked out his own child. I’m angry about that.”

The older lady nods in understanding, listening intently. “You have to trust that things will turn out for the best.”

“Trust? It’s really hard to trust. Nothing feels safe. Everything feels turbulent and unsure,” I admit weakly.

“I get it, dear. But you know you weren’t happy in that house, knowing that Razor could return and upend everything at a minute’s notice.”

“Fine. I wasn’t happy,” I concede. “But at least it was home.”

Rainbow’s head bobs slowly as she assesses my words. “You were familiar with the box you were in. But it was still a box. Now, you’ve been kicked out and everything seems scary. But it’s also an opportunity to explore what life might beoutsidethe box.” She smiles. “That’s where the magic lies.”

I let those words simmer in my mind for a moment. Because Rainbow is right. I was miserable in that house. I felt limited and overwhelmed and afraid. Maybe there might be something better waiting for Sky and me on the other side of this mess.

She continues. “And don’t worry about Razor, honey. He will get his karma and I have a feeling it will be brutal.”

Her words offer me comfort. “Is it bad that I kind of hope that’s true?” I wince.

“It’s out of your hands,” the old mystic says confidently. “The universe will make sure of it. In order to restore balance. That man has made you cry far too many tears to just get away with it.” A mischievous grin appears on her face. “For now, just enjoy life as it unfolds, if you know what I mean.” Waggling her brows, she nudges Karli with her elbow. My bestie nods with a wide grin on her face.

I feel my cheeks start to tingle. “Sorry. Idon’tknow what you mean.”

“Archer,” Rainbow says pointedly. “Enjoy him. I know you’ve been single for a while, and Archer has, too. But you should both put this new living situation to good use.”

“Archer and I are friends.”Barely.

Rainbow huffs. “Girl, stop fighting the chemistry. Don’t let your cooch wilt up like a head of lettuce at Opal’s vegetable stand.”

I gasp roughly.

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