Page 62 of Where the Stars Heal

“Yeah, something like that,” I agree, but my focus has already shifted.

Across the street, a red for sale sign catches my eye. We sit outside here most mornings, the same table, the same view, so I don’t know how I’ve not noticed the store on the corner. Then again, I guess I’m usually distracted—by Asher and his intense gaze, his roaming hands, Ace barking at my feet for the crumbs, or the girls gossiping about what’s happening in town that week.

“Hey,” I say, nodding across the street, “what store was that?”

Madi twists in her chair, following my gaze. “Oh, that,” she turns back to me with a small shrug, picking up her coffee. “It used to be a boutique, but with online shopping these days, it couldn’t keep up. The lady who owns it is nice, grew up here, she still lives in town but the store’s been empty for a while now.”

That makes sense—why I haven’t taken notice of it before. But now, I can’t seem to look away. The building has a sort of charm to it, with floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch around the front, following the curve of the street like a semicircle. The double doors in the center are framed by a white wooden fixture that’s chipped and faded.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Asher’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

He bends down, planting a quick kiss on the top of my head before grabbing a chair from the table behind us. The legs scrape across the pavement as he drags it over and sits down beside me. He reaches over and snatches Madi’s muffin without warning and takes a massive bite.

Lifting my coffee, I take another sip, hiding the amused smile that tugs at my lips behind the glass.He’s an idiot.

“Hey!” Madi screeches. “That was mine.”

Asher grins at her, leaning back in his chair. “Chill, Madi, I ordered you another one. Tessa’s gonna bring it out in a second.”

“No, you ordered yourself one, barged in, interrupted our girl time, and stole mine,” she retorts, her eyes narrowing on him as her arms cross over her chest.

“Well, now you can just steal some of mine back. You know, sharing is caring right?” Asher teases.

Usually, I love listening to their banter. The way they go back and forth can be highly entertaining and always seems to pull a smile from me. Sometimes, it still feels like I’msitting on the outskirts watching in, though. It’s fascinating. But right now, I can’t pull my focus away from that building. I need to have a closer look.

“She’s been spacey all morning,” I hear Madi say. “Wait, what did you do Asher? Did you do something to make her like this?”

“The only thing I did was leave her panting and wanting more,” Asher replies, all cocky-like.

My eyes whip to him and he winks at me, chuckling.

“Ew! Gross, I did not need to know that, dude.”

“You asked. But no, nothing happened. I went on my run and she came here to meet you.”

“Well, I don’t know what’s going on. Even Tess couldn’t get more than two words out of her when we were inside.”

“Maybe we need to call Con and get Ace here,” Asher jokes. “That dog has magic powers, I swear.”

“You’re an idiot,” Madi deadpans, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, but I’m a smart idiot.”

I hear their laughter in the background. I hear everything, but my focus isn’t there. My pulse thrums faster, and a crawling sensation works down my arms, making me shift in my seat. Antsy and restless. I finish my coffee, but it doesn’t help. Grabbing my bag from beside me, I stand, bringing my focus back to Asher and Madi. They’re both staring at me with matching expressions of concern and worry.

“Seriously guys, I’m fine,” I say, smiling to reassure them. “I’m just gonna go over and check this place out.”

Their eyes linger on me, the weight of their concern following me as I cross the street.

Coming to a stop in front of the big windows, I notice there’s a layer of dust coating them. Still, I manage to find a spot that’s not as covered, pressing my hands against theglass and cupping them around my eyes to block out the sun’s glare.

I peek through and gasp.

The shop is huge, its open space stretching further than I expected. Shelves line both walls, and at the very back, a long counter wraps around the length of the rear wall. If this had been a clothing boutique, I would say there had been racks of clothes in the middle of the room, but now, it’s bare, empty, and calling for something new.

Images flood my mind, vivid and endless as my eyes dart around the space. I see canvases stored behind the counter, supplies displayed on the walls and in the center... My heart stutters, and a wistful feeling builds in my chest. In the center—tables. Long tables where the kids could sit, their laughter echoing through the room, their tears a safe place to fall as they dive into the paints and crafts. This could be so much more than an art supply store, this could be my haven. It could be anyone’s haven. A place where beginners, young and old, could come and discover art.

I step back, searching theFor Salesign for any contact information. The sun hits my eyes, forcing me to raise my arm to block out the brightness. In that moment, my mind stops, and reality crashes over me. My shoulders slump when the realization hits me. I don’t have the money to buy or even rent this place.

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