Page 9 of One More Round

"OK. First of all, it's not a scam. Well, sometimes it might be, but the place we are going to is known for having legit readers. And second, is it really a waste of money if the three of us get some quality girl time and have some fun and laughs?"

She has a point, it could be a good idea to just make fun of it all. They can both tell I'm about to give in, and Morgan throws an arm around me. Ruby just smirks again.

"Fine. I guess you’re right. But don't expect me to believeanythingout of her mouth."

Ruby claps her hands together as she jumps out of the chair.

"Well, we've gotta be there in like thirty minutes, so let's get this show on the road!"

~~~

Crossing the street, the first thing I notice is the scent of patchouli and lavender. I don't mind the smell, but I'm immediately aware that we are about to be engulfed in a cloud of hippie fragrances. There are a couple of clothes racks placed outside near the doors. The signs placed above the circular racks read "Sidewalk Sale." I hear Ruby comment about loving a good sale and I smile to myself because this clothing is nowhere close to her style.

Like walking into a fog, the clarity of air changes as we step foot into the store. They must be pumping the patchouli through the vents, while the smooth, relaxing voice of Nora Jones plays softly through the speakers. I push my sunglasses to my head and take in the darkly lit storefront.

"I'll go check us in," Ruby says to us as Morgan browses through a collection of handbags. I lean in toward Morgan.

"Are we really doing this?" I whisper.

"Yes. It will be fun," she chuckles at me.

"Hmm-kay. If you say so. I feel like I should be hugging a tree right now." She jabs my ribs with her elbow.

"Stereotyping much?" she tsks.

I laugh and move on toward the jewelry.

"OK, it's going to be about five minutes," Ruby lets me know as she checks out the same triangular earrings I'm looking at.

"Oh, those remind me of Link."

"I'm sorry, what? How do earrings remind you of Link?" I ask, dumbfounded.

"No, not that Link. Link as in Link fromZelda," she giggles at me.

I just stare at her. She sighs back at me.

"The Legend of Zelda? It looks like the Triforce symbol, only one of the most important aspects of theZeldauniverse."

"Oh, OK. Because most people know that," I say, blinking slowly.

"Ooh, what are we looking at?" Morgan leans in over my shoulder to see the earrings I'm holding.

"Apparently, these earrings remind Rube of Link," I say, trying to stay serious. Ruby rolls her green eyes as Morgan gives us a sweet-as-honey smile.

"Aww, you’re thinking about Link? I can't really picture him wearing these though."

I can't help but snort. And Morgan just looks on with innocence.

"Oh my God," Ruby huffs.

Whatever she is about to say next is cut off by her name being called from the back of the store.

"Ah, saved by the bell," I mutter. She shoots a glare at me as she turns and beckons us to follow her.

Ugh, here we go.

Chapter Seven

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