Page 41 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“Because you are ridiculously obvious,” I say.
“I was being so nice!”
“But you weren’t acting like a normal customer. You were way too flustered about that book.”
“I wasn’t?—”
Admitting I knew it was her before even seeing the book is not an option—and not something I can put into words. I barely know her. We weren’t even close in our younger years, but…
Her mannerisms are ingrained in my mind. I know how she puts her hands on her plush hips and how she squints whenever she looks at me. More than anything, her adorable, round, pink cheeks give her away.
“Youwereflustered,” I say. “I would have thought you hadn’t heard of sex magic before, with how nervous you were.”
“I’m done with this conversation.”
“That’s fine. You started it. I guess you can end it.”
“You are so immature!” She groans. “You’re still the same person you were when we were young. This is why I can’t stand you.”
“Then why do you keep coming back?” I lift a brow.
It’s not my intention, but the words silence her. Her lips part, and she blinks, her chest heaving as moments pass.
“I’m trying to figure out what you’re doing right,” she says.
“And? What is it?”
“I don’t know. It looks like dumb luck to me.”
“You’re right. Keep coming around; some of my luck might rub off on you.”
I haven’t felt lucky in a long time. Before I came to Starbrook, my life took a turn toward misfortune. I don’t know if that’s still the case, but I no longer care about living a fabulous, lucky life.
I want to find little pockets of happiness. That’s what my life is now.
Seeing Juniper throw her hands in the air and turn away doesn’t make me happy, but it gives me a chuckle.
“I’m not coming back!” she yells.
Heads turn in her direction.
“Aw, why not? I’ll miss you!”
The chimes on the door jingle as she takes her leave.
I don’t know why or how, but thisiscloser to happiness. I’m smiling long after she’s gone.
Chapter 10
Ozan
The town issmall enough that, of course, I’ll run into her. It’s inevitable. She doesn’t visit my shop for a few days, but we can’t avoid each other for long.
There’s one grocery store in Starbrook. The Greenes, a family of witches, own it. They’re good people.
It’s nice to be back to what I know. When I was young, I scraped up all my coins to buy candy bars here. Mr. Greene never made me feel bad for paying in dimes. Things have changed now. I walk through the aisles on a mission and with a list. No more candy hauls.
Beans. Carrots. Potatoes. It’s the perfect time of year to make a nice stew.
