Page 52 of Bewitched & Bewildered
I can’t imagine Juniper asking for anyone’s help, much less mine.
“You need to hurry!” she says. “She’sfreezing. The longer you wait, the angrier she’ll be.”
Juniper definitely doesn’t want my help. So, why is it that when Laurel talks about herfreezing, I fight the urge to run to her rescue? I’m unqualified for the position. I’m no repairman, but minor fixes around my apothecary gave me some practice.
“Isn’t she always angry?” I smile wryly.
Her eyes widen. “You’re wasting time asking questions?”
I have more questions than the ones I’m asking—mainly, what kind of heating do they have? Is it oil, or electric, or…
Maybe Laurel isn’t the best person to ask.
“Are you sure she asked for me?” My eyes narrow.
I try to be a trusting guy, but the innocent way Laurel looks at me says she’s plotting something.
“I’m positive. Shewantsto see you. She needs you.”
Even though I can’t trust her—she may be working some kind of younger sister magic I’m not privy to—my stomach flips.
Juniper needs me?
It doesn’t take much to convince me to close the shop down, grab my toolbox, and run to the Hawthorne Apothecary.
Juniper looks at me with wide eyes, and within seconds, I realize she isnotexpecting me to show up. It seems she doesn’t need me after all.
I set my toolbox on the floor.
“Laurel told me to come,” I say.
“I figured.”
The room is chilly. It’s not terrible, but I know it won’t benefit her potions.
“Didn’t want to wait around for a repairperson?” I guess.
“Exactly.” She comes out with crossed arms, looking me up and down. “Can you help me or not?”
“I can try. Do you have any idea what’s wrong with it?”
“Nope.”
“No weird noises? Was it working when you arrived?”
“I don’t...” She looks up at the ceiling. “…think so. It was cold when I came. I tried to turn the heating up, but that didn’t help.”
“And is it gas or electric?”
“Electric.” She looks thoughtful for a moment and nods. “Definitely electric.”
“Then I guess it can’t be the obvious…”
“What wouldthe obviousbe?”
“That you ran out of gas without realizing.”
Her jaw drops. “You think I’m stupid?”
