Page 56 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“No…” She lifts a shoulder. “This is good. I like this.”
Her words bring me back to reality. Of course, Juniper doesn’t want to kiss me. I don’t mind. We’re holding hands, no matter the circumstances.
I like it, too.
Chapter 13
Juniper
I don’t carewhat he says—Iwillfind a way to repay him. If we’re neighbors, helping each other has to go both ways.
My days are warm now that the shop isn’t going through an early winter. I could have figured it out without Ozan’s help, but there’s no denying having him around was convenient. Ozan fixed the situation faster than I could have figured it out. It’s only natural for me to brew him a potion in thanks.
The Bliss Potion isn’t one I make often. I’ve made it two times in the past. One was for an intimate night with a partner, and the other was for a college party with friends. It would be a strange gift for most, but a witch will know to be grateful.
The potion uses stardust, golden flakes, and fresh fairy-grown vanilla—all expensive ingredients, and for good reason. They’re strong. You can look at the name to see the results. It enhances joy, bliss… and fun. All types of fun.
Maybe he’ll use it. Perhaps he’ll sell it, considering how terrible he is at brewing potions. He used his magic to keepme warm, and I’ll use mine in return. It’s none of my businesswhathe does with it.
This is about getting myself out of debt, and it isn’t any more profound than that. I simply cannot fathom being in debt to Ozan.
I brew enough for three bottles—two for my apothecary and one for Ozan.
“I’m going to lunch.” I don’t look at Maple as I hide the bottle in my bag.
Maple looks up from her place behind the counter. “What are you making? Smells yummy!”
“Bliss potion. If you’re in a better mood this afternoon, that’s why.”
Inhaling it shouldn’t give anyone a full effect, but it lifts the energy of the place the same way any simmer pot would. There are certain potions I have to wait until after close to make for this exact reason.
Maple looks at me with a radiant smile and nods her adorable head.
I’m in an elevated mood, too, but that doesn’t keep me from barging into his apothecary in my usual fashion. It’s two in the afternoon on a Wednesday. This is a dead hour—I know from experience—and for once, he doesn’t disappoint.
Ozan and his black cat are the only ones present. The shop is otherwise peaceful. Perfect.
He lifts his head, and when our eyes meet, he no longer looks shocked to see me. It’s as if he’s been expecting me.
OZAN
I’ve never seen Juniper look so mischievous. She wears a bright smile as she marches into my shop, looking like a woman on a mission.
I point at the ‘gone to lunch’sign on the door. She either missed it or didn’t care. This isn’t the first time a customer has ignored the sign in favor of their agenda.
Whatisher agenda? My curiosity keeps me from actually kicking her out.
“I’m having my lunch break,” I say.
Not that I expect her to leave—or that I want her to.
“I am, too.”
“Then what are you doing here? You didn’t bring lunch, and I am not sharing my sandwich.”
She places a heavy, glass, heart-shaped bottle on my desk. It sparkles with a pink sheen. A glimpse of the potion makes my insides twist, and my heart grows warm. I rub my chest absentmindedly.
“I have your payment.” Her smile grows.
