Page 86 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“No.” I smile sadly, knowing she’s going to give it anyway.
“You’re trying too hard.” Laurel lifts her head higher. “The tarot reading said you’re supposed to focus on the emotions. Have you tried… having fun?”
As if I know how to do that. I could argue with her about the reading, but I don’t have the energy.
“You’re right.” I shrug. “I can try that.”
But it’s not a solution, and we know it.
The meeting ends, and I’m as confused as I was before.
Chapter 19
Ozan
Vanessa shouldn’t bein my shop, and she definitely shouldn’t be here alone.
I’m still processing my night with Juniper. That’s what I want to focus on.
It was my first time with someone else, and it was perfect… until I woke up alone. I haven’t had the heart to confront her about it.
It was different when Juniper was the one pursuing me and claiming she hated me. It’s only been a day, but I can’t fight the feeling that she wants nothing to do with me. She doesn’t come to the shop, she doesn’t text, she doesn’t give me anything.
If Juniper wants to be left alone, I can do that. It’s easier.
Vanessa’s reappearance reminds me why I don’t want to open up to love again.
“Why are you still here?” I ask.
“What? Maine is commonly known as vacationland. Am I not allowed to take a vacation?”
I would rather hernotvacation in my home state, but what can I do about it?
“No one calls it that.” I grunt and move back behind the counter. “Where’s Otis?”
“He’s not here,” she says.
“Then why are you?”
Her expression softens. “I want to talk to you. I didn’t realize that wasn’t allowed.”
“Go ahead. Talk.”
I have nothing to say to her. Vanessa should already have closure around our relationship. She was the one who leftme.
“I’ve been thinking about you.” The words come out so soft I almost don’t hear them.
I wish I didn’t have to. Some people may hope for their ex to return and confess their love, but I’m not one of them. I’m not even the type to get pleasure from rubbing it in her face or rejecting her.
This is just uncomfortable.
My eyes narrow. “What did you say?” I hope I’m hearing her wrong.
“I said I’ve been thinking about us.”
“Whatabout us?”
She takes a step closer. “Where did we go wrong?”
