Page 109 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“From a business perspective, I like that idea.” Rowan pushes her glasses up her nose. “Customers were comparing our business to mom’s. You were, as well. That made it hard to grow, and the competition made it difficult, too.” She spares Ozan a glance.
“He won’t be our competition anymore,” I say.
Maple tilts her head to the side. “What did you have in mind?”
“Be open-minded,” I say.
No one speaks. They’re all waiting for me, but I’m twisting with embarrassment. Since when have I been bashful?
“It’s not that crazy…” Ozan chuckles. “Just tell them, baby.”
Now, I have another reason to blush. I don’t dare look at Laurel.
“It’s… well, I want to open a bar.” My lips press into a tight line.
The silence continues. Their expressions are neutral as they wait for me to say more.
Aside from Laurel. Her eyes light up, and she bounces in her seat, clearly wanting to say something.
“Not an ordinary bar,” I say. “We don’t have any good bars here—not really—so I want it to be that. A place for people to hang out and have a good drink. I have experience working in bars… and I always wanted to try bartending…”
“We’ll have to get licenses,” Rowan says.
“I know.” I nod adamantly. “It won’t be a fast change. I don’t need it to be. It’s going to take a lot of renovations.”
“What makes it so different from a typical bar?” Maple asks.
“I want to sell my potions and make magical drinks for people who want them.” I let out a slow, shaking breath. “We’ll still sell the usual alcohol, of course. Cocktails, beer, wine…”
“Selling potions will requireanotherpermit,” Rowan says. “That’s why this business model is rare.”
“I know,” I say, “but we already have it for the shop. It won’t be hard to get it transferred over.”
It was Ozan’s idea, but I’ve already enhanced it over the last few hours. I was thinking of the hot chocolate I made for us, which sealed the deal.
Sure, I can make the usual potions, but I can also make charmed drinks.
To my surprise, Rowan looks impressed. Her lips turn down, and she lifts her brows, nodding. “There’s nothing like that in Starbrook. Hell, in all of Maine…”
“I know,” I say. “Which means there may not be a market for it, but… I want to do it anyway.”
Rowan turns her attention to Ozan. “You would still be our competition.”
He shakes his head. “I’m done selling potions. I’ll direct them to you from now on.”
Rowan’s eyes narrow. “Why would you do that?”
“Because,” he says, “potions aren’t my passion. They’re Juniper’s.”
The attention turns to me, and I look down at my lap, fighting off a smile. I’ve been in relationships before. Some of them were good; others were a mess. No one made me feel so supported and so seen.
He and I aren’t together yet—I don’t think—and he’s already the best partner I’ve had.
“I, for one,lovethe idea.” Laurel finally speaks, and she’s gushing. “You’re right. It’s so hard to find a good place to drink here. Do you know how much I’m paying for a ride home from Waterville? Too much. And the house parties? I’m sick of them.”
I look up. “I’m glad you approve.”
Maple watches me intently—in a way she rarely does. She bites at the inside of her cheek.
