Page 18 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“I think so, too.”
Everything happens for a reason—or at least, most things do. I lost my job at just the right time. Now, I can throw everything I have into the apothecary.
Chapter 5
Ozan
The restof the day passes in a blur. I don’t get a break until an hour before closing, which gives me just enough time to tidy up for the day. Running an operation alone is different than being one piece of a giant puzzle.
A cocky, naïve part of me expected this to be easier, but it’s not. Between bumping into familiar faces, answering their questions, and running around to meet the needs of my customers…
I’m exhausted at the end of the day. It’s a pleasant kind of exhaustion, one that comes from success. The shop being busy is a positive omen for the future. That doesn’t keep my feet and back from aching. I can’t wait to go to my little apartment, crack open a beer, and sleep.
Tomorrow, I will repeat it all.
The chimes on the door hit my ear just when I’m about to close shop for the night. It’s one hour before closing. I thought I could shut down early, but that’s not an option, is it? Witches need their supplies.
I force a tired smile as I lift my head to greet them. My expression relaxes when I see who it is. Antoni is an oldfriend from high school. He’s not a witch, but that’s fine—our goods can be helpful for everyone. There are even some humans who use our herbs for floorwash.
I have a feeling he isn’t here for the herbs, though. If I know Antoni at all—and I do—he’s here for gossip. I’ve never been good at that.
“I heard you were back.” He leans on the alchemist’s table, his large palms splaying on the wood. “Why didn’t I hear it from you, huh? Last I heard, we’re friends on the gram.”
“I deactivated mine—and you changed your number, didn’t you?”
There were too many pictures of Vanessa to delete, and I didn’t have the heart to go through them all. Disappearing from social media felt easier.
“Guilty,” he says. “That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“Sorry.” I let out a lighthearted laugh. “I didn’t tell anyone I was coming, but… it’s good to see you, man.”
“Right back at you.” He looks around, scanning the shelves of books and herbs. “Well, shit. The old pharmacy has never looked better. Does this mean you’re back for good?”
“I guess it does…”
He squints. “Is your wife here with you?”
I tense. “No. We’re…” I hate having to explain this. It’s why I left Boston. There are fewer people to be attached to us as a couple. But people in small towns are nosy.
“Got it,” he says. “Say no more.”
“Thanks.”
Antoni will spread the word around town for me. It’s a blessing, in a way. At least he’s not expecting me to put itinto words. I’m not in denial—not anymore—but it still isn’t something I enjoy talking about.
“Went through one of those myself.” He wiggles his fingers, displaying his lack of a ring. “Sometimes it doesn’t work out, yeah?”
“Yeah…” And sometimes they don’t work out because the love of your life leaves you for your best friend. I know better than to tell Antoni about that. “I didn’t even know you were married.”
“It was a private affair.”
“You? Private? I can’t imagine that.”
“Nah, but the guy I was with… well, enough about that,” Antoni says. “This is about you. I’m proud of you. Starbrook needs this.”
“Not everyone has been as happy.”
There was only one person displeased by the shop. Juniper. I can’t wrap my head around her reasons for being upset. Sure, her family ran the last apothecary, but mine isn’t a slight against her.
