Page 87 of As They Are
“She’s a fiend for these things. It’s almost like she owns a strawberry farm and loves it.”
“I’ve never seen her so happy,” I replied.
“Then we’re doing something right. Let me go grab those candles while you look around. Be right back.”
She darted to the back and I let my eyes linger over the shop. There was a bit of everything from crystals to candles. I never burned candles at my place, mostly because I was never there long enough in between work to enjoy it.
“I need to get the linen one,” Henry said. “I burned through all of mine reading the other night.”
“Oh!” I nearly ran over. “I’ll?—”
“Don’t even try,” he said. “I’ll buy my own candle and whatever you want, thank you very much.”
My mouth snapped closed. Apparently, I’d listen only to him when he pulled out that tone.
Jade walked back in, two candles in hand, and went right to the register. “You know, from one woman to another, if a guy wants to buy things for you, let him.”
I couldn’t say that I owed him, not without inviting questions from Jade, so I put up my hands. “Fine. I’ll let this happen.”
“Thank you, Wren.”
Henry grabbed the candle he wanted while I continued to look around. When I made my way to the crystals, I asked, “Do you have anything for filming a show and trying not to kill your costar?”
“Unfortunately, no,” Jade replied. “Though, thereisone you might like.” She grabbed a purple stone. “Amethyst for inner peace.”
“I’m not great at being peaceful.”
“It alsolookscool,” she said.
The smooth stone was cold in my hand. “Now that I agree with.” I flipped it over. “What else does it mean?
“Healing, clarity, and manifesting love, though I get the idea you’re pretty good with all of that stuff. I mean, you bagged Henry, and you’re a badass.” She said it with a flick of her hand, like it was obvious.
But I didn’t always feel that way. I didn’t want to think about all of the things I needed healing from. At least not emotionally. “You know what? I’ll get it. If it only heals my sore muscles.”
“You’re sore?” Henry asked.
“A little, but I’m good.”
“I could?—”
“I spent all day resting,” I replied. “I’mfine.”
His lips pursed, and I knew wandering around in the heat wasn’t technically restful. I walked over to the register with Jade. She excitedly told us both about all of the new things coming in since her customer base had grown, and I focused on that while I put the crystal in my pocket.
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Henry asked when we walked out. “You shouldn’t overwork yourself.”
“I promise I’m fine,” I replied. “You made sure I got time off.”
Henry shook his head. “They ask for way too much.”
They did. Even I knew that. “I could always go for another massage. Your house isn’t too far from here, right?”
His face fell. “I can’t.”
It was all he said. He didn’t owe me an explanation. I knew that.
But I wanted to knowhim.
