Page 24 of Dark Moon Secrets

“I’ll be back to check on you, boss lady.” He winked, spun on his heel, and left.

I sensed this could be the turning point I needed in my life.

Maybe being here at the store, even though it wasn’t what I’d expected or wanted, might be just where I needed to be.

CHAPTER 9

Tanjie

“You keep away from that boy.” Luna’s tone was one of warning.

My heart was beginning to warm to this place even though I didn’t want it to. There could be good reasons for me to stay, starting with getting to know Alaric. Then who knew what else might happen?

Who would’ve thought there was more potential in this opportunity Maria had given me than I’d first realized? I’d completely forgotten about Adam and his caring nature. Alaric screamed fuck me now, and the allure of danger that oozed from him was reeling me in.

Luna shook her head as the bells in the shop clanged with Alaric’s exit.

“Why, he seemed nice enough?” I wanted to add ‘for a bad boy,’ but I didn’t want to annoy Luna further. There was obviously something between the two, something I didn’t understand.

“You’ve got a lot to learn and not a lot of time.”

Clearly, Luna wouldn’t elaborate on why I should keep away from Alaric. I’d let it all slide for now. There were too many questions building up I needed answers to, but if Alaric came with a warning that I should keep away, then I was sure as hell going to ignore it.

“You’re telling me.” I rolled my eyes. “I wouldn’t have a clue how to ring up a sale or how much things in here cost.”

“We better start with the basics then.” Luna’s facial expression and body relaxed.

“Let me guess… this place doesn’t earn enough to employ two people?” I didn’t mean for my comment to sound harsh. I mean, since I’d been here, Luna had opened up late, and there had only been one customer. Not exactly a thriving business, it appeared.

“It does better than you think. And I’m sure with your unique touch, it will be even better.” Luna smiled warmly. She seemed the sort of person who was cheerful most of the time.

“Considering I know fuck all right now, I don’t think so.” That was me being—insert sarcasm—positive. “It would be better to sell now and save us all any future stress.”

“You can’t do that,” Luna snapped.

“Here we go again. If it’s not Maria’s voice, then it’s you telling me I can’t sell this place.”

“Because there are lots of things you don’t know. One of them is how many people rely on this shop, like myself.” Luna moved away from the counter, and I followed her to the back room, where she put the kettle on once more.

Luna and her damn tea were going to drive me nuts. Give me a strong coffee any day.

“You won’t be here anymore, I will be.” I clenched my jaw to stop myself from adding I’d happily change places with her.

“But, sweetie, I will be.” Luna took clean cups from the cupboard under the small sink, then tipped out the old leaves from the pot.

“You will?”

“I’ll check in on you every day.” She ran her finger over the row of tea canisters on the shelf above the sink. “Let’s try something that will clear the mind… a bit of peppermint would do nicely.”

“I’m more of a coffee drinker.” I thought about how much I could do with a coffee right now.

“I won’t hold that against you.” She giggled, spooning some of the tea leaves into a pot. “I’m clairvoyant, and I also read tarot cards. People can book in to see me here on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and, on occasions, Saturday mornings.”

“People really believe in that mumbo-jumbo shit?” I never had time for any of that rubbish.

“Yes, and you will too. Give it time.”

“Doubt it.” I wasn’t trying to be negative, but this was one point no one would shift me on. “I’ve never even had a tarot card reading before.”

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