“Our Lu certainly does that.”
Our Lu?
“I’m still right here, you know,” I reminded the two of them before they went any further.
“Don’t mind her. You know, I have a crystal somewhere around here that could probably help with some healing,” Faith said immediately. “I think I have one on me actually.”
“Of course you do,” I said dully as I tried to step forward and stop whatever insanity was happening in front of me as Faith dug through her oddly deep pockets.
Immediately, in the palm of her hand, she produced a smooth piece of lapis lazuli. It was a powerful stone, helping to relieve inflammation as well as anger or negative thoughts.
“Take this one too.” She plucked out rose quartz from the other side of her trousers. “You look like you might need it.”
Faith met my burning glare.
What was with these women and their passive-aggressive crystal pushing, laced with not-so-hidden meaning? First Celeste, who honestly couldn’t care less about the celestial witchcraft practice most days, and now Faith?
Ryan beamed down at the smooth stones in appreciation and awe. He carefully pocketed them. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. Soon, I’m sure, Luella will have you lathered in her tonics as well.”
“Tonics?” asked Ryan, intrigued.
“Why else do you think she always smells like herbs?”
“Because only strange people who invade others’ space take it upon themselves to smell them, Faith,” I insisted. My latest concoction included a mixture of hyacinth and lemon balm, mixed with water and a light oil, like any perfume. Mine, however, was handmade and specifically formulated for one reason specifically other than smelling good.
I resisted the urge to lean down and see if its aroma was really that potent.
“You should come to our meeting tomorrow. Big holiday, you know.”
“I didn’t know,” said Ryan, glancing toward me.
Once again, I turned to make sure Faith saw my displeasure.
“It’s the equinox. First day of fall.” I quickly filled him in.
“You didn’t invite him?”
“Faith,” I warned.
“What? It’s not overstepping,” she insisted. “He should absolutely come if he’d like. Brenson will be there, I think. So, he won’t be the only boy. It isn’t like we plan on doing some necromancy and raising the dead tomorrow.”
Ryan’s eyes widened.
Faith grinned wickedly at his reaction. “We should save that for Samhain. Need to gather the supplies. Sage, charcoal, the necessary sacrificial virgin.”
I rolled my eyes.
After another pause, Ryan chuckled, as if he finally was getting the joke.
“Don’t mind her. She’s not very funny,” I assured him.
He shrugged. “She’s kind of funny.”
“Why, thank you. Ryan, was it?”
Ryan raised his eyebrows toward me, the picture of delight toward this entire exchange. “You’ve really been talking about me, Lu?”
