I sit bolt upright and scrub my face, slapping my cheek a few times for good measure. “You ain’t shavin’ my eyebrows again.”
That gets him laughing. “Good. Cause I wasn’t goin’ to. Was thinkin’ I’d just put you in the barn covered with hay and see what happens.”
‘Dee better come back soon,” I mutter under my breath. “You’re a hell of a lot nicer when she’s around.”
Toby’s still laughing by the time we get home. That’s not to say he hasn’t given me a hell of a lot to think about. And isn’tthatironic given that it wasmewho draggedhiminto town in the first place.
5
CHARLIE
Having finished my first week at the hospital, I decide to head to Main Street and pop into the bookstore to see Dad before popping downstairs for an early dinner with Mom.
As I walk past the grocery store and the post office, my eyes catch on a window frontage with a bunch of pretty crystals hanging in it. The name ‘Happy Auras’ is painted in a gorgeous silver script on the glass and there’s a calming scent of incense coming across the street at me that reminds me of a gypsy market I visited in Portugal.
I spent so much time there that day, visiting every stall and talking in broken Portuguese to all the stall owners. But as well as all the handmade cotton goods, pottery, footwear, and fresh produce, there was a palm reader there. She sold the most exquisite incense and aromatherapy oils, just like what I can smell now.
Taking a little detour, I cross the street and step inside the shop, a bell tinkling over the door as I do. A sense of calm washes overme once I’m inside, one that's even more powerful than how I felt when I arrived back in town a week ago.
The shop is filled with an array of colorful crystals, delicate wind chimes, and shelves lined with bottles of essential oils. There are also racks of bright tie-dyed shirts and dresses. The soothing smell of lavender and patchouli fills the air, combining with a soft melody of mood music playing in the background, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
I'm browsing through the different products, running my fingers over the smooth surface of a rose quartz crystal when I hear animated voices getting louder. Moments later, two women walk through a doorway behind the counter.
"I'm not goin' topracticewrappin’ presents, Aunt Frankie. I alreadyknowhow to wrap. And decorate...andcook."
"I just want you to be prepared for the Christmas Cup challenges. You and Toby are representin' Spring Haven, and your Gramma is determined that we at least reach the finals so that we can turn Main Street into a winter wonderland."Toby? As in Toby Graham?
"Hey, there. Welcome to Happy Auras," a beautiful brunette greets me with a bright smile and warm hazel eyes. She's wearing a blue and yellow tie-dyed dress covered by a thick white cardigan over top. "I'm Starchild and this is--"
I grin at the older woman standing beside her. "Miss Frances?" I quickly make my way toward the back of the shop where one of my favorite teachers stares at me.
"Oh my goodness, Charlotte Gallagher, as I live and breathe. Come here, child, and give this old lady a hug," Miss Frances says, wrapping me tightly in her arms as I do the same.
When she lets me go, I take a step back and she roams her eyes over me. "It's so good to see you again."
"Miss Frances! What are you doing here?" I reply excitedly.
Starchild, who has been watching us with a curious grin on her face, pipes in. "You two obviously know each other?"
"Oh yes, Charlotte was one of my brightest students. Always askin’ questions and eager to learn." I blush at the compliment, feeling a pang of nostalgia for my school days. "What's it been? Ten, no...fifteenyears? And from what I hear, you're now a doctor?"
"Sure am. I've just started at the hospital as an Obstetrician, but I also cover for other areas when needed."
"That's wonderful," she replies, her smile softening. "Always knew you were destined for big things. You were too smart for this little town back then. I'm glad you got to spread your wings and soar, Charlotte. I never had any doubt."
"I am too," I reply, feeling warm and gooey. “I guess it’s just a bit of an adjustment bein’ back home.”
"I bet it is. And your parents are so proud of you. Every time you graduated and moved on to a new job, your Ma would be tellin’ all and sundry about it.”
My cheeks heat as I snicker. "She's good like that."
"Sheis. Now I'll just leave you two ladies to it. I've got dinner at your Gramma's house, Star, and you know she hates it if any of us Sunday School Sallys are late."
I frown. "Sunday School Sallys?"
"That's Aunt Frankie and my grandmother's group of friends. The others are Aggie and Dorothy. I can't remember who came up with the name, but they liked it and now that’s what they call themselves.”
“It’s very cute,” I reply. “Don’t let me keep you then. I just got a whiff across the street of the amazing incense in here and wanted to come check it out. Then I kind of got distracted by the crystals.”
