I walk over to a display of amethyst clusters, their deep purple hues catching my eye. "These are beautiful, Char. I’ve got crystals at home, though. We didn’t need to bother Star.”
"It's all about the energy, Mom. Not sure if you even realize, but all of us can tell that you’re nervous about this trip—not that I knowwhy.”
“Not sure I know why either. It’s just feels?—”
“Big? Huge? A step into the unknown?” Star adds, appearing from behind a beaded curtain separating the shop from the back of the building.
Starchild is one of the most stylish women I know. Today her blonde hair is gathered in two long braids hanging over her shoulders and she’s wearing a purple and white long-sleeved crocheted jumper with a black henley underneath, matched with an ankle-length matching skirt.
“Why is everyone treatin’ this trip like a big event? Wy asked me to go with him and Red to drop him off for his flight to Dutch Harbor.”
“And?” Star pushes.
“Then we're catchin’ up with the rodeo in Ninilchik, going to a few places to look at Bulls for the Stud then movin’ onto Palmer for the last rodeo of the year. "
Halfway during the week, Red came for dinner at the diner and spent the night sitting on a stool at the front while I worked. It was then he asked if I'd be up for extending the trip to include a few stops. 'Let's call it the scenic route,' he said, ‘a road trip we’re both well overdue for.’
“I think it sounds awesome,” Star says. “How long’s it been since you traveled to our beautiful countryside? Years?”
“Decades,” I say, a small smile playing on my lips. “But I’m startin’ to think that y’all are conspirin’ together to make sure I get a vacation out of this trip.”
“Dammit, she’s onto our plan,” Charlie stage whispers to a now giggling Star.
“ I knew it!”
Charlie holds her hands up. “Let it be known that I’m not admittin’ anything. I just know that Wy needin’ a ride to Anchorage just happened to coincide with the end of the rodeo tour and Rhett and the others decided Red could meet with some potential clients and meet with the rodeo owner while he was in the area.”
“And?” I push.
“And, you gettin’ a vacation with your best friend whoalsoneeds a vacation is a bonus,” my darling daughter beams.
Star chuckles. "Looks like the cat's out of the bag now, doesn't it? Don't worry we've got everything sorted here so that you can leave tomorrow and not have to worry about anythin’.”
“I’m startin’ to see that. If all of y’all have put in this much effort to give me a holiday, then who am I to say no.”
“Exactly!” Star replies. “Besides, I have a feelin’ this trip is goin’ to be just what the doctor ordered.”
I gaze around the cozy boutique, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. One thing is for sure. I may not have been lucky in love or romance—my three failed marriages can attest to that—but Ihave been blessed with good friends and family. “I don't know what I did to deserve such thoughtful women in my life."
Charlie wraps an arm around me, squeezing me. "Don't go gettin' all sentimental on us now, Ma."
I bark out a laugh. “No. We can’t havethatnow. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
Star nods in agreement, a knowing glint in her eyes. “I’m sensin’ good things, Mags.Reallygood things.”
Tilting my head, I study Landry’s wife. “You know somethin’, don’t you?”
“No, but I had a feelin’ you might come in and I was thinkin’ we could squeeze in a quick readin’ if you wanted one before you leave?”
I look to Char. “Do you mind?”
“Absolutely not. I’m goin’ to go home and spend some time with my lovely fiancée since I have the night off for once.” She comes up and wraps me up in her arms. “I’ll see you tomorrow mornin’.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
“Have fun you two,” she says as she bids us farewell and leaves the shop.
Star follows behind her, swinging the closed sign around before locking the door and turning back to me.
