We explore the store while we wait.
Along the wall opposite the bar, minerals are displayed on glass shelves with small descriptions of the glittering rocks. To the right is a display case full of stacked baskets filled with smaller stones of varying shapes. Each one is smooth and easily held in your hand. On top of the case is handmade jewelry.
“Claire! Everett!” a woman says as she walks toward us.
Shit, what is her name? Carrie? Kim?
“Hi, Cami,” Claire says as the stranger wraps her in a warm hug, and she awkwardly returns it.
“Don’t tell me you two are finally interested in my crystals.”
“Oh, we were just waiting on our drinks,” I explain.
She hums to herself but doesn’t walk away.
Perusing the smaller crystals, Claire picks up an ocean-colored stone.
“Actually, what’s this one called?” she asks, smoothing her thumb over the surface.
“That one is a blue apatite crystal.”
“It’s pretty. What does it do?”
“Oh, apatite is a powerful stone. It can help you communicate truths, and some believe it can even help you manifest your deepest desires.”
Claire abruptly throws the stone back into the basket she pulled it from and then glances over at me.
“Isthat so?” she asks.
Cami hums again. “You should get one. Apatite is a good choice, but if I were you, citrine might be better suited for you two.” She plucks a reddish-orange stone from one of the baskets.
“What does it do?” I ask.
“It helps with sorting through complex problems and with making decisions.”
Like figuring out how to get home?
“And why would we need help with that?” Claire asks, no doubt having the same thought I’m having.
Does she know we aren’t from here? Ginger didn’t seem to, and neither did the girls texting Claire, but maybe…
“The Christmas Extravaganza competition of course.” A wide smile breaks across her face. “It’s a tough competition and a long day. I saw the look on your face when Stella announced you two as the king and queen. It seemed like you two could use all the help you can get.” She puts out her arm, handing Claire the small stone. “You should take one home on me. Think of it as a good luck charm.”
“Oh, we couldn’t,” she says, not taking the stone.
“Why not?”
Claire hesitates, peering over to me.
“Uh, Stella asked us not to accept gifts,” I interject. “Something about bribing the judges.”
Claire offers me a thankful smile and then plays with the silver chain around her neck. “Yeah, she’s being really strict.”
“Well you know what Stella doesn’t know won’t hurt her, but I understand.” She places the stone back where she retrieved it. “They’ll be here if you change your mind. You’d be surprised what can happen when you give into the magic.”
Give into the magic.Isn’t that what Stella said?
I open my mouth to question her, but she’s already walking away.
