“Everett. Claire. I’ve got those drinks,” Joe calls from behind the counter, holding up two paper cups and then setting them down for us.
“How much do I owe you?” I ask, walking over.
“Ten,” he says, tapping on the cash register.
Reaching into my coat pocket, I pull out my leather wallet and freeze when I see my niece’s drawing. If I could ever use the luck this little flower could bring, it’s now.
“You good?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah,” I say, handing him the debit card.
“I swear Cami is going to get you to buy into her crystals one of these days.” He chuckles, swiping the little pink card and handing it back.
“I don’t know about that.”
“My wife can be very persuasive. Receipt?”
“No, we’re good. Thanks, man.”
I grab the drinks and turn to find Claire already waiting for me by the door.
Chapter 23: Oh…No…Poison
Claire
“How much money do you think is in that account at the Sugarplum Park Bank?” I ask as Everett holds the door open and we walk back outside.
He shrugs. “Hopefully enough to get us through our time here,” he says, chuckling. “Did you hear Cami say ‘Give into the magic’?”
“I did.”
“Stella said the same thing.”
“I know…I just have no idea what it means.”
“Me either.” He looks around the street at each of the stores. “Where do you want to start?”
“I don’t think it matters,” I say, looking around. “Maybe the bookstore?”
“Okay,” he agrees.
We begin to cross the street toward The Book Rack.
“You know? I don’t have any idea what drinks he gave me,” he says.
“Me either. You think we should be afraid or excited?” I giggle as we walk.
“I’m not sure. If we were still in New York, what would be in your cup?”
“I’m a sucker for whatever seasonal drink is on the menu, but my usual is a brown sugar latte with oatmilk.”
“Why? Are you lactose intolerant?” he asks.
“No, I just like the way oatmilk tastes. What’s your go-to drink?”
“What do you think it is?”
“A cappuccino,” I guess.
