“Maybe I am getting old.” With a quick glance at my watch, I groaned. “Okay. Our late lunch has been fun, but I need to get going. I have a million errands to run today.” As soon as I yanked out my wallet, she waved her hand.
“My treat. You need to take more days off or hire more help.”
“I can’t take time off and even hiring costs precious time. Business has been phenomenal.” What a shock my little idea about a serene location where you could soothe your soul, enjoy a glass of wine or herbal tea while reading a sexy little novel, and purchase everything from fabulous local art to suncatchers would take off. Yes, I was eclectic, and had been told my businesswould never work, but even when it wasn’t officially tourist season, people came from several towns away to shop at my little store.
And all because of a grant.
“I’m thrilled for you, but you can’t work all the time. You need time to… play.” I’ll be damned if she didn’t suck on her straw again.
“You’re incorrigible. Chat later. Don’t get into any trouble.”
“Ha. And don’t forget the bridal shower tomorrow night. Zoe is counting on you.”
I’d forgotten all about the festive event I wanted no part of. “You do remember what day tomorrow is. Right?”
“Yeah, a bridal shower for one of our best friends.”
A strange, cold shiver drifted down my spine, a pulse of energy that caused fear to creep into my system. I’d refused to allow that to happen for well over a year.
Bekka’s smile faded. “Oh, shit. I didn’t put two and two together. I can make an excuse if you want. There’s no need to put yourself through a volley of horrible memories.”
Sighing, I tried to think of anything decent I could say to Zoe. She’d found one of the good ones, a firefighter with a heart of gold. In my eyes, he was a true hero whereas I doubted I’d ever be able to say that about another man in my life. “No, that’s not necessary. I’ll come.”
“It might be fun. Remember it’s at the Wildwood Bar.”
I groaned openly. “I hate that place. Who in their right mind actually rides the mechanical bull any longer? That was like from the eighties.”
She shrugged. “Hey, it’s making a comeback. We need to get Zoe drunk enough and dare her to ride it.”
At least my bestie could make me laugh. “Mmmm… Okay, that I’d like to see.” Especially since Zoe was the straight as an arrow friend where both Bekka and I were misplaced gypsies.
Or witches. Depending on the moment.
Or the curse.
Maybe meeting a handsome, mysterious stranger would alter my bleak outlook on the world.
But hot sex?
My body tingled from the thought.
CHAPTER 4
Fleur
A strange feeling swept over me as I headed for the door, an unusual tingling sensation. I’d experienced them all my life, tiny premonitions or catching the strong emotions of someone that I didn’t even know. I’d been called an empath, a gift I’d tried to ignore.
Just as I stepped outside, my phone rang. My assistant manager never called unless there was an issue. “Hey, Ashley. What’s up?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but the shipment didn’t come in for the suncatchers.”
Groaning, I struggled to grab my keys, forced to use both hands, which meant shoving the phone under the crook of my neck. “Did you call the manufacturer?”
“Yep. Something about being trapped in customs.”
“Geez.” My hiss was angry enough the sound brought a gasp from the couple walking in. “Sorry.” Laughing, I still couldn’t grab my keys. I finally glanced into my huge bag, furious with myself for carrying half my life’s precious possessions with me.
“Are you okay?” Ashley asked.
