Internally groaning, I type back.
Work?
Yeah.But, believe it or not, I am headed to Tokyo.So Carter and I will get to see each other.
Well, that makes me happy!
I am mailing your gift, so be on the lookout.
Both of my sons live in Boston, working jobs that regularly send them out of the country.Carter is in Japan until February, so even though I am bummed I will be childless during my favorite time of year, I’m happy they'll be together.
“Who are you texting?Someone cute, I hope.”
Turning, I find my other good friend and coven sister, Althea, standing at my table.
“Ha, I wish.No, just Max.”
My friend makes a face and says, “You wish?I thought you had been getting out there lately?”
“I mean, yeah, sort of.But no one special has appeared yet.”I say, shrugging my shoulders, “I’m not in a rush.And, anyway, I’m entering my crone years now, aren’t I.Maybe that phase of my life is ending, you know?”
Althea snorts, wagging her finger at me.
“Crones can get freaky.”When I laugh, she adds, “And crones can fall in love.You, my dear, are a wicked sexy-as-fuck almost-crone, so don’t sell yourself short!”
Before I respond, Ursula looks up from setting up her chair.
“She’s right, you know, Ophelia.Don’t sell yourself short.”
Putting my hands up in surrender, I laugh and get back to working on my pop-up shop.A little while later, Cyrus comes over and says, in his usual gruff manner, “Ophelia, we are ready for you to boss us around.”
“You mean take the lead,” Althea retorts, rolling her eyes.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
The nightbefore the Winter Solstice, I pour myself a healthy glass of Beaujolais and sink into my couch.The fire warms my feet as I rest them on my coffee table and I take several big sips.Setting up for the Yule Festival this week has been draining, but I know tomorrow will be worth it.This event is always my biggest one of the year and typically pays my bills for several months.People come far and wide to attend it.Not only are we on picturesque Cape Cod, but the Town of Sea Glass is one of the top paranormal safe-havens on the east coast.Paranormal folk from all over travel to us to celebrate Yule and shop for the holidays.
Cracking open the latest Drayce Scriver novel I am reading, I chill in front of the fire, wineglass in hand, and get lost for several chapters.I don’t tear myself away until the cuckoo clock in my hallway announces it's midnight.Tomorrow is a big day and I better go to bed.
Waking up to my alarm, with a foggy head from red wine and not enough sleep, I stretch under my heavy quilt.An interesting feeling washes over me as I move my limbs.Today is going to be a special day.
I can feel it in my gut.
3
Straton
Like a fool, I have been standing outside of Merla’s psychic shop for a full ten minutes.I’m not sure why I haven’t gone inside yet, but my feet are refusing to leave their spot.A bell jingles to my right and I look over to see a woman with white hair locking up the door of her storefront.She turns, catching my eye, and smiles.
The woman walks down the steps toward me, not breaking eye contact.
“Hi there.Are you here to see Merla?”
“Um, yeah, I guess so.Uh,” I stammer out.
“I’ll walk in with you.She’s my wife.”
“Oh.But I see you just closed up.Is it closing time for her as well?”
