“You want to marry Creeper?” I cocked an eyebrow.
“If he ever asks.”
We walked to the next store and they tried on shoes while I sat on a bench.I could use a new pair of sneakers.
Some day I’d be able to afford shopping just for fun.
“Desiderio should want to spoil you.” Catrine clicked her tongue. “You’re his girl.”
“He bought me a message recorder.” Why was I becoming so defensive of Desi?
“How… functional.” Birdie smirked. I wanted to comment how the only reason their men could afford to spoil them was because of the shady dealings I’d heard about, but I kept my mouth shut. I couldn’t talk. Desi’s crimes were far worse than selling some teenagers a little weed.
I continued to window shop while my friends collected more boxes and bags. We stopped at the food court. We ordered Chinese and took a moment to rest.
“Where should we go next? I still have money, and Julio told me not to come home until it was gone,” Catrine said.
“Is there anywhere you want to go?” Birdie asked me.
“Not really.” I started to shake my head but then I recalled a store we passed by on the way to get lunch. “Oh wait, I want to check out that store with the stars and all the purple curtains.”
“With the fortune teller?” Catrine flinched away. “Why?”
Birdie crossed herself. “You can go in alone.”
“It’s nothing bad. Desiderio likes that kind of stuff. It’s interesting.”
They shook their heads fervently.
“You go. We’ll meet at the fountain when you’re done, okay?” Birdie suggested.
We finished lunch and went our separate ways. As I stood in front of the dark store, I was nervous too, but my curiosity got the best of me and I stepped inside.
The smell of incense hit me as I passed through the curtains. Music from some kind of flute played softly through a radio. My eyes had to adjust to the dim lighting. A woman with long curly red hair greeted me in a soft, calming voice.
“Hello, may I help you?”
“I’m just looking. My boyfriend likes tarot cards. I wondered what other kind of stuff there is like that.”
“Well, this is the best place for you to start your journey with the mystical world.” She beamed. “Have you used candle magik before?” She took my hand and led me through the shop, stopping and explaining things. I learned about different types of sage and the history of tea leaves, and then I was shown the candle selection.
“We also have some beautiful scarves to decorate your altar. Pick one, I’ll take it to the counter.”
“I don’t need all of this right now. I’m just kind of looking.”
“Yes, of course. I just get so passionate about my world. Feel free to explore, and if you have any questions, please let me know.”
“How much are the bags for the tarot cards?” I asked, looking longingly at the nice leather pouches. I could imagine Desi holding his cards in them.
“Those are real leather with silk inside; imported from Italy. They are $50.”
I didn’t even have that much money in my wallet.
“Oh, thank you.” I turned away shamefully. I couldn’t even buy my boyfriend a bag.
“Your boyfriend, what’s his name? I wonder if he’s one of my customers.” she asked politely.
“Desiderio Amato.” I smiled through my tears. It was so stupid to get upset about, but I couldn’t help it. We were so different. He probably came here all the time, while I could barely afford to stand in here. “I don’t know if he comes here; I just assumed.”
“Amato?”
“Is there something wrong?”
“No, I didn’t realize he had a girlfriend. Last time I knew, he was engaged.”
