“You need money to get away, but I’m only given enough of an allowance to barely afford any essentials I need. So, it takes time to save up.” And at this rate, I’ll be able to escape in fifty years.
“You’re a little old for an allowance, are you not?”
And there it is, folks.I must be worthless if I need an allowance. Why don’t I just get a job? I see it in everyone’s eyes.
Dropping my spoon back into the bowl, I push back from the table to stand. The chair makes a horrendous scuffing noise against the hardwood floor. “Thank you for your hospitality. What do I owe you for the delicious meal so I can be on my way?”
Emotions claw at my throat as they burn my nose and eyes, threatening to overwhelm me.
“Please sit. I didn’t mean to insult. I was merely curious.”
I shake my head.
“You don’t owe me anything. I wished to do a kindness, your presence was all the payment I desired.”
Turning on my heels, I try to quickly move through the shop before I allow the dam to break on my emotions.
“Wait!” I pause in the main room at her voice. “What brought you to my shop?”
It’s a valid question. I can’t imagine she gets many visitors in this town.
Reaching into my back pocket, I hand her the card I found in the library. “I found it. Someone must have dropped it.”
She shakes her head, jingling the chains around her neck. “I don’t pass these out. They are spelled to find those who need me. Drawing my shop to them.”
“I don’t understand,” I admit, feeling like a prized idiot.
“I travel a lot for work. But when the need is desperate enough, my entire shop will appear. This lot must have been empty, so when my cards discovered you needed me.Whoosh.”
“And here you are?”
“Here I am. For you.” She reaches out her hand, allowing enough space for me to make a conscious decision.
Close the distance or run away screaming?
Chapter 3
Rami's POV
Decisions, decisions.
I stare at the proffered hand lined with rings. Deep down, I know there’s only one choice I have. But apparently Grandma Julia’s influence has created enough self-doubt that I have to question everything.
Before I allow her bullshit to cloud my own thoughts, I thrust out my hand and wrap it in her warm grip. “I’m Rami,” I say, introducing myself.
“Yasmine,” she says with a smile. “Come, Rami, let’s see why the cards have brought you to my doorstep.”
I hesitate briefly before following Yasmine down the hallway connecting the shop to an office in the back of the house. This room looks like all the others: more wood and more occult symbols.
“If you’re not actually here, where are you located?” I question, curious how I found her and how there was a local address.
“Oh, I’m here. My house moves us where I’m needed. But only those who need me can see it.”
“So, to the rest of the town…” I allow my voice to trail off.
“... It still appears to be just an empty lot,” she finishes.
Got it, so don’t mention visiting this location or else risk looking even crazier.
