Page 3 of Hexed & Hazy

I wince. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

“They’re not terribly expensive, and some look quite fashionable these days.”

“I know, I know.”

But even the not-expensive things feel expensive when I’m paying my mom’s mortgage, helping out my little sisters, and taking care of everything else. All on my barista salary. Thank God for my promotion.

There are days when I wish I had more time for this, wish I could run off to the greenhouse with Donnie and learn more about what he does—unrealistic dreams. I barely have time to date.

Donnie sets down his snips and approaches me, inspecting me with his violet eyes. “You seem to be in an uncharacteristically bad mood. What ails you?”

“It’s nothing.” I steel my jaw and look away. “Just… busy with work. Bad luck in love, but I should probably just focus on work and forget it.”

He chuckles. “I had a feeling it was about love.”

I wince at the word. Love. None of this is really about love, but Donnie has been happily married for years, so I don’t think he’ll understand that’s not what I’m searching for.

Casual has always been easy. Fun.

But I don’t really know what my intentions are anymore. Saying I’m looking for a good time doesn’t really work when all of my dates are going up in flames.

“What happened?” He slumps into a yellow armchair off in the corner of the room.

I occupy the green chair opposite him. “I spilled coffee on my date… and then she realized our date was at my place of work. Wasn’t a fan of that.”

He sucks his teeth. “Unfortunate, but at least one of those things is within your control.”

“But what’s the problem with taking them here? I love this place.”

“Seth.” His expression flattens. “Please. Don’t make me answer that question.”

I lift my hands. “Fine, fine.”

I get it. Dates should be special, and taking them to my work probably doesn’t feel that way, but it is to me. Making time for anyone outside of my work and my family is. They would understand that about me if they gave me a chance.

“Surely, you can recover from a bit of spilled coffee. When have you let an awkward meeting stop you?”

“I… don’t know. I’m off my game.” It feels odd to admit. This part of my life was always easy—with one notable exception. I bite the inside of my cheek and stare at a vase full of vibrant, charmed roses. “But this is the third spill this month. Kind of weird, right?”

“To say the least.” He grins, flashing perfect, white, slightly sharp teeth. “I’d say you may need to work on your motor skills, or else… perhaps you’re cursed?”

The final word catches in my brain, bouncing around. “Cursed? You really think so?”

“No, Seth. I don’t think so.” His eyes widen, and he leans in, shaking his head. “I was joking.”

“Right. Yeah. Totally.”

Because what are the chances that someone would curse me? I don’t think I’ve done anything worthy of that. I laugh it off with Donnie, and we go back to talking about plants…

But the moment I step out of the shop, I have a text to send.

There’s one person who I know will have the answers.

Chapter 2

Rowan

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Once. Twice.