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She is gazing around at the merchandise as if she doesn’t know where to start. This part of the store is larger than the front. We have jewelry and a ton of books here too, but they are better cared for and are definitely not the ordinary kind.
In addition we have artifacts in showcases, a large selection of crystals, some wands, a vast section of both organic and inorganic spell ingredients, and many other things besides. Our toys for famili
ars are surprisingly popular, and witches and wizards love to browse the bottles and jars of potions and concoctions that they tell me are much more interesting than those found in the average spell book. Lately the defensive amulets and decorative ornaments of Theo’s own design have been flying off the shelves.
“Do you know what sort of gift you’re after?”
“No idea.”
“What’s your friend Rachel like?”
“Really pretty, but kinda bookish. She started working as a trainee solicitor three months back and she’s really into her work. It’s crazy. I told her all work and no play makes Rachel a dull girl. I’m totally working on making her come out of her shell.” She says that last part with a wicked grin.
“Any hobbies? Pets?”
“No pets. We’re not allowed.”
“I hate to be trite but is she into makeup or potions? Theo knows a witch who makes stuff that is really popular with young women. Or maybe you could get her a spell making kit?”
“You know, she has been more into makeup and stuff lately. I wondered if she’s got a crush on a guy at work or something.”
I lead India over to the makeup and beauty potions section. The numerous jars and bottles and vials of brightly colored stuff is arrayed in a haphazard manner whose appearance had been impossible to improve despite my best efforts. We spend some time looking through them all. They are almost as much of a novelty to me as her. I point out a shimmery-glow potion that is supposed to make you irresistible to the opposite gender.
“Or you could get her a love potion?” I suggest. “We have readymade ones and we have kits if Rachel might like to make her own. For the kits you can choose mix and match ingredients depending on the qualities she wants in a man.” I point them out to her.
India picks up the shimmery makeup and the love spell kit. She does the math in her head and winces a little at the expense, but she decides to take both.
“Could I pick up some wolfsbane potion here too?” she asks. “I’ve nearly run out of my supply from home.”
I show her the shelf where the wolfsbane products are stored.
She bites her lip when she notices the prices. “Do you have a plain potion without any of these extras? I usually get that because it is cheaper.”
I scrutinize the various bottles on the shelf and see none. “We do usually sell it, but we must be out of stock. I’ll ask Theo to make some more up for you. When do you want to pick it up? Or I could even drop it off at yours, since you live so near to me?”
I try not to look too eager as I make this suggestion. But oh how great it would be to actually know someone in my neighborhood. To have someone to go for coffee with, or shopping, or the cinema. To talk to about the things that suck about life in London and the things that are awesome. A real-life person-friend so I don’t have to feel so much like a cat-lady loser.
“I’ll be back near here on Monday,” she says. “Maybe lunchtime. I can pick it up then.”
I quell my disappointment, but perhaps she sees it on my face.
“Actually, did you want to meet for lunch?” she says. “You’re the first cool person I’ve met here and I’ve been dying to make new friends.”
Cool person! My insides light up in a glow. I had been thinking the same about her, but I had worried about sounding too desperate if I’d asked to meet up.
“I would love to have lunch!” I say, trying not to grin all over my face. “How’s 12 o’ clock on Monday?”
“Make it one, if that’s okay? We’ve got a big weekend planned for Rachel’s birthday so I might be a bit hungover. Full on party time from tonight to Sunday. Actually, do you want to come tonight? We’re meeting at a bar in the city near Shoreditch.”
I make a regretful face. “That would have been so great but I have work tonight.”
Secretly I am glad to have an excuse to say no. I am no social butterfly. The thought of going to a bar with a bunch of strangers is terrifying. I am much better one to one.
“This place can’t be open that late!” she protests.
“Actually I’m doing an evening shift at a restaurant I work at part-time. Luca’s. It’s just down the road from where we live.”
“Oh yeah. I’ve seen it! You’re pretty handy on the job-front, huh? I might have to pick your brains about that at lunch. I’ve been looking but I’ve had no luck.”
