AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And you’re worried about Stella’s safety.”
“No.” I cleared my throat. “I’m not concerned about her life.”
Maple laughed and walked over to me. She placed a hand against my forearm. “It’s okay to care, sweetheart. It doesn’t make you weak.”
I didn’t respond because I didn’t care.
Right? Right. I didn’t care. But…
“He speaks down to her as if she lacks intelligence.”
“Yes. Between you and me, I think he’s a prick. I did a few readings on him, and well… he’s not a good person.”
“Based on your tarot cards?”
“That and based on actual interactions with him.”
“Why does she stay with him? It’s clear he’s awful.”
“As I said, she sees the bestin people, and you”—she walked to the kitchen and began to heat her kettle—“see the worst in individuals.”
“My gift and curse,” I muttered.
“You’re quick to catch on.”
“What do I do? How do I show her he’s no good without her being defensive?”
“That’s the tricky part. She’s protective of the ones she loves. Even those who are undeserving of herprotection. If you come at her sideways about one of her people, she’ll attack.”
“I only know how to be blunt.”
“I don’t think that’s true.” She tossed a few herb-like substances into a mug, poured hot water onto it, and then handeditover to me.“I think gentleness is at your core.”
I huffed, taking the mug from her. “Did your tarot cards tell you that about me?”
“No. Your eyes did. You’re not the only one good atreading people’s energy. I’ve been studying people since beforeyou were even born. Both with tarot cards and without.”
I sipped the tea and made a face.
She laughed. “Cat piss normally has people reacting that way.”
My eyes bugged out of my head. “I’m sorry, what?!”
Her chuckles vibrated off the walls. “It’s a joke, and your reaction is worth the price of admission. Dandelion tea can be a bit bitter to some. The lavender should help, though.”
“I’m not a tea person.”
“I know.” She smiled. I hated it. I hated it because she stared at me as if she knew all parts of me. I didn’t like people who were able to read me.It made me feel too vulnerable. “My advice for you?Be the person toward Stella that Jeff isn’t.”
My brows knotted. “How do I do that?”
“Simple. Be yourself.”
“I’m not a nice person.”
“Just because you keep lying to yourself doesn’t make it true. Do you know what Stella needs? A friend who’s in her corner, standing up for her when she doesn’t do it for herself.”
“You want me to be her friend?”
