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Willow supposed the other ladies were going out of their way to make her feel welcome—they obviously were super successful business women. Astrid, being a big shot real estate girl boss, Nadine, with this enormous house and at least one of the Mercedes out front belonging to her, and a lawyer to boot.
What the other women did was a mystery to her, but judging by the finery they wore, she was certain they were doing pretty well for themselves.
And then there was her—who only was able to open Moonstone Spirits and Books due to a fluke of a property listing and a very motivated seller. Willow was truly lucky to have found it, and in turn, Astrid, who made the transition effortless.
“So,” began Nadine, after a sip of her tea. “You’ve taken over the old saloon on the corner. We were all so thrilled to see a business open there. It’s been vacant for ages. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I can hardly believe it myself.”
“I heard you transformed it into a bookstore?” Jewels asked. “What kinds of books do you sell?”
“All kinds of books,” Willow answered. “Old, new, romance, non-fiction. You name it.”
“How marvelous,” Daria chimed in. “I would love to pop in sometime to peruse your history section. I’m just fascinated how ancient civilizations approached healthcare.”
“Daria is a holistic medical practitioner,” Astrid explained.
“The best there is,” declared Jewels.
Daria flapped her hand, “Oh stop. But if you ever want to come to my office for a free evaluation, Willow, I’ll give you the royal treatment.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind.”
“You’re one of us, now. We women entrepreneurs have to stick together.”
The idea itself warmed Willow’s heart, but as she looked around the room, she had to admit she was a little disappointed about the turnout. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected at this meeting, but she at least thought there would be more women entrepreneurs present. Were there really only five female business owners in the entire town of Mysthaven?
She took a bite of her turnover and about died, it was so good. She must have groaned a little too audibly, because Rowena grinned proudly.
“Delicious, aren’t they? Old family recipe I keep under lock and key.”
Willow took another bite, the flaky pastry melting in her mouth. “Mmmm. Amazing.”
Astrid clapped her hands. “It’s time we get the meeting started, ladies. Willow, you happen to have stumbled upon us right in the middle of planning the Mysthaven Harvest Festival. It falls on us every year.”
“Oh that sounds like fun,” Willow said.
“Except that one year,” Jewels said. “Remember when Bo Richter took over the planning?”
“What a disaster that was,” said Nadine.
“But we sure took care of him,” Daria exclaimed.
Willow stopped mid-bite. “Took care of him?”
“It,” said Daria. “I meant to say… we took care ofit.”
“Jewels swooped in to save the day,” added Nadine.
Jewels was beautiful, and just as classy as the other ladies, but there was something of a bohemian air about her. Perhaps it was the print of her dress, or the crystal pendant. Or, as Willow was just noticing, Jewels was the only one of the women with bare feet.
“Go girl power,” Willow said, pumping her fist in the air, like she was one of the Power Puff Girls. She quickly sank down in her chair. Fortunately, not one of the women reacted negatively.
Nadine cleared her throat and addressed Willow directly. “The Mysthaven business owners all take part by hosting some sort of booth. There are games and Halloween themed activities like bobbing for apples.”
“I do the dead ringer ring toss,” Jewels said. “That’s always a hit with the teenagers.”
“And I sell meat pies,” Daria added.
