“Look at you, you little rascal.” Halona picked him up and pulled him close to her chest. As she snuggled him, she sheepishly glanced up at Jim. “I still care, and I can still love.” Halona smiled as she stood up. “I enjoyed talking with you, Jim, but I need to get home.” She bent and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
* * * *
When Halona and Scamp returned home, before entering, she stepped back to glance at the sign above the shop. The Beachcombers.
I wonder if I should rename the store. I wonder if Charmed Antiques might be better. The building is, after all, very charming.
Situated at a corner location, the shop could be seen from every angle. Large bay windows faced out in each direction. Incredibly lush wisteria climbed up the front wall. While it currently wasn’t displaying its lovely grape-scented flowers, it would again come spring. It climbed the walls of the entire first floor and wrapped its tendrils around the spiral staircase leading to the curved, ironclad balcony.
There had been countless moments when she would sip her morning coffee, or evening wine, from that perch while she enjoyed the bird’s-eye view. She would watch the waves, as well as the activity of the passersby.
Having settled in for the night, Halona stepped out on the balcony to enjoy the autumn evening.
Why do I stay cramped here when I have that beautiful home to go to?
Her thoughts were disrupted when the phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Cuz….it’s Syd.”
“Hi, how are you?”
“I’m fine, just sitting here, glass in hand of course.”
“I have one of my own as I sit here and watch the lovers walk by below.”
Sydney laughed and then grew quiet. “I think I should visit. We have to take care of you, Halona. It’s been a rough year.”
“Anytime, anytime.”
“You’re blowing me off again, aren’t you?”
Halona laughed. “Of course not.” She drew in a deep breath. “Maybe a little, I just really don’t want to talk about any of it because it doesn’t help.”
“I get that, so I’ll knock it off.”
“At least for today, right?”
“Yep. At least for today.”
“Syd, let me ask you something. I have a journal at the shop that made me start wondering, when did I stop writing?”
“You haven’t written since… well, since Rickie.”
“I guess you have to feel to write, huh? Of course, I always have Grey. She’s always threatening to thaw the ice around my heart.” Halona laughed as she shook her hair.
Sydney laughed. “Did you just shake your hair around?”
“Noooo, not at all.
Halona leaned in and placed her elbow on the table. “I decided it’s time to move to the house.”
“I think that’s great. It’s so lovely there.”
“I promise, when I do, I’ll have a get-together for all of us. It’s time we formally have a celebration for you and Nick.”
“I would love that. I know Nick would too.”
“Great. In the meantime, give my love to Nick and Tawny.”
“I will. Bye.”
Halona smiled at the thought of how happy both her cousins Syd and Grey had been in recent months as they’d each found their true love and magical soul mate. As her thoughts wandered once more, the activity beneath her on the street became mere background.
Chapter 2
Tuesday Morning
Halona had spent the next day at her parents’ home as she worked on the task of sorting and packing. The shop being closed Sunday and Monday was something her parents had insisted on. Today, however, the shop would be open.
Halona would work alone, her assistant, Jenn Skyler, having taken the day off.
Once at the shop, Halona placed Scamp in his bed near the window. He was a regular fixture at Beachcombers. She ran upstairs to get Glimmer, Sydney’s small Yorkie, whom Sydney had dropped off on her way to the school.
It was a beautiful day with its seaside breeze, and the salt from the ocean lingered in the air. Halona propped the door open to take advantage of the day.
“Good morning! Welcome,” she greeted the couple who had stepped in.
It always made her smile to see and feel the reaction of those who entered. She had installed a portion of a song from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack; after all, she needed to know when someone entered her store. A simple bell would not do, not when the door was propped, as it often was. Besides, she felt this was the best introduction of any character she had ever seen on film.
The young people were clearly tourists by their attire, he with a T-shirt that bore the town’s nickname, Magicville, and she with her shorts and halter. Their clothing showed that, when they thought “beach town,” they thought beach towns never got cold.
“If I can help with anything, please let me know. I have many wonderful nautical pieces, as well as other special items,” Halona said
As the couple moved along the tall mahogany cabinets, Halona noticed the young man would often glance over in her direction.
As the couple browsed, Halona felt their apprehension as to whether they would be able to afford anything. They had started moving quickly from case to case, and they created a constant pit-pat, pit-pat as their shoes moved across the old planks that made up the flooring. Above them were wood signs, driftwood, and wooden fragments of shipwrecks of the many eras. Porthole mirrors strategically placed on the walls gave a feeling of being aboard a ship. These, however, provided the staff with two-way mirrors to view the store from the employees-only areas.
An older couple entered moments later; and they made a beeline directly to the counter, though only after a disgusted expression from the man to the music that greeted them.
“Good morning, how can I help you?”
He was a gruff man with gray hair and a beard that looked as if it was made out of wire. The woman with him was wearing a faded printed smock, over a rather dated dress.
“We want a coin that would have come from a shipwreck.”
“Yes, I have several. Here, allow me to show them to you.”
As Halona spoke, she stepped from behind the counter and caught a glimpse of another customer who had just entered. She imagined the man to be in his late twenties. His dark hair was pushed back off his face, but she couldn’t tell if he wore it that way or if he had just come from the beach. He had a nice build, not overly muscular, but fit and toned. His silhouette showed that.
Now he seems worthy of the intro music.
She had no sooner noticed him than he disappeared behind the many rows of artifacts.
“Thanks,” the young couple yelled out as they exited the shop, the guy practically tripping as he tried to get one last look at her. His girl gave him an elbow as he did.
“Oh thank you, please come again.”
Halona turned her attention back to the older couple.
“I currently have an extensive collection of Spanish coins that I know you’ll find satisfying. What I show will depend on the amount you’re interested in investing.”
“Can’t you just show them all?” the man quipped as he threw his arms forward.
“They can be quite valuable and not all of them are kept on the floor. Currently I have some starting as low as sixty dollars. So suppose you give me a ball park number.”
“What do you have for forty?”
“Nothing for forty. Let me show you what I have for sixty.” Halona reached behind the counter and presented a tray, lined in purple velvet, and then placed it on a large oak table.
She picked up a coin. “This one for instance is a milled coin from 1833. It is one real, average condition.”
“If that’s your cheapest, we’ll take that one.”
“Very good, I’ll wrap it up for you.”
Good, these are a dime a dozen to me.
As she made her way back to the counter, she shifted her
eyes throughout the store.
He must have slipped out. Why am I even looking for him? What’s the matter with me anyway?
After the transaction was made, Halona sensed that the woman felt like outdated wallpaper that had just begun to peel. She held out a crystal with a gentle yellow hue.
“Ma’am, I have a little something for you. I normally have these at another store, but I think this was meant for you.”
The woman stood, looking perplexed, and before any more could be said, the man interrupted.
“How much is that gonna cost me?”
Halona smiled as she spoke, knowing she conveyed nothing but an innocent willingness to help. “Nothing, it’s a gift, and it’s just for women.” Leaning in toward the woman, she whispered, “Here is a card to go with it.” The woman took the card and read it to herself.
This stone will raise self-esteem and self-confidence.
It will encourage individuality and improve motivation.
“We don’t want that. There must be a catch!” the man said, and Halona felt his aggravation.
“We will accept the gift. Thank you, dear,” his wife interrupted
Halona smiled. It’s working already.
* * * *
At lunchtime, Halona took Scamp and Glimmer out. They walked Main Street and enjoyed the ocean breeze as several friends greeted them. She was always delighted that so many would stop to pet them since they loved it so. Both were so well behaved. She’d always found Scamp to be a fast learner. He was also agile and quick, doing very well in agility challenges. She had worked with him, as a handler, for some time. It was a passion she shared with her uncle, Frank. They had done several local events for charities.
As they turned to go back to the shop, she noticed a man several doors down. She abruptly stopped as she inhaled a sharp breath. He had a guitar slung over his back and wore well-fitted jeans and a white T-shirt that seemed to hug him just right. She felt a tingle through her body. Is that him?
But he turned the corner.
Chapter 3
Tuesday Afternoon
The day was coming to a close, and there was only one customer browsing the store. Halona was tidying up when she heard the threshold chime its music. As she looked up, she saw him, the same man who had caught her attention earlier. He went immediately to the right to the far side of the shop, where, once again, he seemed to just disappear. Just as she had processed what had happened, he appeared, headed in her direction. His swagger made him seem confident, yet friendly. She began to feel nervous. She wasn’t sure why; it wasn’t like her.
Why didn’t I just close early? Look at him. He’s either an actor or a rock star.
His eyes were warm and inviting. Comforting, like pieces of deep, dark chocolate. His hair, also rich and dark, was worn brushed back while the front was styled in a short forward spike. And though his face structure and cheekbones were chiseled, his face had a boyish appearance.
He raised his eyebrows as he spoke. “Hi there, I’d like to buy this.”
Her heart felt as if it had nearly stopped, not because of him, but for the item that he held.
Why didn’t I just take that journal back upstairs and keep it?
“You did look inside it, didn’t you?” she said with a hint of a smile. She lowered her head and glanced at him, brows raised.
His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Actually, I read the entire book as I walked from there to here.” He motioned his head back in the direction of the books.
With that, she smiled. “I’m curious. What made you choose that book?”
He looked down at the book and shrugged. “I don’t know. I just like it. I like what’s written on the first page.”
“You mean the only page,” Halona said with a broad smile.
“Yeah, for now.” He chuckled then looked back down at the book. “Maybe I’ll use it.”
Halona tilted her head to one side. “Oh, you write?”
“A little… music, plays…” He flashed a smile. “Sounds kind of lame when I say it aloud. I’m actually in town for a production, a play for the festival. It’s actually my production. I wrote it…I’m in it too.” He gave a subtle wink.
Maybe a little cocky too.
“That’s great. I hope you enjoy our town while you’re here,” she said as she fiddled with pens on the counter.
“So far, so good. I may decide to stay. I see a lot of charm here.” He offered her a slow, sexy smile. “A lot less hustle than up north too, you know. You?”
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she said, “Oh, I’ve been here all my life.”
Leaning back, he raised his brows. “Really! Haven’t you ever wanted to leave, maybe live somewhere else?”
“No, why would I? This town has everything I need.”
“Everything? A beautiful girl like you… Hell, you could be a movie star. Hey, maybe you should come and be in my play. Be great for me if I could get some more locals behind it. What better way to do that than have some townsfolk in the play?”
She lowered her head, and as she shook it back and forth, her hair swayed with her movement. “Oh, no no no, not me, no desire to be an actress, thank you very much.”
“Aren’t you even going to ask about the play?”
There it is again, that mischievous twinkle.
“Sure, what’s the play?”
Before he could answer, he looked to his left. A customer had approached and began eyeing the vintage jewelry encased not far from where they stood. Halona suddenly felt very unprofessional. She tugged on her sleeve as she gave a forced smile in the man’s direction before turning back to the dreamy stranger.
She smiled. “Will this be it? Is this book your purchase for today?”
“Yep, I think that’s it, my little black book. My little blank black book.” He smiled at her in such a way that she believed even her cousin Grey might blush.
At that moment, she noticed the other customer had left. She coyly replied while she rang up his purchase. “You’re new in town. Nice-looking guy like you, I’m sure you’ll have the book filled up in no time.”
He raised his brow and revealed a half-smile. “You think I’m nice looking? I don’t know. It’s a pretty big book. I think you may be over-estimating my appeal,” he said with a wink that left her blushing again.
He then leaned in toward her, and as he placed his forearms on the counter, he looked up at her. His eyes, she felt, had a life force of their own.
“Witches,” he said, raising his brow again. “It’s about witches, pretty witches, and magic. It’s called The Cauldron. It’s not too late to join us; you could be one of the pretty witches.”
Oh, you have no idea.
While he lifted himself up from the counter, he said, “You know what I said a minute ago about living here? I just thought it could be a little limiting, don’t you think?”
“Yet we find ourselves in the same place.” She knew her sarcasm showed through her still pleasant demeanor.
“Touché… you’ll come to my play though?”
“If you’re sure I’m not too limited? To give an accurate assessment I mean?”
She sensed he was hurt by her comment.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that. I was just kidding. It’s part of the festival, so, yes, I will see it.”
As she handed him the book, their hands grazed each other’s. Their eyes locked, and he gave her a broad smile.
“Then I will hopefully see you soon.”
As she watched him walk away, she found herself wondering how long the production, how long he, would remain in town. She was becoming annoyed with herself, as she found she rather enjoyed him. Still, she felt vulnerable around him, and that she didn’t like it, or did she?
She looked down at Scamp. “You weren’t very helpful. I could have used an ally or, at the very least, a distraction.” She smiled as she motioned it was time to go. Scamp yawned as he climbed out of his bed. She went over and slowly closed
the door, all the while peering out in all directions, looking for what, she wasn’t sure. She locked up for the night.
* * * *
Returning to her parents’ house that evening, Halona had a few more things to take care of and would focus on the upstairs rooms. She entered her childhood room and opened a window that faced the shore to circulate the air. As she changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt among those things she kept in the closet, she noticed a wadded piece of paper under the skirt of the bed.
She leaned over to pick it up. Her brows furrowed as she bit her lower lip. She then scooped up Scamp and placed him on the bed beside her. She wiped her palms on her jeans and, apprehensively, began to unravel the paper. No sooner had she begun than her heart pounded and she felt herself tremble inside. Still, she continued to read what was written.
The morning comes and where am I?
I’m alone with a feeling and urge to die.
Blankets and warmth tucked around my head,
Sitting alone, just thinking in my bed.
This where I feel I belong.
This is where nothing can go wrong.
If I just remain where I am,
I’ll never need feel heartache again.
As she rubbed her hands over her forehead, she thought, I wrote that when Rickie left me.
Halona sighed deeply as she flung herself onto the bed. As she lay there, her hands stroked the cotton coverlet, trying to find comfort and grounding. She rolled over and pulled the bed pillow down to meet her. She allowed her fingers to glide over the satin case; the coolness was more familiar to her. She felt as if she just wanted to go home, but she couldn’t. She was already there.
She lay, listening to the waves through the open window. She normally found the sound comforting, as if one with them. Tonight she felt they were mocking her. She scrunched the pillow and curled into a ball as she disappeared within herself and, eventually, fell asleep.
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