Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“You’ve come to the right place,” I assure them. “I have a pretty vast crystal collection here, and you’re welcome to browse. If you want to see anything in the cases, let me know.”
“Do you have crystals shaped like moons?” Number Two asks.
“I have a few, actually.” I walk over to the other side of the room and point out amethyst, carnelian, and rose quartz, all in moon shapes. I can’t help but smile as the ladies ooh and ahh over them all.
“I definitely have to get the amethyst,” Number One says. “And look, there’s one shaped like a wolf howling at the moon.”
“That’s obsidian,” I inform her. “It’s excellent for protection.”
“I think I might spend most of my souvenir money in here,” Number Two replies. “But I have to save enough to build my own broom later today.”
“Yes,” I inform her. “You do. It’s a lot of fun and an important tool for a witch.”
Her eyes go wide. “Are you a witch?”
Oh, young one, if you only knew.
“Yes,” I reply simply. “If you’d like, I can help you choose some crystals that every witch should have in her toolbox, ones that won’t break the debit card. You should still be able to build your brooms and buy a witch’s hat at one of the other shops, as well.”
“Those hats are cute,” Number One whispers. “I’m in.”
“Me, too,” the other says.
“Okay, what do you already have at home?”
For a long while, the girls fill me in on what they already own, and I help them plug some gaps. I smile when we’re standing at the counter with their loot spread out before us.
“This is a very nice collection for both of you. These crystals will be with you in your practice for a very long time. I’m going to gift you each a selenite bowl so you can cleanse them in it periodically.”
“We have to cleanse them?” Number One asks.
“Yes. Crystals hang on to energy. Sometimes, that’s good. Other times, it’s not so good. Personally, I like to cleanse and charge my stones under a full moon. That’s as simple as setting them on a windowsill exposed to the moonlight. But don’t worry, even if you can’t see the moon, if it’s full, it’s still powerful. Between the full moons, I set my crystals on the selenite.”
“How do you cleanse the selenite?” Number Two asks.
“Good question. You’re both going to be very good at your craft. Selenite is self-cleansing. It doesn’t have to be charged or cleaned. And you shouldn’t do much more than dust it from environmental things because selenite is water soluble and will melt. I’m also going to give you some selenite sticks. I recommend placing them above a major doorway so you cleanse the energy on the way in and out of your home.”
“You’re so smart,” Number One says. “You should give classes on this.”
“I have an advantage. I was born a witch and come from a long, long line of the same. You’ll catch on; you just have to study. There are many books you can read, and I’ll give you directions to the best bookstore in town. The ladies there can help you out.”
“Thank you so much,” Number Two gushes. “I could hug you. Also, you’re, like, really hot.”
I blink at her and then laugh. “Well, thanks.”
“She’s right. Are you married or anything? ‘Cause maybe we could do dinner or something.”
And here I thought Breena might be too young for me. I could be these girls’ father.
“I’m flattered, but I am, indeed, taken.”
“The good ones always are,” Number One says with a sorrowful sigh.
I tally up each of their orders, and they both stare at me in shock.
“That’s it?” Number Two demands. “But I pay way more than that online.”
“You need to be careful about who you buy from,” I inform them. “There are scammers out there who overcharge because crystals are becoming trendy again, and the customer doesn’t know any better. Not to mention, you should always buy from dealers who ethically source their stock.”
“Do you sell online?” Number One asks.
“Sorry, no. I’m a one-person show here, and I don’t have time. But that could change in the future.”
Maybe I could get Breena to help me with an online store of some kind. I’d have to ask her.
“I’ll take your card,” Number Two says. “Just in case.”
“I appreciate it.” I wrap and bag up their crystals, then pass the packages over once they’ve paid. “Have a lot of fun in Salem, ladies. It’s a special place.”
“I know,” Number One agrees with excitement. “Do you know that a guy was stoned to death here? I don’t think that’s nearly as fun as it sounds.”
I blink at her.
“You know? Stoned. Like, with weed.”
Number Two nudges her friend. “Weed doesn’t kill, you moron. Come on, we have to make our brooms.”