Page 21 of Must Love Scones and Secrets
Turning so he wouldn’t see the disappointed expression on my face, I pulled a basket of scones from a shelf. I set it on the counter, but I was so upended by the thought that he had a girlfriend that I bumped one of the vases sitting on the counter, causing it to topple over and roll toward Merry.
Merry, who had been engaged in a staring contest with Smoke, was surprised at the sudden clatter and presence of something unknownhurtlingtoward him. In typical caticorn fashion, he panicked and scramble-jumped to move out of the way.
That’s when everything went wrong.
Desperate to escape before theterrifyingflower vase got him, Merry’s horn began to glow.
“Merry,” I called, reaching for the vase before it fell.
And then, there was a blast of bright light and a popping sound.
Suddenly, every flower in every vase in the room levitated into the air.
Merry jumped away from the murderous vase and rushed to his favorite hiding spot behind the sacks of flour when he stopped cold and then sneezed. The effect was a cloud of glitter, and then, all the flowers in the room simply combusted, drifting apart into ethereal flower petals, their soft scents filling the room.
Bjorn, who had stood in confusion, watched as the flowers dissipated into nothing.
Merry shook himself, the little bell on his collar ringing, then changed course and disappeared into the back of the shop.
Smoke whined and went to stand beside Bjorn.
“Rosalyn,” Bjorn said, looking about. “Is this…normal?”
“Being scared of ridiculous things? Yes. But this…” I said, gesturing around the room as the petals and aroma dissipated before reaching the tables. “Definitely not normal. Merry has been having these strange reactions the past few days. I thought maybe it was his allergies, but maybe not. His magic is upside down.”
“Like the unicorns,” Bjorn said.
I gasped lightly. “Yes. Just like that.”
“Have you heard of any other animals in Moonshine Hollow being afflicted?”
“No. None. Only the unicorns.”
Bjorn nodded. “And he recovers afterward?”
“Yes, he… Oh my gosh, you're covered in glitter.” Hurrying around the counter, I brushed the glitter from Bjorn’s shoulders, fluttering just a little to meet his height. I giggled. “You got more than you bargained for coming here tonight.”
Bjorn chuckled, then looked at me.
Our gazes held one another’s for a long moment.
Then, he quickly looked away and wrapped his hand around his forearm as if he were in pain.
“Are you all right?” I asked in alarm.
“Yes, it’s just… I should probably get going.”
“Of course. Let me finish bagging up some scones for you,” I said, then returned behind the counter, confused.
“It’s not necessary. I’ve given you enough trouble. What do I owe you for the dinner?” he asked, reaching into his coin pouch.
“Nothing, of course. It’s my welcome gift to you, and my apology for all the…glitter.”
“It really is no problem, Rosalyn. Let me help you with these at least,” he said, reaching for the empty plates.
“No need,” I replied, snapping my fingers. The plates lifted from the table and began floating toward the sink.
At least he liked my cooking, even if Merry’s antics chased him away.
