Page 48 of Spellbound & Speechless
“But when I tried to reopen Mom’s shop, it felt like everything was going wrong.” She chuckles. “It’s like I was cursed. The heating broke, our customers were nonexistent, and the new apothecary was thriving while I was drowning.”
“Thatdoessound stressful.”
“It was more than that.” Her eyes meet mine, and she pauses, holding the potion bottle steady. “I realized I didn’t love it. Not like Mom did.”
I inhale through my teeth. “Yeah. I understand that.”
“You know what? I think you do, more than anyone—even our sisters. It’s strange for us. We grow up seeing the person we admire live such a passionate life...”
“Then we try to repeat it, but it goes wrong.”
“The part we’re missing”—she leans closer like she’s about to tell me a secret—“is that everyone struggles when they start something they love. Even the people who are doing what they’resupposedto do. We can’t let those struggles get in the way.”
“Like our struggles right now? With the corrupt witch?”
She nods and leans back. “I could have taken that as another bad sign, but I’m not. This barismy purpose, and I will do anything to make it successful.”
I look away and pick up a rag, drying off an already dry glass. “It’s not my purpose. You know that, right?”
“Of course.”
“I feel bad. You, Maple, Laurel, even Rowan! You’re so connected to this place. You all have a shared purpose, andI’m just… separate. But I don’t want to separate myself again. Not like last time.”
“You don’t have to, and that’s not what I want. I missed you. Weallmissed you.”
I look down at the glass in my hand. Mist forms over my eyes. “I thought being back with all of you would hurt more, that it would make me miss Mom, but it’s doing the opposite. It feels right to be here.”
“Aspen…”
“I’m not going anywhere.” I meet her gaze with a fierce look. “I mean it. I may branch off and start something new, but I’m a part of us again. We’re stronger together.”
“We are.”
“And you know what?”
She shakes her head. “No. What?”
“Mom wasn’t the person I admire most.Youare.” I smile softly. “She can be a close second.”
We’re quiet for a moment, and I understand why. There’s weight behind my words. There should be—I put it there.
Juniper chuckles. “Sucking up won’t get you a raise.”
I grin. “That’s too bad.”
“Go home.” She waves a hand. “Sleep. I have some brewing to do.”
“You don’t need my help?”
“Not tonight. Get out of here.”
Chapter 17
Mac
I don’t meanto snoop, but it keeps happening whenever I’m at the tavern. This time, I step outside and give them some privacy, but it doesn’t work. I can hear every word. Embarrassingly, their conversation makes me tear up.
When did I become this soft?
