Page 2 of Party With the Kraken
“Next weekend. Bring nothing but yourself. We’re having a bonfire and barbeque on the beach. It’s all very family friendly and will start in the afternoon, but I can imagine things will kick up a bit once the sun’s down and the young ones—and old ones—have gone to bed. There are a few creatures I invited from the city, so we’ll be ferrying everyone across to Starry Hill in the morning and have returns to Cape Easton scheduled for earlyevening, another around midnight, as well as the next morning for those who want to stay over on the island.”
The look Doc Calla gives me makes me think she knows which option I’ll pick. I don’t know how she does it, but it sometimes feels like she can see through me or that she knows something about me that I don’t yet know myself.
Not too long ago, I asked her if goblins have special abilities and can see the future, but she explained it as only having a good feeling about certain creatures and, luckily, I’m included in that. I’m not quite sure what it entails, but it can’t be anything bad. Of that, I’m fairly certain.
I put my elbow on the armrest and plop my chin in my palm. “Where do I sign up for all night?”
Doc Calla’s eyes crinkle with pleasure. “I thought you might say that.”
I fake outrage, my mouth opening in a gasp. “See, there you go again with that future-telling business.”
Lifting one shoulder in a shrug, Doc Calla says lightly, “It was merely a feeling. I think you’ll enjoy your time on the island.”
I ignore the loaded meaning in her sentence and toy with one of my dangling earrings, fingering the cowrie shells as I contemplate what I can make her as a birthday gift. Doc Calla deserves something special.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been wanting to visit Starry Hill.”
Doc Calls folds her fingers together and rests them on her lap. “Starry Hill will be happy to hear that. You never know, you might fall in love with the island. That tends to happen.”
Something sharp pinches in my chest. I love the idea of Starry Hill, but what if I love it too much? Moving to the island isn’t an option for me.
My conflicting thoughts are transparent in my voice when I say, “I have no doubt. Tilly is certainly evidence of that. But Ican’t afford to fall in love there when I have my shop to take care of. But I can still have maximum fun, if you get what I’m saying.” I add another wink and Doc Calla wiggles her eyebrows at me, getting my innuendo easily.
Her face turns serious and she reaches forward to take my hand. “Please know, dear Juniper, no one would ever want you to give up such a big source of your joy. Just… allow yourself to be open to whatever Starry Hill wants to show you. Trust your intuition. Have fun. Things always have a way of working out.”
Doc Calla stares at me with her large hazel eyes and her words settle in my heart, slowly sinking down to grow roots.
I suck in a deep breath, square my shoulders, and say brightly, “Okay. Bring it on, Starry Hill.”
I’m not a nervous person and have quite a free spirit, but Treasure Hunters has been in my family since my grandparents opened it before the hospital was even built. When my parents retired last year, I became the sole person responsible for the shop and have steered Treasure Hunters in somewhat of a more artistic direction. So far, it’s been working well for me.
Call me sentimental, but I don’t see myself giving up this store, my family’s legacy, not even for an idyllic island full of kind creatures.
On the other hand, there’s something so inherently shrewd about Doc Calla that her asking me to be open to whatever adventure awaits makes me want to dive forward without hesitation and say yes.
Maybe I’ll do just that. I’ll let go of my responsibilities to the shop and just focus on whatever the island has in store for me. But only for one night. It’ll be an exercise in saying yes. No overthinking. I can do that.
I turn the invitation in my hand over and look at the number. A cough escapes me and I ineloquently sputter, “You’re turning a hundred years old? Wow! Congratulations.”
Doc Calla scoffs playfully and leans back in her seat. “You don’t have to say it quite like that. I own every single one of my one hundred years on this earth. Besides, I’m a goblin and we have long lifespans, so I’ve got quite a bit left in the tank. Wait until you meet Starry Hill’s vampire. He’s around four hundred years old.”
“Uhm, I’m not really into older guys, but it would be cool to meet him.”
“And what kind of guys are you into?”
“Got anyone purple out there?”
The way Doc Calla’s mouth tips up into a smirk makes me think there might just be a purple creature waiting for me. She doesn’t elaborate though, just stares at me with a knowing look until I’m squirming on the spot.
I clear my throat. “The cutest antique teapot came in the other day and the moment I saw it I thought of Tilly. I think it might match the dishes she got before she left for Starry Hill.”
“Show me, please. And then, let’s talk about the goose gentleman in the window. I think there’s a spot for him in my garden.”
Chapter 2
Viggo
Scooting the last box of supplies into the stern of my boat, I watch Beck out of the corner of my eye. He’s looking mad stressed and practically standing at attention as he waits for the Cape Easton guests we’ll be ferrying to the island.
