Page 65 of Of Potions and Honey
“Wouldn’t that be nice.” Mira blew out a breath and checked her pocket watch. “Ten minutes until official opening. Thanks, I can take it from here.”
“Are you sure?” Gemma eyed the square, and the scattered visitors already milling about between locals putting the finishing touches on their own stalls. “We can stay and help.”
“Yes, I am very sure.”
“You always say that.” Rue looped her arm through Gemma’s. “But I’m sure she’ll holler if she needs us. Come on, let’s take a look around. I want to look at the honey.”
“You just think the beekeeper is cute.”
“So? Is that a crime?”
Mira watched them amble away as she got comfortable behind her stall. Well, as comfortable as she was going to get on a wooden stool, waiting for her shot at saving her shop and her home. Slowly, the square filled with people, the drone of their voices eventually drowning out the gentle bubbling of the fountain. It had been turned on just for the occasion, and Mira wondered how they’d made sure it wouldn’t sputter and die at random intervals, like everyone else’s water.
It did add to the atmosphere though, Mira had to admit. Between the late summer weather, the décor, and the smell of the flowers that had been put up at every corner, one could almost believe that nothing was wrong. That this was a fair like any other.
And for a little while, Mira almost could make herself believe that. People were mostly browsing, but every now and again, someone bought something. Soon enough, with an influx of people arriving on the late morning carriages, Mira was so busy that she hardly had time to think about the task ahead. Her reminder sat firmly in her view though – Mr. Sheffield, who was chatting up any passer-by he could get to pay attention, distributing high-quality leaflets, and occasionally leaving thestall to an employee to make the rounds in an attempt to converse with the local shop owners. With a petty little flare of glee, Mira noticed that most of them blew him off. When he finished his circling and ambled up to her stall, she greeted him with the same smile she’d always reserved for the most aggravating of customers.
“Hello! Can I interest you in a potion? A little something for your flowers, or maybe a hair growth serum?”
“I-” Scowling, he cleared his throat. “No, thank you.” It seemed to take him a little bit of effort to smooth over his frown and plaster a jovial expression on his face. “Simply making conversation with a fellow businesswoman, is all.” He glanced briefly at her display, and Mira was sure that he didn’t pay attention to any of it. “How’s the fair going? Well, I hope?”
“I can’t complain,” Mire replied sweetly. “Going through more stock than I expected.” She nodded at the Golden River stall, trying to seem casual. “Are you not selling anything?”
“Us? Oh, no!” He puffed up like a peacock. “We’re here to show our support for the local economy. Golden River is very invested in making this region thrive.”
“I see. Is that what the reveal is about?”
“Ah-ah-ah!” He chuckled. “You’ll see in due time.”
“Of course.” When a young couple stepped up to browse, Mira ducked her head. “Ah, please excuse me. I have customers to serve.”
He seemed to be just as glad for this excuse as Mira was, because he was gone in a moment, and Mira was relieved to see him go.
Support for the local businesses, my behind.
If they were truly supportive, they wouldn’t be drying up their spring.
Around noon, Rue and Gemma came back. The sugar stuck to Rue’s chin told Mira that they had visited the inn, wherewhatever Matteo was producing in truly ridiculous quantities smelled absolutely divine. They shooed her away, promising to take good care of the stall while Mira went to have some much-needed lunch. Mira took the opportunity to wolf down a spicy sausage in a crispy bun from the butcher’s grill, and then went to take a little tour of the fair herself. Eventually, she made it to Yoni’s stall, who had brought a selection of essences and dried herbs, which were popular with visitors, according to her.
“They put them in the bath,” she said, frowning after a woman in an expensive coat who had just purchased one of everything. “Why would you want your bathwater smelling like mint?”
“Because it’s nice?” Mira leaned against the table. “At least they’re buying. Could be worse.”
“I suppose.” Mira glanced down the street towards the square. “Have they shown their arse yet?”
Mira snorted. “Absolutely nothing. They’re saving that for their grand reveal, I guess.”
“Mhm.” Yoni squared her jaw. “I’ll make sure to be there.”
“You don’t have to close your stall for that. I can manage.”
Yoni rolled her eyes. “Can you? Yes. Will I let you? Absolutely not. We came up with this together, we’ll pull it off together.”
Mira managed a shaky smile. “You have no idea how reassuring that is.”
“Are you…” Yoni narrowed her eyes at her. “Oh. Youareserious.” She cleared her throat. “Well. It can’t hurt to have someone backing you up. I suppose I am sufficiently intimidating at least.”
“You’re not-” Mira shut her mouth when Yoni have her a pointed look down that hawkish nose. “…just a little bit.”
