Chapter 9 Rosie #2
I shrug. “Sometimes she has candies she made,” I lie, then point to another vendor before he can question me too much. “Let’s try there.”
In the next fifteen minutes, I introduce Jack to four different business owners who live in Heartwood Hollow, including Mr. Corino, who owns the antique store and has a lot of questions for Jack about the value of different cards and comic books.
They even exchange numbers so he can call or text to get his opinion on things and to talk about a coupon program between the shops.
Our last stop is my most ambitious one, but when I see Ryan Owens, I smile to myself, knowing that it will be a success.
Ryan graduated with Vi and works at the Owens family farm.
He was always into video games and card games that none of us really understood when we were growing up, and he would chat anyone’s ear off about it; I’m pretty sure he’s still into that kind of stuff.
He’s scrolling on his phone at the register, next to bins of apples from the farm along with pumpkins and gourds.
There’s a cooler I know holds the apple cider that Vi uses in her baked goods, including her famous cider donuts, and shelves have everything from apple butter to canned pickles, sauces, and salsas Mrs. Owens makes all summer, plus the honey sticks I used to love as a kid.
“Hey, Ryan, how’s it going?” I ask, waving at him. He lifts his head and gives us a smile I’ve always thought looked a little goofy in a good way.
“Hey, Rosie.” He takes in Jack’s sweatshirt, which has some kind of dragon on it. “Cool sweatshirt, man. You like The Five Realms?” Jack looks to me then to Ryan and nods.
“Uh, yeah. It’s the best RPG on the market right now, in my opinion.” That now familiar blush blooms, and he shifts his glasses up on his nose.
“Jack owns the Gaming Den, so he knows all about that kind of thing,” I add to move things along. Ryan’s face takes on a look of intrigue.
“Across from Rosie’s place?” Jack nods. “Man, that Warlock of the Night Realm in your window is sick—where did you get it from? Was it a promo or something? It would look sick in my gaming room.”
“Oh, uh,” Jack starts. “I made it.” Thankfully, the warlock in question is back in one piece, a quick dash of my magic fixing him right up as of a few days ago.
At the same time, I spelled his completed card tower so it would only come down when Jack intended it to, meaning when I step into his shop, I don’t have to worry about where my elbows are.
“No way,” Ryan says with wide eyes.
“Yeah, I uh… I have others. In my place. I don’t have them all displayed, but…” Something goes through his mind before his shoulders straighten, and a small, shy smile tips his lips. “I could show you, if you ever stop into the store. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in?”
Ryan shakes his head. “Nah, I try not to come into town more than I have to. Too many people, too much small talk, you know?” Jack nods eagerly, very much knowing where Ryan is coming from. I smile to myself, knowing I did well.
“Definitely do. Well, next time you’re in town, feel free to stop in. I won’t even try to make small talk with you if you don’t want. I can show you my collection in complete silence.” I gape at him because I think Jack just told a joke. It’s confirmed when Ryan laughs and nods.
“Nah, I’m good with small talk about the game. But yeah, I’ll definitely stop in. I’d love to play a game or two with you. I don’t know anyone in town who plays. I usually have to go to Diamond Ridge to join in games.”
“I have an in-store event coming soon, you should come. We’ll have games for different experience labels and prizes…” His words trail off nervously, but Ryan doesn’t even pause.
“That would be amazing! I’ll have to come in later today or tomorrow to get information.
” Jack nods, smiling. Beaming actually. “Can we exchange numbers? I’d love to talk more.
Do you play Troll Hunters? I’d love to get your thoughts on how to get through the Garnet caves, if you’ve made it that far. ”
Jack nods eagerly. “Oh, those were a bitch. You have to—” They start to talk about games, the topic going well over my head, and I wander off, leaving the two of them to talk, smiling to myself and feeling like my mission was accomplished.
There’s no way Jack can say he doesn’t feel welcome here now that he’s met and talked to so many people, each of whom was genuinely interested in his shop and, most importantly, him.
I check the time as I wander, noting we’ve been gone from our tables for at least thirty minutes and probably should head back.
I feel like Jack has probably done more peopling than he has in his entire life.
“My mission is complete, Jack’s made a friend, make a sweet glitter that will mark the end,” I whisper, pointing to one of the jars of honey sticks right as Jack approaches me, sliding his phone into his pocket, a smile on his lips.
The look of it warms my chest, but I push back as I return his grin.
“Looks like we found what we came for.”
“Yeah, he seems pretty cool,” Jack says, clearly not catching on.
It makes me smile wider, and I shake my head, tipping my chin at the treats.
“Oh! That’s it?” I nod, then grab a variety of the sticks, suddenly craving one, the glitter of my magic fading as I grab them.
Once I have a dozen or so, we walk to the register, where Ryan stands.
He and Jack talk about the upcoming release of a game and make tentative plans to talk once it’s out, and my chest fills with joy as they say goodbye.
I feel more like a matchmaker right now than I have in the entire time Meet Cute Magic has been open. It’s a reminder that this is why Heartwood Hollow is magical, to me.
My cozy, small town, where everyone knows everyone, is exempt from modern ideals of online shopping and avoiding getting to know your neighbors in favor of virtual interactions and arguing about silly things on social media groups.
But even better is getting to introduce it to Jack and seeing the shy, hesitantly executed smile playing on his face as we walk back to our booths.
We move to our own booths in front of our shops, and as I face mine, I spot Phillip in the window above.
He smiles at me, and I wonder if he saw the whole thing and understands.
But when he winks and then gives me a thumbs-up before floating away, I know the nosy man most definitely has been watching and approves of my measures.