The Rarest Gem

Chapter Five

Logan

"Excuse me, sir, do you have any Orris root?"

My attention turns to a girl with short rainbow-dyed hair and a handful of items in her hand.

"Yes, actually, you can find it in that corner with the dry herbs. We only have the rough cut available at the moment; the powder should come in next week."

"That should work, thank you!" she responds gleefully, expressing her gratitude, before she and her friend navigate to the corner of the store, where they discover an assortment of herbs and homemade tinctures displayed on the shelves.

God, I feel bad for that poor man she plans on putting the Juju on, first the figure candle, then domination oil, now Orris root?

Poor guy.

I continue helping customers with questions and tidying up the store as they make their rounds through my mother's shop, exploring what we have to offer. Some people purchase trinkets here and there, while others browse and just take it all in.

It's not long before a familiar voice catches my attention.

"Lo-Lo" my little sister yells as she runs towards me and grabs onto my leg.

I scoop her up and hold her at my side as she begins to scan the room, probably taken aback by all the unfamiliar faces now moving through the shop.

"Hey Ry, how are you, little sis?"

She ignores my question. Something in the room must have caught her attention. She's like me and is known to space out if something more interesting comes into sight.

"Game?" she asks as she points to the glass cabinet filled with the many colorful crystals sparkling from the various sources of light throughout the room.

"No game, Ry. Remember what Mommy said? When you're older."

"You've created a monster, Logan."

I turn around to face my mother, who is smiling. I can't tell if it's because she finds Ryder's new interest in the spirit board amusing or if it's because she's happy to see the store doing pretty well on its first day.

"You've done a good job. I was going to check in earlier, but then I remembered that you are pretty responsible and would've called me if you needed any help."

She takes Ryder from my side, looks around the shop, and places my sister into her stroller, handing her a Ziploc bag of snacks and a sippy cup.

"So, how has the day been overall? No one giving you any trouble, right?" she raises her eyebrow.

"No, it's been pretty awesome, actually. The customers have been nice. Also, I've been keeping a small list of things people have been asking for that we either don't carry or don't have in stock just in case you wanted to review it before putting in any new orders."

"See, this is why I trust you being in charge. You're always one step ahead."

"So, since it seems like you have this under control, I was thinking of taking your sister for a walk. We haven't explored much of Angel's Grove since we've gotten here; it's been all unpacking, sorting, and getting settled in."

"I'd love to get a bit of fresh air, possibly chat with a couple of locals, find Ryder a friend, maybe two. Are you okay with handling another hour or two on your own?"

"Of course, Mom. I've already had my chance to explore the town a bit. It's only fair."

"Excuse me, sir, I'd like to check out, please."