The Rarest Gem

Chapter Twelve

Logan

Dammit!

I don't know why I'm so clumsy today. It's not like me. It's only been a few hours since I opened the store and I can't stop dropping and bumping into things.

I can't help but replay those text messages between me and Seki over and over again in my head. It's like it's on repeat, it's like torture.

She dated Tristan?

Why wouldn't he tell me that?

I mean, I haven't known him that long, maybe he would've mentioned it eventually...

Whatever the case may be, her messages rubbed me the wrong way and made me tap into an anger I haven't felt in a very long time, it's not like Tristan and I are dating but her possessive nature and off-putting tone were beyond annoying.

There aren't many customers today, and as time goes by, my anticipation of Tristan's arrival keeps me on edge. I know I shouldn't mention that I spoke to Seki, especially since it was on a dating site and that might ruin my chances with him, but at the same time I'm not one to hold my tongue, not when it comes to something I want, and I can't deny my growing want for Tristan.

I decide to rearrange a few of the shelves in the store to keep my mind busy and make room for the new items arriving today for delivery.

I'll admit I'm not the best at presentation when it comes to decorative displays, but I think so far I'm doing a good job. I decided to start with our assortment of herbs and make the choice to alphabetize them; I don't know why we hadn't done this before, it would make it a lot easier for customers looking for something specific, but either way, it's done now and I'm proud at improvement the organizing and condensing has done, creating new space on the shelf.

Below the herbs are one of my favorite items we carry in the shop, the divination teacups, I nowhere near have the knowledge to read leaves, but I always found the idea of it fascinating, to see the future in the remains of tea or in some cases even coffee.

My admiration for the cups sends me into a daydream about how magical life really is and reminds me of the most beneficial advice I feel I have ever been given: Not every moment is forever and we, as humans, should always try to remain present.

Just that thought alone makes me think of how much I've let everything with Seki and Tristan get to me, and that I should stop worrying so much about the details and just go with the flow, it's how I typically operate, but it's something about him, something about Tristan makes me go absolutely crazy and step outside the norm.

As I continue to move the teacups on the shelf to their new location, I'm startled by a buzz from a text notification on my phone, causing me to inadvertently crash the porcelain divination tool to the floor.

"Shit!" My heart sinks at the sight of the once beautiful cup now lying in pieces on the floor of the shop, completely shattered.

"Logan?" I turn to see my mother eyeing me curiously.

"Sorry Mom, it was an accident. I'll get it cleaned up. I just..."

"It's okay, Logan. I'm more concerned about you than the cup. I've noticed you're a bit off today. Every time I come in and out of the shop, you're skittering around clumsily or cursing under your breath..."

"I'm sorry, I just had a long day yesterday, that's all."

She isn't buying my attempt to divert this conversation in another direction and continues to stare at me blankly before giving me a response; if anyone knows me, it's my mother, and her unmistakable ability to tap into things otherworldly is perfectly aligned.