Mike gave a thumbs-up.
Moss said, “You’re not…” Sounding cynical, he said, “You’re the romantic. It just might work.”
Moss walked away, shaking his head, as Mike yelled out, “Okay, you’re all set. It’s showtime!”
With three fingers placed under the rim of a stool, Drake set it down at the front of the stage. He took a seat, grabbed and pulled up the back collar of his leather jacket, and then he positioned his guitar. Looking down at his guitar as if he was about to stroke a lover, he strummed the first chord. As he played the intro of his song, he felt the instrument respond as if it was a part of him.
* * * *
Halona felt herself get warm inside. She ran her fingers through her hair. She hesitantly turned to face the pavilion, to face the direction of the music. She swooned inside, and she hoped she wasn’t swooning outwardly. His eyes locked with hers. She felt weak, as if she ought to sit down while she still could. She was soon transfixed by both the charm of the song and of the man performing it.
“Stormy seas, I ask please bring her to me.
“She’s the one for me, that’s easy to see.
“I’ll hold her near and never let go.
“Stormy seas, I know can make it so.
“Stormy seas, I know you’ll make it so.
“She’ll ride the waves with me; we’ll never let go.
“Our story lies within the depths of me.
“She’s the one; I know we’re meant to be.”
“Wow, he’s kinda dreamy, don’t you think, Miss Jacobs?”
Halona shook her head and blinked, as if to snap out of a trance. She looked down at Lisa. “I’m sorry, Lisa, what did you say?”
“Nothing. Do you think that’s a song they use in the play?”
Halona smiled at her as she shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know, but I think it’s magical enough to be, don’t you?”
Halona slowly lifted her hand to send a wave in his direction. He acknowledged by slightly bowing his head. He then picked up the stool and walked to the back of the stage.
Halona sighed deeply. With a restored sense of hope, Halona wrapped her arm around Lisa and gave her a little squeeze. She smiled. “Lisa, what do you say we call it a day? Get home before the storm starts?”
* * * *
Later that evening, Halona had returned to the apartment. She went to the balcony as she phoned Bethany.
Bethany warmly answered the phone. “Hi, Halona, how are you?”
“Hi, are you at the nursery?”
“I am. What are you doing on this calm before the storm?”
“Funny you mention storm,” she said, lips parted as she wiggled in her seat.
“Why do you say that? You sound very happy. I know you like storms, but it’s something else…”
Halona bit her lower lip. “Do you remember when I told you about a guy who came in the store?”
“Yes, the very nice producer of the play. Let me guess, you ran into him again, didn’t you?”
“I was with little Lisa Cornell, and…anyway that’s another story. We were at the park, and he played his guitar while he sang the most beautiful song, directly to me.”
“That’s romantic to say the least.”
“Uh-huh, and, Beth, I have to say he is sooo charismatic.” Halona felt her body tingle.
Bethany said, “I could tell you felt he might be different. That sounds wonderful. He sounds just your type too. Sensitive and romantic.”
“Definitely!” She laughed.
Bethany hesitated for a moment and then said, “I don’t want to break the mood, but just be careful, okay? Don’t allow yourself to get hurt.”
Halona said, “Not me. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“It’s my job. It’s all of our jobs to worry about each other.”
Halona laughed and then answered as a southern belle. “If it doesn’t go well, you can just heal my broken heart. Besides, you wouldn’t worry if I was Grey or Syd.”
“But you’re not Grey or Syd.”
Halona sat up straight. “I actually called to see if you need help securing the greenhouses or plants. You know, in case this storm is worse than they expect. I can swing by.”
“No thanks. I’m all set, but I appreciate it.”
Halona slipped back into her chair. “Okay. I hope you have some wine and a good book. That’s my plan; Scamp and I are in for the night.”
Bethany said, “I do, and that’s my plan too, me and Orca. Except I’m going to be able to concentrate on my book and not think about some guitar-playing producer. By the way, did you ever find out his name?”
“No, and part of me never wants to know.” Halona shook her hair and smiled. “Another part of me wants to know everything there is to know.”
Bethany chuckled. “You have it sooo bad, Halona Jacobs. I’ve got to finish securing things and get home before the rain.”
Halona said, “Okay, be safe. Talk to you soon.” Biting her lip, she hung up the phone.
Chapter 5
Thursday Afternoon
It was a lucrative time of the year. Early fall brought many visitors, for a vast number of reasons. Most just looked forward to the autumn festivals held in town, which had the nickname Magicville for a reason. Blansett was, after all, a magical place, especially in the fall.
While Jenn opened and worked the morning at Beachcombers, Halona had worked the early shift at Mystic Tides. When she arrived at Beachcombers in the afternoon, she was pleased to learn there had been many tourists to visit both stores during the first part of the day.
Soon after settling in, Halona sensed a slight vibration and realized the wards had become reactive. As she looked toward the store entrance, it surprised her to see a man she knew take a wide step over the threshold. His dyed black hair was more than windblown. It was a purposeful style that spoke of wildness as it flared out at the sides, giving even more attention to his widow’s peak. She allowed her eyes to follow his movement until he stopped at one of the large glass cases. She could have sworn she saw a beam of light bounce off the glass.
Scamp and Glimmer each let out a low, slow growl. Halona whispered, “It’s okay,” as she checked the wards around their bed before approaching the man.
“Mr. Stellar? May I help you?”
He turned, standing erect. She saw a look of determination in what were normally soft eyes. His heavy brows arched as he reached his hand out.
She tried to hide her hesitation as she shook his hand. “Is everything all right?”
She felt his perspiration. It lay in his palm like a puddle. She had to refrain from wiping her own palm on her pantsuit.
He abruptly turned and faced the counter. “Yes, fine.” He pointed to a bracelet. “I would like that piece.”
Halona noticed his eye twitching as she pulled out two pairs of cotton gloves in two sizes, with every intention of having him wear a pair. She placed her gloves on her hands and reached inside the case.
As she gently grasped the bracelet, she was stunned by the intricate engravings on the piece. For a split second, she felt frozen in place. She said, “Excuse me one moment.”
He flared his nostril and let out a grunt. After locking the case, Halona walked to the back room. She pressed the chime to signal a conference. When Jenn arrived, Halona spoke as she continued to watch the customer through a two-way mirror.
“That man out there. Do you know him?”
Jenn nodded. “Isn’t that Mr. Stellar?”
She shook her hair around. “It looks like him, but he sure isn’t acting like him.” She held out the bracelet. “Jenn, did you catalog this piece?”
“I did. Is something wrong?”
Halona glanced out at the show floor again. “No, it’s just I felt something. It’s special, and it’s meant for someone special. I can’t pinpoint it right now, but I will. Where did we obtain it?”
“Your cousin Jeremy brought it by with other artif
acts.”
“Thanks, I’m going to put this in the safe.” She set the bracelet carefully inside and activated the protective ward. “Now I will tell….whoever that is that the bracelet is not for sale.”
Halona returned to the floor. “Sir, my apologies. I should never have had the bracelet in the case. It’s not for sale. I am terribly sorry for your inconvenience.”
He huffed. “What kind of business do you run? I saw that piece, and I offer you a sale and you snub me?”
“No, sir, that was not my intention.”
He clenched his jaw and said, “Tell me whose it is. I’ll buy it from them.”
“I cannot do that.”
“You mean won’t.”
“Perhaps I can interest you in something else?”
He spoke through his teeth. “So you can snatch that from me too?”
With an abrupt turn, he stormed toward the exit. “We shall see about this.”
He paused at the doorway and shook his head as he rubbed his eyes before stepping outside.
Halona narrowed her eyes and spoke under her breath, “We certainly will.”
* * * *
The day was coming to a close. There had been several sizable purchases and numerous smaller ones made as well. The threshold chimed its music, signaling another customer. Jenn had left for the day, and Halona knew this could very well be her last customer of the day.
“Good evening, is there anything I can help you find today?” she said, greeting the family of three.
The man spoke. “Yes, we’re looking for an old ship propeller.”
Meanwhile, their young boy rushed toward Scamp. “Can I pet your dog?”
Halona smiled. “Sure you can. There are some treats in that jar if you’d like to give him one.”
Halona turned back to speak to his parents, but they had already walked off.
“This one’s a beaut!” the man said as he inspected the propeller. He had already removed a tape measure from his pocket and had begun to measure it. “Ten and a half by let’s see… sixteen inches.”
“You will see that it’s all intact, and it’s solid bronze.” Halona walked over to him, and she glided her hand across the cold metal. “There are a few chips and scratches, although that’s to be expected.”
“How much do you want for it?”
“It’s five thousand.”
“I can offer you forty-five hundred?”
Halona held her head to the side and pursed her lips. “I’ll go forty-five hundred.”
“We got a propeller!” he said.
“Daddy, can I have this!” the young boy pointed to an antique, green glass buoy.
“How much is that one?” the man asked.
Halona lifted her chin as she strained to see the item. “That one is two hundred and fifty. It is one of the older pieces, as well as one of the larger buoys, at twenty-two inches high. Notice, there are two intertwined.”
She went over and picked it up. As she held it, she followed the circle of twine with her finger. “I will let it go for two hundred and twenty-five, if you would like it.”
She smiled at the young boy. “These beautiful green hollow spheres show wear from having rolled in the surf, and it’s now etched from the sand. These early bouys were hand made by a glass blower, so you can see thousands of air bubbles in the glass.”
The little boy opened his eyes wide. “What are they for?”
“Fisherman used them. They’ve been used since at least 1844 to support their fishing nets, to keep them from sinking. Sometimes they would cover miles, with many nets strung together.”
“Wouldn’t it break its glass?” the boy asked.
Halona smiled. “You would think so. I guess it could, but they are made from a heavy recycled glass. Have you heard of a message in a bottle?”
The little boy nodded. Halona continued, “Well, it’s a little like that. The ocean, even though it can be rough, is easier on items than sometimes we are here on land.”
The boy’s father spoke. “Do you have any less expensive?”
Halona reached nearby and pulled out a single vintage glass buoy. “This is ninety-five. Beautiful condition”
“What do you think, like that one?” he asked his son.
His son nodded. “Yes.”
Halona smiled. “You chose a great one. You show a keen eye for these. Let me wrap this carefully for you.”
The family, having made their purchases, exited the shop. Halona began to dim a few lights and was turning the exterior sign around when she heard someone enthusiastically call out from the sidewalk.
“You must be one busy lady. I’ve only seen you around town once.”
It’s him. The guy with the journal.
He reached the shop door before she could answer.
“Hi, yeah, I have been. Between the shops and this little guy.” She motioned to Scamp, who lay in his bed, having just cocked his head. Halona leaned her own head slightly, and her hair swung across her cheek. “I see you have a champagne bottle. By the haze and scratches on the glass, it looks as if it’s been thrashed about by the ocean.”
Flashing a smile, he said, “Found it this morning. I love this stuff.” He looked down at his treasure and then back up at her. “Some storm last night, huh? The morning after a storm… best time to find things!” He lowered his head, and she noticed he seemed to be blushing. He raised his eyebrows. “But then, you would know that. Actually, I was hoping you might be able to tell me something about it. But I see I’m too late, and you’re about to close.”
Halona glanced at the bottle. “I can see it’s this century, early this century.”
“Hmm...I was hoping it was older. Oh well.”
She sensed his disappointment. “I see you have your guitar. I’ve been thinking of the song you sang in the park.”
He raised a brow, and a smile formed at the corner of his mouth. “Ah, you like me a little then, huh?”
Halona started to stammer. “I-I didn’t say that, only that I thought of the song.”
He leaned in, thumbing the collar of his jacket. “But you did think of me?”
Halona lowered her face as she felt it flush, and the warmth shot right through her. She peeked up through her lashes as she moistened her lips.
“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you come in for just a minute? Maybe I can tell you some history behind that bottle.” Smiling, she flipped her hair. “I have a knack for reading objects.”
He smacked his lips together. “That would be great. I’d like that, thanks.”
After they entered, he leaned his guitar at the entrance, and Halona locked the door behind them. She walked over to the counter, where she picked up a few items and placed them underneath.
She smiled and rubbed her palms together. “Okay, let me see the bottle.”
He raised his brows; his eyes sparkled with child-like anticipation. He gently placed the green glass bottle in her hand. He had no sooner done so than she lowered her head. She allowed her bangs to softly sweep over to hide her now misty eyes.
An emotional charge ran through her body, and her heart beat fast. She began to feel as if she had just been submersed under water, without any ability or means in which to breathe. She felt the color drain from her face in a flash. Suddenly, the bottle fell from her grip. As it crashed against the counter, it split into shards of glass.
Halona gasped, as if coming up for air. “I am so sorry! I am so sorry.”
He gently put his hand over his heart. “It’s okay. It’s just a bottle. You said so yourself.”
Holding her hands over her lips, she whispered, “It’s just… it’s just… It once belonged to me!”
Tilting his head, he leaned forward as he quietly spoke. “You’re Halona?”
“Yes.” She quivered, hands still to her face. She could barely get the word out.
He slowly reached across the counter, and as he did, she backed away. She buried her face in her hands as she began to sligh
tly sway. Hesitantly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a weathered piece of paper. With his own hand slightly trembling, he held it out.
“It had this inside. I was keeping this even if the bottle had value.”
She managed to peer and read some of what was written on the page.
A love such as ours will last and last,
You are my future, my present, my past.
When you’re far, you are near,
When you’re not, you are here.
She felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Suddenly feeling dizzy, she sat down behind the counter, grasping the edges of the stool with both hands. She furrowed her brow and spoke, though she knew it was barely audible.
“I don’t understand. Why were you keeping my poem?”
He steepled his fingers as he pressed them against his lips.
“It touched me. And I knew whoever wrote it didn’t intend for it to be seen. I wanted to honor that.”
Halona caressed her arms, trying to ward off a sudden chill. She cleared her throat to speak.
“I threw that bottle into the ocean the night I heard the horrible news.” She began to sniffle. “My boyfriend, Rickie, and I drank the champagne to celebrate. He had just been accepted to Duke University.” She managed a close-lipped smile.
“It was the one time we were reckless. I shouldn’t have, but I took the bottle from my father’s cabinet. The next day, Rickie went out…he went out boating with his friends, and he drowned. He drowned, and I wasn’t there to save him.” Her shoulders caved in, and she couldn’t hold back the tears.
Motionless at first, he then quickly stepped behind the counter. He gently raised her from the stool and warmly embraced her. She pushed her entire being into his and sobbed.
Her voice broke as she shook her head. “Why am I telling you all of this? I feel like such an idiot. I don’t even know you.” She attempted to look up. “I don’t even know your name.”
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