Chapter 2

2

Paige

The shop door bell rings and I look up to see a purple-haired young woman walk in. I welcome her, point out the sales shelf, and leave her to browse.

My first month as a new business owner is coming to a close and my bookshop has been blessed with an uptick of customers day after day. The month had been successful enough that I was able to hire an employee who is starting tomorrow.

I look over to the framed photo of my grandmother, a tough but loving woman who raised me since birth, and place my hand on the bottom of the frame. I close my eyes and take a couple of deep breaths in, counting the many ways I am grateful for where my life is now.

A year ago I was in a toxic relationship with a man who berated me and laughed at my dreams. We had gotten together a couple of years prior, right when my grandmother passed away. I was swept away by Gary while wallowing in my grief. He love-bombed me with gifts, fancy dinners, and weekends away. We eventually moved in together and that’s when he began depriving me of support and love. He was an expert gaslighter and it took me until three months ago to finally walk out on him.

And, boy, did I. I not only walked out on him but I moved hundreds of miles away to this whimsical beach town at the foot of Ravenhart Mountain.

Branwen Beach was small but bustling due to the regular beautiful weather. Often a stop on travelers’ journeys up and down the coast of California, it seemed like a good place for me to start a new life. Ocean breezes, a close-knit community that welcomes outsiders, and in need of a bookshop.

I open my eyes and smile at my grandmother’s photo. I know she would be proud of me here.

The bell jingles again and I greet a tiny, elderly woman with long, silver hair. She walks up to the counter and I am taken aback by the color of her eyes. A violet blue that fills me with warmness immediately.

“Welcome to Turn the Paige. How may I help you?”

“I keep meaning to pop in and am finally making the time. What an adorable bookstore you have here. I was wondering what books you have on bread making?”

I show her the cookbook section and point out a couple of good books for new bakers. I leave her to peruse and when she returns to the counter she has an armful of books.

“Wow! You mean business!”

“I couldn’t choose. But that’s OK, I am very happy to support a locally woman-owned business. My name is Liora, welcome to Branwen Beach.”

I ring her up as she tells me about how much she has loved living here the last couple of decades. Liora looks to be in her 70s but she has a youthful energy about her. Once I bag up her books, she thanks me, and heads to the front door but then turns back.

“Oh! I just had a splendid idea. I am hosting the next women’s book club at my home on Sunday. I would love for you to join us and meet the other ladies. All ferocious readers. I think they would adore you.”

I immediately agree. I have not had a chance to be very social so far, with starting up the business and getting unpacked. Plus this seems like a good idea for the shop. We exchange information and she waves as she heads out the door.

On Sunday afternoon, I knock on Liora’s cottage door. Laughter and voices are coming from the back of the house. A woman around my age answers.

“Oh, you must be Paige. Liora said you were joining us. Please come in. I am Fernanda.”

Fernanda leads me to the backyard garden, which is set up for tea. She announces my arrival and the women warmly greet me. Liora bounces up to me, clasps my hands, and exclaims how happy she is that I have joined them.

But as soon as the words leave her mouth, her eyes go wide, and she looks deep into my own.

“Are you OK, Liora?” I ask, not sure what her reaction means.

“One moment, please,” she replies, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. She reopens them and says, “Sorry, I just had a beautiful moment right then with you. I am very happy you are here and I hope you can linger a bit afterwards so we can chat a bit.”

I nod, a little confused by what just happened. But Liora’s eyes continue to be filled with warmth and safety, so my confusion turns to curiosity and I take a seat.

After the book club ends, I offer to help clean up. Liora shoos everyone else home, telling them we have it covered.

In her sunshine yellow kitchen, I wash the dishes while she dries and puts them away. We work in silence for a while until she interrupts the quiet.

“Paige, how much do you know about Branwen Beach?”

“Well, I did research before I moved here. I know it’s a close-knit community, but still very welcoming of outsiders. And I know many folks with supernatural abilities settle down here because of the accepting culture.”

I have a feeling that’s what her question was getting at - whether or not I understood that Branwen Beach was a paranormal safe haven.

Liora smiles and says, “Wonderful, I had a feeling you weren’t oblivious. I ask because I wanted to share that I am one of those supernatural folks.”

Liora pauses, studying me, then continues.

“I have the ability to read people by touching their hands with mine. Typically, it’s just getting a feel for their personality. But I am also a matchmaker. People seek me to find their one true love. Their true partner for this life.”

I take a sharp breath in. Her reaction when she grasped my hands now made more sense.

“Did you sense something with me, Liora?”

“Yes, yes I did. I guess I wasn’t very shy about it,” she laughs then continues, “if you allow me to share my knowledge with you, I know who your one true love is. Your perfect mate.”

I stand there, holding a soapy plate, staring down at this tiny woman with violet blue eyes. She looks at me in earnest. I realize that I instinctively trust her. I can’t explain it with words but I do trust her.

“Do tell.”