Third Time's the Charm

Jessie reached absently for the book on the shelf to her left as she focused on choosing a playlist on her phone. Instead of a cool, smooth cover, she felt warm, rough flesh and recoiled immediately, pulling her hand close to her chest as she turned slightly to her left.
“I’m so sorry!” Jessie gasped as she stared up at the man who’d also retracted his hand and was gazing at her with a mildly wild expression.
“No, it was my fault. I wasn’t watching what I was doing.” The man’s low, rumbling voice traipsed over her deliciously. Jessie was proud of herself for suppressing the shudder of delight that passed through her.
“I wasn’t either.” She blushed.
“Luckily, there’s more than one copy to look at,” he smirked, drawing her attention to the dancing devilment in his azure eyes. He held a copy of the book they’d both reached for and smiled widely when she took it gingerly. Jessie watched him pick up a second copy then shifted her gaze to the book in her hand.
Her heart plummeted when she realized that it was the fourth in a series – she hated starting new series without knowing if they’d be any good. She’d been stung too many times to count on series that started out strong then lost her by the second or third book.
“Do you like this series?” the stranger next to her asked conversationally.
“I’ve never read it. I didn’t realize this one was the fourth in the series, either.” Jessie admitted ruefully.
“Oh wow! I love it – it’s probably the best series I’ve read since…” he paused, his voice fading and his gaze growing distant as he pondered. “Since maybe The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater.”
“I loved that series!”
“Then I think you’d love this one too. It’s completely different from The Raven Cycle, but, oh my god, it sucked me in like a vortex and I spent an entire day getting through the first three books in the series.”
Jessie opened the book and searched for some reference to the expected number of books in the series. Just as she was about to ask the man, he began speaking again.
“I’m super glad that this one is the last in the series because I hate waiting for the next in a series. I have no patience especially when there’s a cliffhanger involved,” he shared expansively.
“I hate waiting too! It’s the worst. But this one is the last in this series?” Jessie agreed then held up the book in her hand.
“It is,” he confirmed.
“And you recommend this series?”
“I absolutely do.”
“Then I’ll get the whole series. I’m treating myself and if it’s as good as you say, I won’t want to have to come back for the rest.” Jessie smirked as she collected the rest of the books in the series from the shelf.
“You won’t regret it.”
“Well, if it sucks, I’m going to find you and probably be really grumpy with you.”
The man’s laugh sent a shiver running over her and brought gooseflesh rising over her skin.
“Fair enough. Well, it was good chatting with you. I’m off to continue running my errands. Enjoy the books.”
“I will. Thank you.” Jessie smiled then watched as the man walked away, admiring his jean-clad ass as he did.
An hour later, Jessie carefully placed her pile of books – the four in the recommended series along with several others she’d found – and accepted the receipt for purchase. She smiled at the harried cashier and wished them a ‘gentle holiday’ – a habit she’d picked up from her cousin whose work was counseling traumatized young people. Minutes later, she waved to the person waiting for her parking spot and drove toward the lot exit through the driving December rain.
Another hour after leaving the bookstore, Jessie parked her car in front of the small metaphysical and crystal shop tucked away on a side street. She paused to pop a breath mint into her mouth in an attempt to mitigate the garlic breath she had after having a lamb gyro for lunch then left her car.
She breathed deeply of the incense infused air of the shop and smiled at the staff who, in unison, welcomed her into the store. With no time to watch and no self-imposed budget, Jessie started slowly perusing the many treasures tucked into the tiny shop. Vaguely, she heard the bell on the door tinkle and subconsciously she knew the staff were talking to customers leaving the store and welcoming others in, but she paid no attention as she shopped.
“Fancy seeing you here,” a low, rumbling voice broke through Jessie’s reverie. She raised her gaze from the display of tarot decks to meet azure eyes dancing with devilment.
"Fancy that. I wouldn't have expected you here, you don't seem the type." Jessie commented then blushed as she realized how judgmental she sounded.
"I'm not but my mom is. I'm here shopping for her birthday, since it’s this coming Monday. It's one of her favorite stores."
"Ah. It's one of mine too. Your mom has good taste."
Once again, his laughter washed over her deliciously and she successfully suppressed a shiver of delight.
"What are you thinking of getting your mom?" Jessie asked after a long moment during which the silence began to grow uncomfortable.
"I'm not sure. She has so much of it already.”
“So much of what?”
“The cards mostly and books.”
“Does she have crystals or incense?”
“No incense. My dad is super sensitive to smells and anything that strong will make him physically sick.”
“Okay, no incense.” Jessie agreed. “Crystals?”
“I’m not sure. And I’m not really sure how I’d pick one of those anyway.”
“Well, if it were me, I’d get her a really nice leather-bound journal like those over there,” Jessie commented, pointing to a display behind the man. He turned to look then smiled at her, taking her breath away with the light in his eyes coupled with his bright smile. “And a crystal or two to go with it.”
“I like the idea of the journal – mom loves writing. But how do I pick a crystal?”
“With your mom in mind – her smile, her face, her voice – peruse the crystals like you would a book. Pick them up and when you find the right one, you’ll know. It’ll feel right.”
“Feel right?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure how to describe it but it’ll feel like that is the one you’re meant to give her. Kind of like when you read the back of the book and it catches you immediately.”
“I’ll give it a shot. Thanks.” He smiled again.
“You’re welcome. I hope your mom has a great birthday.”
He turned and focused his attention on the journals and pens as Jessie, once again, paused to admire his ass clad in his faded denim jeans. Inhaling deeply, she turned back to the cauldrons and singing bowls she had been looking at before he’d interrupted.
After spending a considerable amount of time, the door chime jingling merrily the entire time, Jessie finally bought herself a new glass lotus lamp, a couple tarot decks, and a small cauldron. By the time she left the shop, it was already growing dark. With a sigh, she merged into the traffic on the interstate headed south, realizing that patience was going to need to be had.
More than an hour after leaving the shop, Jessie finally made it back to her home. It was dark and she was glad to be out of the car after what should have been a twenty-minute drive – the two accidents she’d passed having aided in her bid for patience.
Depositing her purchases on the table, her two orange tabbies immediately jumped up to investigate. Jessie paused to give them each some attention and kisses as she chuckled at their curiosity.
“There’s nothing in there for you two,” she snickered. “Those are my gifts to me.”
After giving each a bit more attention and a tube of cat pudding, she cleaned up then left her house again. Driving downtown to her favorite bistro for their open mic night, Jessie contemplated her dinner to finish out her day of self-care.
Stepping into the bistro, she scanned the crowd and felt a ripple of shock roll through her as her jaw dropped. Sitting at a table on the far side of the space was the same guy she’d run into twice that day! Collecting herself, she slowly made her way across the restaurant to where he was.
“This is becoming a habit or something. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were stalking me but you were here first this time.” She smirked.
“Well hello again,” the man gaped briefly before standing. “This is getting a bit weird.”
“Right? Like we should at least know each other’s names or something.”
“Perhaps someone’s trying to tell us something,” he snickered.
“The Universe has its own plan, I think,” Jessie agreed.
“Well, since we keep running into each other, why don’t you join me. I’m Leo, by the way. Leo Patterson.” He invited, pulling the chair out next to his.
“Nice to know you, Leo. I’m Jessie Thomas.” She grinned, sitting in the offered chair. Leo sat back down and the two shook hands.
“So, other than dinner, are you here for open mic night?” Jessie asked conversationally after accepting a menu from a passing server.
“I am. My friends are one of the bands playing this weekend. You?”
“Oh nice! I’m just here because I like hearing the different music that gets played. Today’s the start of my two-week vacation and for my birthday, I’m spending the day indulging in things I enjoy. Call it a self-care day of sorts.”
“Is today your birthday?”
“No, Monday is. Like your…” Jessie started with a wry grin as Leo finished the sentence.
“My mom. Well, happy early birthday.”
“Thank you.”
“So, was your self-care day successful?”
“Incredibly so. Not one but four new books. Goodies from my favorite crystal shop. And now dinner and good music… potentially a new friend. It’s been banner.”
“I’m glad. Here’s to new friends.” Leo smiled widely, holding up his water glass. Jessie raised hers and tapped his lightly with a smile of her own.
“I’m sorry, by the way,” Jessie offered quietly after a long moment during which they read over the menu.
“Sorry? For what?” Leo frowned.
“For sounding like a judgment wench in the crystal shop.”
“I didn’t take is as such, so please don’t worry. Your assessment was correct, I’m not into that sort of thing but I have no issue with those who are. My mom loves it so I’ll happily go in there to indulge her. Thanks, by the way for the suggestions. And you were right, I did find some stones that felt right for her.”
“I’m glad. What did you choose?”
“An amethyst polished heart – purple is her favorite color – and a raw amethyst crystal that is unique and beautiful like my mom.”
“It’s so cool to hear you talk about your mom that way.”
“My mom is amazing and one of the people I count on the most.”
“I miss that. I used to feel the same about my mom.”
“Used to?”
Jessie sat back and waited for the server to deposit their meals and leave before answering.
“Yeah. The last few years have been… rough. My dad got super sick and then left this plane two years ago. My mom followed late last year after trying to be without him but missing him too much. This is the first time I’ve actually had PTO to take because the last few years all my time off was spent taking care of my parents.” Jessie admitted quietly.
“This is your first birthday without your mom?” Leo gaped in horror.
“Yep, which is why I spent today on me.”
“Oh my god, Jessie, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I spent enough time working with my counselor and preparing myself for it that I think I’m going to be okay with everything. Monday may be tough but I’ll have plenty of distractions with books and such.”
“Well, I’m glad we ran into each other. Now I feel like being potentially friends is even more amazing.”
“Not once but three times,” Jessie snickered.
“Three amazing times,” Leo concurred with a chuckle. “May I pay for your dinner then, as potential friends and for your early birthday?”
“You don’t have to…”
“I know that, but I’m offering.”
“Well, when you put it that way, thank you.” Jessie smiled softly, the sensation of warmth that she associated with a loving hug engulfing her.