Page 32 of Hex Appeal

“Your candle,” she corrects.

She combines the fragrance while I watch.

“So what's it supposed to do?”

“What?”

“My candle.”

“That depends on you.”

“I thought you were the expert.”

“I can tell you what people associate with the ingredients. But you're the one making it.”

She comes to stand beside me.

Close beside me.

“Close your eyes.”

“No.”

“Welles.”

I sigh and close them.

“What do you want?”

“Right now?”

“Right now. Next week. Next year. Whatever comes into your head.”

You.

The answer is so immediate that my eyes open.

Serena is standing inches away.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“That's twice tonight you've said nothing when you clearly meant something.”

“Maybe I want people to stop setting shit on fire.”

She laughs.

“Fine. We'll make you a fire-prevention candle.”

“Perfect.”

“You can light it while you inspect warning labels.”

“Even better.”

She turns back toward the table.