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"Which one?"

Everly hands him the lavender oil.

"Start with this one."

After he walks away, I lean against the counter.

"Do you ever feel guilty?"

"About what?"

"Encouraging people to believe expensive herbs will solve their emotional problems."

She raises an eyebrow.

"Do you feel guilty telling people strangers on the internet won't solve theirs?"

Touché. I hate when she does that.

"That's different."

"Is it?"

"Yes."

"Because?"

"Because I'm right."

She smiles.

"Ah. The strongest argument."

I roll my eyes.

Outside the shop windows, another gust of wind scatters crimson leaves across the sidewalk. Everly watches them move. For a moment, something in her expression changes.

"You feel it?"

My eyes go to the street.

"The wind?"

"The town."

I arch an eyebrow.

"You've officially become too mysterious for your own business model."

She laughs quietly.

"I'm serious."

"So am I."

Her expression softens.

"The energy's been different."