Shady Bay Read Online Free PDF

answer the telephone.
    The books were alphabetized by subject. At the end of the day, I was confident. Especially because she wrote me cheat sheets regarding the candles, herbs, and crystals and their prescribed uses. And apparently she worked mostly evenings and nights, so tomorrow I’d be on my own.
    The following day Celeste walked me to the store and set everything up for me, all the while whirling around in her nightgown. It was so plain and what one would expect a lady of her age to wear, completely contrasting with her normal attire. She was vibrant, awesome and made me smile. I just loved this woman.
    Checking the record book, she had logged five readings the night before. Five? It was only March, off-season. And oh my gosh, she charged one hundred dollars for a reading? Wow. I had no doubts that she did have a true gift. She knew about Mama and Daddy, knew why I finally left. She was the one person I couldn’t keep things from, couldn’t hide from. When I first realized that, it had scared me to death. But now it felt refreshing and... Well, it felt liberating that she just knew and I didn’t have to tell her. I was a bit of a private person when it came to the crappy parts of my life. My rule: the less I had to explain, the better.
    Last night Celeste borrowed Jaxon’s car. He lived in the furthest unit of the three townhouse complex. She drove me to the local Goodwill store. “You need clothes. We’ll get you clothes.”
    “Oh, I don’t have any money, yet.”
    “Pssh. What did I tell ya? Here.” She handed me an envelope with a single one hundred dollar bill in it.
    “A hundred dollars! For one day! No way. That’s way too much, Celeste.”
    “Pssh. Listen to you. You think I charge chump change for a reading? You have a lot to learn about me, sweetie. This is your pay. You earned it. You’ll keep earning it. Now, you’re gonna go buy a few things to wear. I know you’ve only got a few outfits.”
    Good old-fashioned shame stopped my retort. “Okay.”
    The Goodwill was like a freaking superstore. It was huge! There were huge sections of clothing, furniture, appliances--anything one would ever need. I found several things in my size and for one dollar each, I loaded up. The cutest things were in the next size up. I held up an awesome white maxi dress and wondered if I could safety pin the back to make it work.”
    “Can you sew?” Celeste had appeared from out of nowhere. Did she have teleportation power, too?
    “Yes. I mean, I have before. I’m no expert, but yeah. I can. Sort of.”
    “Got an old sewing machine in one of my closets if you want it. Used it one time and ran the damn needle through my finger. Took everything I had not to toss the evil damn thing out the window.”
    I giggled. “I’d love to use it.”
    “Have it. If it leaves the closet, it’s either going with you or out the window. I’m still mad at it.”
    “Cool. I’ll take it.”
    “We’ll need to get some thread while we’re here.”
    I threw the dress in the bag and went through the next sizes up. I scored several sundresses and maxis. I’d be stylin’ in these babies! Eeep!
    I snapped back to reality when the little bell above the front door jingled, and spent the next two hours leading a lady through the candle collection. Apparently the different colors meant things and with Celeste’s cheat sheet and this woman’s issues, I was able to sell her one of every color , except black. I even talked her into an amethyst crystal and a book about aromatherapy.
    People filed in and out , here and there the rest of the day. Most knew exactly what they wanted or needed. One girl was around my age with black hair, dark eyes, and crimson-stained lips. Her skin was like porcelain. She was dressed a black dress with a black and purple corset laced overtop. She was beautiful. She bought books, candles, rosemary, and sage and a pendulum. As I was bagging her items, she even booked an appointment with