Mint Condition (The Bloomin' Psychic, Book 6)(Paranormal Women's Midlife Fiction)

Mint Condition The Bloomin’ Psychic Book 6 Annabel Chase Red Palm Press LLC Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Also by Annabel Chase Chapter One October in Newberry was the Goldilocks month, sampling warm and cold weather until it settled on a temperature that was just right. It was also my birthday month, so the unpredictable weather pattern seemed appropriate. Scarlet York sat beside me on the sofa, yawning through an episode of Real Housewives. Her black hair was currently tipped with orange in honor of autumn, and a half-finished cup of peppermint tea rested on her lap. The petite landscaper clearly wasn’t as invested in the manufactured drama as I was, not that I was surprised. Scarlet preferred peace and authenticity in her endeavors, including forms of entertainment. Even the TikTok accounts she followed were mainly comprised of animals and gardens, plus one of a Chinese grandmother who cooks recipes that reminded Scarlet of her heritage, or half of it anyway. She was Chinese on her mother’s side and Scottish on her father’s, which had made a younger Scarlet feel like an outcast. “Do you want to watch something else?” I asked. “I’m sure we can find an episode of a Great British Gardens competition.” Or something else that might ease me into a coma. “No, thanks. Television makes me sleepy. I need to get up and move around, or you’ll have to clean salvia off your cushions.” “Wouldn’t be the first time.” I turned off the television. “Any interest in going for a walk along the canal path?” she asked. “It’s raining.” She glanced out the window. “It’s barely drizzling.” I blinked at her. “Have you met me? I’d sooner meet the lizard people that live in the tunnels beneath New York City than walk through puddles.” The mere prospect of wet stocking feet made me shudder. “I thought the lizard people were in the catacombs of LA. New York has mole people.” “I should really know that.” She jostled my arm. “Come on. It’s only rain. You’re not going to melt.” I cocked an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that? I have evidence that suggests otherwise.” I waved a hand in the direction of the kitchen, because directly outside of it was the area known as a witch’s garden. It included pots of herbs that could be used in cooking, or to make potions and poultices if you were someone skilled like Aunt Hazel had been. I was lucky if I remembered when to use cilantro as a garnish. “It’s good to be active even when you don’t feel like it. Movement is a mood booster,” Scarlet said. “There’s nothing wrong with your mood, Little Miss Sunshine. What’s with the urgent need for exercise?” “I’m not doing it for exercise. I’m doing it for my clients. I need attractive rocks for Mr. Grayson’s pool garden. We’ll accomplish one job with two stones—or hopefully more than two stones.” I remained limp on the sofa. “Isn’t there a rock shop? I bet you can order an entire box of rocks from Amazon.” I stretched my legs. “No exercise required.” Scarlet folded her arms and leveled me with a look. “You might find a few rocks for your garden too.” “Do I need rocks? Aren’t soil and water enough?” “Have you learned nothing since you’ve been here? Rocks and stones are inherently magical.” “What’s inherently magical is Andy Cohen. He hasn’t aged in a decade. There’s definitely a portrait of him in an attic somewhere.” Scarlet tugged my hand. “We’re going and that’s it. Get your jacket.” I glanced at Ophelia for help. The ancient cat was sprawled across the floor in front of the television, her belly spread on either side of her like her own personal area rug. She looked at me with sleepy eyes and yawned. I was on my own. Begrudgingly, I rose to my feet and joined Scarlet outside. I had to admit, even in the autumn drizzle, the canal path was a scenic route. My adopted home of Newberry, Pennsylvania boasted the Delaware River, that divided the state from New Jersey, as well as a parallel canal that served to transport supplies like coal in the 1800s. Although the town had evolved since then, it retained many of its original structures. Red Clover, the cottage I’d inherited from Aunt Hazel, was among them. With ours hoods up, it was difficult to have a conversation without turning awkwardly to face the other person, but we made it work. I marveled at the scenery and listened to the birdsong while Scarlet went about her rock collecting. I felt simultaneously old and peaceful. There was something restorative about time spent in nature. I’d have to remember the way I felt the next time I plopped myself in front of the television instead of taking advantage of the great outdoors. Scarlet scooped up a heart-shaped rock and held it in the palm of her hand. “This one is perfect. He’ll love it, no pun intended.” “Ooh, money. Better than rocks.” I bent over to retrieve what I thought was a coin but turned out to be a flat, circular rock. To make matters worse, I tweaked my lower back in the process. “Not worth it,” I groaned. Scarlet observed the stone in my hand. “You’re right. It looks like a coin. Those are great for money spells.” I pointed to the ground. “There’s another one. Can you pick it up for me? At this rate I’m going to be spending the evening snuggling with a heating pad instead of Dane.” “Why not both?” Scarlet picked up the flat, round stone and handed it to me. “I see a few more. This bodes well for you.” “My birthday’s coming up,” I said. “Mother Nature probably knows