Page 6 of Witches of Honeysuckle House

Owen’s eyes flicked toward Florence, and when his met hers, his cheeks flushed. He tucked a fallen piece of hair behind his ear. Florence looked away.

“More precisely, it suggests a deep emotional bond between two people,” Angela said. “It’s a romance card.”

“Not always,” Florence said a little too quickly.

Angela quirked an eyebrow.

“It’s a soulmate card,” Florence clarified. “Angela and I are soulmates, and we’re just friends.” They’d tried dating once after they took over the shop—Angela suggesting that since she was the one person Florence had let in, they might as well give it a go—but they’d quickly realized neither of them had romantic feelings for each other.

“But itcanrepresent romantic love,” Angela pressed.

“Except that it’s reversed, which indicates a lack of trust in a neworan existing relationship,” Florence said.

Angela cut Florence a look, glanced at the cards. “It’s facing the same direction as your card.”

“Right, but Owen pulled this one for himself, not me.”

Angela leaned forward. Her brow furrowed for a moment then smoothed just as quickly as she leaned back and clapped her hands.

“A reversal canalsoindicate an amplification of the regular meaning,” Angela said.

Owen glanced between them, following their back-and-forth with a small smile playing on his lips.

“Maybe you should draw another card,” Florence suggested. “Get a little more insight.”

“Careful,” Angela said. “Sounds like you’re giving tarot advice.”

“It’s not like I’m reading the cards,” Florence said.

“You don’t read tarot?” Owen asked.

“Not for a long time,” Florence replied.

“Well, I like the idea of a little clarification.” He flipped another card.

Honeysuckle House sat before them once more. Only this time, it was on fire.

Florence stared at the card.

Angela stared at the card.

Owen stared at the card.

None of them spoke for a few moments.

“Oh. Well. Hmm,” Angela said, breaking the silence. “I did not expect you to pull the tower.”

Owen let out a choked sound.

“It’s okay,” Florence said, as much for herself as for him. “The tower doesn’t have to mean impending disaster.”

Angela blinked a few times, then nodded. “Right! Of course! The tower can be a sign of sudden change. Like … like …”

“Like taking a temporary job as a beekeeper in a small town?” Owen suggested.

“Exactly!” Florence said.

“It doesn’t have to mean things literally burning to the ground.” Angela laughed uncomfortably as she picked up the card and held it up for them to see. “The illustration is a metaphor.”