The antique glass and wood shop door was impossibly heavy. Sabrina pushed with all her might until the door suddenly sprang open launching her into the apothecary. Sabrina spun slowly. Most magic ingredient stores lean heavily towards eclectic thrift shop meets extreme hoarder but Notions & Potions was giving upscale home goods vibes.

There were intricate sawgrass rugs and hyacinth baskets. Neat and organized the white washed shelves carried uniformed labeled jars with the occasional hand carved bowl or artistic spindle. A large snow owl fluffed in Sabrina’s direction.

“Would you like to browse witchling? Or would you prefer a guided tour?”

Sabrina gawked at the bird.

“Umm,” Sabrina mumbled. I’ve seen witch shifters before but this was so realistic.

“He is real my princess. His name is MacGuffin, he’s an idiot, and I’m bird sitting the wretched thing for my accountant.”

Sabrina jumped as the lithe proprietress unfolded from an egg chair partially behind a japanned screen in ivory and orange.

“Let me show you the goods. We’re a little bit different. Notions & Potions specializes in edible experiences. Our edibles enhances your spells, give your clients a unique enchantment with our emotions,” the shop owner said. Her lanky limbs floated in rhythm with her words. Sabrina found herself smiling in agreement without understanding a word.

“Here your head’s spinning. Try a sample of Waking Up from a Full Night’s Sleep.” The shop owner poured a thimble of green apple colored liquid. Sabrina sniffed and her nose tingled. Invigorated the young witch took a shot of Waking.

“Wow!” Sabrina vibrated with energy.

“All of our experiences are pure, concentrated, and of course organic and ethically sourced. With practice they can be combined. Try this our bestseller, Good Cry with a sprinkle of Dreary Autumn Night: Warm Blanket edition

The owner opened a glass jar and sliced off a small indigo sliver. Sabrina sank in her teeth. There was a pleasant unpleasant sensation of biting an unripe melon. As she chewed waves of sadness rushed over her. The owner lead Sabrina to a low divan. Sabrina felt shaky yet relaxed. She shut her eyes allowing relief to trickle down to her ankles.

Sabrina opened her lids to the owner’s concerned face and a bottle of water.

“Hydrate, Sabrina. I’m Gladys by the way. What are you here for baby witch?”

“Love.” Sabrina drew a long drink. “I mean my clients want love potions, getting over heartbreak and finding someone new.”

Gladys looked pensive. She tapped Sabrina’s bottle and it turned in a glass of Chardonnay. “As you know there are no real love potions, no short cuts but an enhanced spell is like a good drink after a bad day.”

Sabrina took an oaky sip. Gladys gathered a chunk of A Visit to a Secondhand Bookshop, two bottles of Christmas Morning, a dime bag Butterflies in the Stomach, and finally a few slivers of the Smell Of Coming Rain. Sabrina downed her glass while Gladys rang up her order.

“Unfortunately First Kiss is back ordered but I have powdered Falling Asleep and Being Gently Carried and a twig of Meet Cute.”

Sabrina thought it was best to agree to anything the powerful witch recommended. Her credit card groaned. Gladys individually boxed and wrapped each item. Instead of a shopping bag Sabrina walked towards the door with a teetering stack of red twined packages. She struggled with the door. Suddenly the heavy door swung open knocking Sabrina backwards. A strong hand grabbed her waist steadying her while the other hand flexed. All of the packages stopped reversed and reassembled into Sabrina’s arms. The strong hands were attached to strong arms on a handsome stormy faced warlock.

“Oh,” they both exclaimed. With a flash of white the owl made a break for the open door. Over the stranger’s head, Sabrina tossed a binding spell and MacGuffin landed angrily but gently on the shop floor.

Chuckling they untangled. Gladys picked up the bird. “Brogan if you’re through battering my customers please help Sabrina with her purchases and take her for a coffee to thank her for rescuing your birdbrained familiar.”

Flustered they leaned into Gladys’ authority and left together. “Meet Cute works every time.”