Knock on Wood
textbooks, which includes not reading them in the bathroom. If they do, it can bring them bad luck in their studies. Of course these days a lot of textbooks are in e-format like other kinds of books, so even though the superstitions are old and referred to print versions, we all could visualize the problems if a kid accidentally dropped his e-reader into the tub or toilet while in the bathroom. Bad luck? Yeah.”
    That garnered a lot of laughs, and then Stuart began talking about superstitions on travel, a good thing since a lot of the audience consisted of tourists. He described things like not turning back once you’ve set off on a journey, listening to grasshoppers since they portend good luck on a trip, and making sure to step onto a ship with your right foot first to ensure the best of luck. These all had been included in the book, even though I wondered whether Tarzal had made some of them up; but now they were in the most well-known superstition book so that gave them some credence—at least to those who believed in superstitions.
    I noticed the less-than-happy looks Lou shot Stuart’s way. Was he attempting to send the evil eye toward the man he seemed to consider a rival for Gemma’s affections?
    In a short while, Stuart handed the microphone back to Gemma after holding it away from both of them for an instant. Gemma’s somewhat scared look dissolved into a happy smile. “You heard it right here,” she said into it, “but that’s only a smattering of what’s included in The Destiny of Superstitions . Come visit me at the Broken Mirror Bookstore and buy a book, or many, to learn more.”
    That pretty much ended that night’s Welcome. I was glad. I hadn’t done a thing but watch and listen, yet I was exhausted.
    Gemma soon returned to her seat, but only long enough to tell me that the night wasn’t over yet. She’d agreed to join some of the townsfolk for drinks at the Clinking Glass again and wanted me to come along.
    â€œI’m buying,” she coaxed.
    How could I refuse?

nine
    As I accompanied Gemma out of the auditorium into the theater’s lobby, I looked around, wondering if I’d get a chance to say hi to Justin. Would I even see him? The room was crowded as everyone seemed to head slowly toward the exit. I felt the warmth of people jostling on all sides of me and attempted just to go with the flow, remaining as close as I could to Gemma.
    I needn’t have worried. Justin was near the farthest wall talking to the cops who’d come there with him. His gaze wasn’t on them, though, but on the door I’d just exited. He had possibly been watching for me, as I was looking for him.
    I smiled. He smiled.
    â€œI’ll meet you outside,” I told Gemma.
    â€œTell your cop to come with us,” she said, not even looking at me. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for her to know me so well.
    On the other hand, there wasn’t really any harm in her recognizing my interest in Justin. And if she started teasing me about it, I could bounce it back at her threefold.
    I determinedly made my way toward Justin and noticed that he was also edging his way through the crowd toward me.
    â€œNeed someone to walk you back to your B&B?” he asked as we finally met, looking down with a question in his gleaming blue eyes. He grasped my shoulder gently as if he thought I was off balance and needed some help. I was perfectly fine but didn’t mind his touch.
    â€œMaybe eventually,” I answered, “but I’m heading now for the Clinking Glass Saloon with Gemma and some of her new friends. Like to join us?”
    â€œI sure would, and since my companions here are now off duty, too, I’ll get them to come along.”
    â€œGreat,” I said. Just then someone in the crowd behind me must have decided things were moving too slowly, and I was suddenly pushed in Justin’s direction. I pressed against his chest,

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