Web Fic
Chapter 156
James scrolled through his phone, his eyes fixed on an ad for the “Incense of Calm” priced at $299. A ping diverted his attention to Mirabella’s message on Messenger. [Of course, it’s pricey stuff!]
He couldn’t help but feel a wave of suspicion wash over him. Was this $299 candle really the sought– after tranquility treasure that was impossible to find in the market nowadays?
After a moment of contemplation, he typed back to Mirabella. [Is this the same shop where you got the one you sent me last time?]
Mirabella pondered for a few seconds, her fingers idly stroking her chin before she replied. [Nope, I got it from a different place.]
James paused, phone still in hand, then glanced at his buddy Wyatt. “Did you place the order?” Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Fresh from the thrill of a successful transaction, Wyatt couldn’t hide his grin. His phone screen still displayed the purchase confirmation. “Yep, cleared out their entire stock. Didn’t leave a single one behind.”
His face was a picture of smug satisfaction as if to say, ‘Aren’t I a genius? Come on, give me
some credit!”
James just pressed his fingers against his temples. Shifting his gaze back to his phone, he typed. [Got a link?]
A couple of taps later, Mirabella’s curiosity spilled into her message. [Why do you need so
many?] What she gave him should last you for half a year, rights
James replied. [They’re really good. Want to stock up.]
“Darling, who are you chatting with? You’ve ignored your coffee,” Shawn chimed in, topping up his daughter’s cup, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
“Just a friend,” Mirabella responded while texting, then glancing up at him, she added, “It’s getting late. Cut down on the coffee, or you’ll have trouble sleeping.”
“I’m used to it. It won’t affect my sleep,” Shawn reassured her, savoring another sip. He’d been running around all day and treasured these quiet evening moments. A day without coffee was more likely to keep him awake.
Back on her phone, Mirabella warned James. [Burning too much of that stuff can be addictive. I wouldn’t recommend it, James.]
Staring at the phone, James let the subtle scent of sandalwood Incense swirl around him. His deep eyes clouded with an unreadable emotion before he typed back. [If I didn’t know you were a high school student, I’d mistake you for a doctor.]
Mirabella raised an eyebrow and shot back. [Ever seen a doctor this young?]
James chuckled but didn’t pursue the link anymore. He was already lucky enough to have scored this box of Incense of Calm. After a brief pause, he sent another message. [I’ve got a box of Blue Mountain. Want some?]
Looking up at her old man, Mirabella queried, “Do you like Blue Mountain?”
Shawn’s eyes lit up instantly. “Absolutely.”
“OK.” And so, Mirabella replied to James. [I’ll take it.]
James. [I’ll drop it off at your school gate the day after tomorrow afternoon.]
Mirabella. [Cool thanks.]
James. [No problem!]
With their chat concluded, Mirabella reminded her dad once more to go easy on the coffee before heading upstairs.
Meanwhile, James set down his phone and, after a few seconds of thought, turned to Wyatt. “Get the Blue Mountain from the old man’s cellar shipped here.”
He paused, then added, “I need it the day after tomorrow.”
Wyatt’s eyes bulged in disbelief. “But don’t you have several collector’s editions? Why are your eyeing the old man’s prized stash??”