Wait, ME!

April shifts uncomfortably, clearly uncomfortable with the direction this conversation is heading. "Okay, that's enough. Can we change the subject please?"

She looks at Clara, silently pleading for her to back her up.

Clara nods, sensing April's discomfort. "Sure, let's talk about something else. How about we talk about that new café that opened up downtown?"

She looks at marie, hoping to steer the conversation away from romance.

marie pretends to pout, but relents. "Fine, fine. The café it is. I hear they have the best caramel lattes in town."

She grins at April, knowing she's won this round for now.

April lets out a sigh of relief, grateful for the change of topic. "Yeah, they do. And their pastries are amazing too. You should try their blueberry scones, Clara."

She relaxes a bit, enjoying the normal conversation.

Clara's eyes light up at the mention of scones. "Ooh, blueberry scones? I love those! Maybe we could all go together sometime."

She looks between April and marie, her smile bright and genuine.

April hesitates for a moment, then nods. "Yeah, that could be fun. I could use a break from work."

marie nods in agreement, a mischievous glint still in her eyes. "Count me in. I'll even pay for the first round of drinks."

Clara claps her hands excitedly. "Great! It's a date... I mean, a plan."

She blushes slightly, realizing her slip-up. "Sorry, I meant a plan."

April can't help but chuckle at Clara's correction, her earlier tension easing further. "No worries. A plan it is."

marie raises an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "A plan, huh? Just a plan? Nothing more?"

Clara laughs nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, just a plan. I promise I won't try to steal April's clothes or anything."

She glances at April, who rolls her eyes but can't hide her amused smile.

April shakes her head, finally giving in to the playful atmosphere. "You're impossible, Clara. But I guess I can live with that."

She stands up, stretching her arms above her head. "I should probably get going though. I have some errands to run."

Clara stands up as well, looking slightly disappointed. "Oh, okay. I'll see you later then?"

She glances at marie, who is watching them with a knowing look.

April nods, grabbing her bag. "Yeah, I'll text you. And don't forget about the café plan, Clara."

She waves goodbye to both of them and heads towards the door.

Clara waves back, a soft smile on her face. "I won't forget! Bye, April!"

She turns to marie after April leaves, her expression a mix of excitement and curiosity. "She's really cool, isn't she?"

marie nods, a sly smile on her face. "She is. But she's also very guarded. You'll have to be patient with her, Clara."

She pours herself another cup of coffee, watching Clara carefully. "And remember what I said about love and magic."

Clara sighs, sitting back down at the counter. "I know, I know. But I'm not trying to do anything magical. I just want to be her friend."

She fidgets with her bracelet, a thoughtful look on her face. "Do you think she'll ever open up to me?"

marie shrugs, taking a sip of her coffee. "Who knows? But I've seen the way she looks at you. There's something there, even if she doesn't realize it yet."

She leans in closer, lowering her voice. "Just keep being yourself, Clara. That's the best way to win her heart, whether it's romantic or not."

Clara blushes again, her heart fluttering at marie's words. "You really think so? I mean, about her looking at me differently?"

She fiddles with her bracelet more nervously now, a mix of hope and uncertainty in her eyes.

marie chuckles softly, patting Clara's hand reassuringly. "Trust me, sweetheart. I've been around long enough to know the signs. And April is definitely showing them."

She winks playfully. "Just don't rush it. Take your time and let things develop naturally."

Clara takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Okay, I'll try. Thanks for the advice, marie. You're a good friend."

She smiles warmly at the older woman, feeling grateful for her wisdom and support.

marie smiles back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Anytime, Clara. And remember, if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm always here."

She glances at the voodoo doll sitting on the shelf behind her, a hint of something unsaid in her expression. "Especially about love."

Clara follows marie's gaze to the doll, curiosity piqued. "That doll... it's the one you made for April, isn't it?"

She looks back at marie, her voice lowering slightly. "What does it really do?"

marie hesitates for a moment, then sighs. "It's complicated. I'll tell you the full story one day, but for now, just know that it enhances the emotions of the person it's made for."

She taps her fingers on the counter, contemplating whether to reveal more.

marie nods slowly, her expression serious now. "Yes, exactly. It's meant to bring out the true nature of love, but it can also be dangerous if used incorrectly."

She looks Clara in the eyes, her voice firm. "That's why I made it clear to April that it only works if she's in love. And if she doesn't love someone, it does nothing."

Clara nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. So it's not just a harmless charm after all."

She glances at the doll again, a mix of fascination and concern in her gaze. "But April does have feelings for someone, doesn't she? That's why it's working."

marie smiles knowingly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Yes, she does. And I think you know who that someone is."

She leans back, watching Clara's reaction closely.

Clara blushes again, her cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. "Me? You think she has feelings for me?"

She tries to play it cool, but her voice betrays her excitement.

marie laughs softly, shaking her head. "I don't just think it, Clara. I know it. And so does the doll."

She points to the doll, which seems to shimmer faintly in the light. "It's responding to her emotions, and they're definitely directed towards you."

Clara's heart races, her mind racing with possibilities. She glances at the doll again, feeling a strange connection to it.

She looks back at marie, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do I do now?"

marie reaches across the counter and takes Clara's hand again. "You be patient, like I said. Let April come to you when she's ready. And in the meantime, just keep being yourself and showing her how much you care."

She gives Clara's hand a reassuring squeeze. "And maybe try not to be so nervous around her. It's adorable, but she might not know how to handle it."