"Yes," I answered, unable to hide my nervousness.
"The Chinese say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and you've taken that single step. That's usually the hardest," he added. "Now the momentum will take over and carry you to where you have to go."
I nodded and then glanced at Holly, not sure what I should say or do. She laughed.
"You'll get some good advice here, Melody. Billy's the best tour guide in our galaxy."
Billy smiled but kept his eyes on me. It was strange, having him look at me so intently, but I didn't feel intimidated or self-conscious. I felt his sincerity, his concern and it was as if he and I had known each other for years instead of minutes.
"What's been happening here?" Holly asked before we started across the shop.
"Well, Mrs. Hadron's daughter gave birth prematurely early this morning, but the baby is doing well. She stopped by to thank us for the smoky quartz--it really helped her daughter get through the crisis. And Mr. Brul was here this morning to tell you that the variscite helped him recall a past life. He had vivid details to share."
"Past life?" I asked.
"Yes. He saw himself in England, midnineteenth century. He said he was a bookkeeper, which made sense to him. He's an accountant now."
"You mean you believe we all have former lives?" I asked, looking from him to Holly and then back to him.
"Yes," Billy said smiling. "I have no doubt."
"Well, for now we'll have to concentrate on her present life," Holly said. "This way, honey."
"I'm sorry I can't help with your bags," Billy apologized.
"We'll be fine," Holly replied. "See you in a few minutes."
"Welcome again, Melody, and don't worry. There is good energy surrounding you." His eyes grew small. "Things will work out for you," he said with confidence. It was as if he really could look into the future.
"Thank you," I said.
The door chimes rang as two elderly women entered the shop. While Billy attended to them, Holly led me through the curtain of beads to the living quarters at the rear of the shop.
"Our rooms are right back here," she explained. I followed her through the doorway to a short hallway.
There was a small living room on the right with a sofa, a smaller settee, two easy chairs, a glass table and two standing lamps.
"This is Billy's bedroom," she said nodding at the first door on the left. "It makes it easier for him to be closest to the shop. I have the next room and you can take this room across the hall," she said opening the door.
It was a very small room with one window that opened on the rear of the building. There wasn't much to look at: just a driveway that provided access to garbage trucks and a small, fenced in area for someone's dog. The dog was in its doghouse at the moment, with just its large black paws visible. The window had light brown cotton curtains and a window shade with a quarter moon and a star painted on it
. There was a large ball-shaped mauve candle on the nightstand. The dark pine bed had a light brown comforter and matching pillows. It looked comfortable. Actually, the room was cozy with its tan carpet, its dark pink walls, lamp, rocking chair, table and matching dark pine dresser. A set of chimes dangled in the corner above the chair, barely moving at the moment.
"This room gets a lot of use," Holly explained. "Many people who belong to our network of friends pass through New York going one way or another and stop over for a short visit. I know it's small but . . ."
"It's fine, Holly. Thank you."
"Why don't you just settle in. The bathroom's at the end of the hallway. Freshen up. I'll do the same and call my sister. Then we'll have some dinner. Billy does all the cooking, you know."
"Really?"
"And he's quite the gourmet."
"I forgot what you told me about why he's in a wheelchair. Did you say he was shot?"
"Mugged, about five years ago not that far from here. He ran and the mugger shot at him and shattered Billy's spinal cord."
"How horrible, but I'm glad you told me. I didn't want to say anything wrong."