This time a chuckle did burst from him as he stared at the little bottle.  Taking a second to sigh lightly, Mark climbed to his feet, telling the woman as nicely as he could.  "Thank you for the reading, but I'm not that desperate".  The woman casually leaned back in her chair, replying with a cool smile.  "You'd be a fool to refuse it. Believe it or not. This little bottle goes for a hundred dollars a jar and comes with a guarantee, or your money back".  He turned to give her a look of doubtful sarcasm and she calmly folded her fingers together on the table, staring right back as she added.  "What have you got to lose? If it works, you'll have someone to spend Valentine's Day with. If it doesn't, nothing will happen".  Mark turned to face her, leaning against the table as he said a bit sharply.  "You expect me to pay a hundred dollars for some colored water in a tiny jar"?  The woman grinned leaning in closer to him, answering sweetly.  "No. Consider it a Valentine's gift from me to you. For all the joy you bring to others".  Mark turned his gaze to the little bottle.  He didn't believe in such a silly thing... but as she had stated... what did he have to lose? 

He reluctantly started to reach for the bottle, when she snatched his wrist to stop him.  He froze to the spot as she told him seriously.  "Before you take it. Listen to the rules. First, potion number eight is temporary. It lasts one whole day. Second, pour a little into the glass of your intended love for sex. Or a drop in both your glasses for a very vivid dream together. Third, Do not use this daily on your intended. If you do the effects could mess with your intendeds hormonal balance. And Fourth, Do not tell anyone you have it. I won't be held responsible for someone using it against you. Understand"?  Mark nodded, adding a bit dryly.  "Wouldn't you want to sell this product if it works"?  Releasing his hand, she told him very sternly.  "Love potions are not toys. In the wrong persons hands they can make you suffer in the worst ways".  Mark took the little bottle and turned away so that she couldn't see him roll his eyes.  Then told her with a shrug.  "How can a love potion turn into your worst nightmare if it doesn't last"?  A chill ran up Mark's spine, when she answered darkly.  "I hope you never find out, Mark Edward Fischbach".  Mark froze at the door.  He hadn't mentioned his name, but he guessed that she most likely recognized him and brushed it off.  Without another word, he quickly left to join Bob and Wade.

Mark refused to answer any of Bob and Wades questions, until they were far away from the woman's house.  When he felt confident that she wasn't within ear shot in any way, he told them what had happened.  Wade was the first to chuckle and ask him curiously.  "Are you going to try it"?  Mark turned the little bottle over in his hand as they walked, replying nervously.  "I don't know. I think it's a scam".  Bob quickly added in with concern.  "Plus, you don't know what could be in that. It looks like water with pink dye, but it could be some kind of drug".  Mark watched the liquid slosh in the small jar, thinking it over.  If it really was a new kind of drug would she have given it to him so freely? Especially, if it normally cost a hundred dollars a jar?  He guessed if you wanted to get someone hooked that would be the way to start.  Wade shrugged, telling Bob casually.  "I don't think she'd still be in business if it was. It's probably like a placebo. You know? Does nothing, but you believe it has".  Bob nodded his head in slight agreement, saying.  "I could see that.  The price is probably the same way.  Made you think you were getting something awesome for nothing. That makes since".  Mark stashed the bottle into his jean pocket, telling them both honestly.  "Then I guess the only way to prove it; is to test it out".  Opening the door to the bar, he let Bob and Wade enter first.  Since he didn't drink anymore, Mark had volunteered to be the designated driver tonight.

Entering into the bar, Mark headed to sit at the bar and examined the room for a possible test subject.  Bob was in the middle of pointing out a red head on the other side of the bar, when Jack strolled up behind them, draping his arms around their shoulders.  Grinning at the two of them, he blurted out over the loud music.  "I wouldn't. I talked to her earlier. The girl isn't interested".  Smirking, Mark turned to shoot back playfully at him.  "You mean she wasn't interested in 'you'. I still got a chance".  Jack chuckled, leaning in close to Mark's ear to tell him just as humorously.  "Unless you're a woman and I haven't noticed; you can't win that one".  Mark shook his head and asked over the loud music beat.  "Than who would you suggest"?  Jack straightened up to scan the place a moment, before leaning back in and pointing to a girl in the far corner.  With a broad smile, he told Mark innocently.  "That one. She came in a few minutes before you guys did. She's the one drinking champagne and staring at you since you walked in".

Bob laughed loudly as the music changed into the song 'Witch Doctor' and nudged Mark yelling out.  "I think it's a sign, Mark"!  Jack looked between them confused, as Mark slid away to ask the bartender what the woman in the corner had ordered.  The bartender answered and Mark had him make a glass.  Taking the glass back over to his barstool by Bob, he glanced up to see if she was watching him.  The second their eyes met, she looked away and Mark quickly pulled the potion from his pocket.  Turning away from her with the glass and potion in hand, he told Jack to keep an eye on her for a moment.  Jack placed a hand on his shoulder, concern filling his voice as he asked.  "You're not going to really drug her are you"?  Mark shook his head, replying back calmly.  "It's just sugar water. A Valentine thing".  Bob shot him a worried look, but Mark ignored it and bit the small cork off the little bottle.  Pouring a little into the glass, he nudged Jack's arm gently to get his attention.  Handing Jack the glass, he told him over the music.  "Go give her this for me".  Jack took the glass hesitantly and started to walk over, as Bob leaned in beside him to say seriously.  "Mark, I was kidding. If there is something in that; you'll be putting her life at risk". 

Mark leaned in closer to tell Bob confidently.  "I guarantee it's just sugar water".  Mark turned his gaze back to the woman to see how Jack was doing and felt a twinge of panic.  Jack had sat down across from her and the moment he looked away at her request... She pushed one of the glasses toward Jack.  Mark stood up, thinking he should go stop this... but before he could even move, Jack turned back and the woman prodded him to drink with her.  Mark really hoped nothing would happen as he watched Jack down the glass in one go.  To Be Continued...