Page 21 of What If We Do

Rowena laughs. “Happens all the time, but Rowena sees all and knows all.”

I switch hands and she takes a few moments to touch my hand, squeezing the sides and flexing my fingers this way and that.

“This is a strong hand. The energy of this hand is heavy but protective.” She traces a few lines on my palm. “These lines here, by your thumb. They are the bands of duty and responsibility. Yours are deeply etched.” She chuckles quietly. “You are strong and mindful but can be stubborn at times.”

Scarlett giggles next to me, the sound of her happiness putting me at ease. I like her laugh. I like her smile. I like it when she’s happy.

Really I just like everything about her.

“You have a managerial spirit that tells me you thrive in a position of responsibility…”

I’m not the Captain of the Stars for nothing.

“But emotionally you are sensitive. You don’t like to hide your feelings.”

Fuck, how much of me can she really see?

“You are not an overindulgent man. You prefer quality over quantity.”

Scarlett snickers next to me. “That’s what she said.”

Rowena pats my hand. “You have worked very hard to find yourself and you are confident in your strengths, but your personal life has taken a back seat to all other aspects of your life.”

You could say that again.

She looks me in the eye, holding my gaze for an uncomfortable moment before she smiles and nods as if we just spoke telepathically.

We didn’t. I swear.

“I see great things for you, my son.” She leans forward in her seat. “But heed what I say, for many who have come before you have chosen the path of disbelief and have therefore denied themselves their greatest joys.” Squeezing my hand, she covers it with her own and says to me, “Your love will not always be your passion. Your passion is not always your love. A family man you will be, with a supportive and rewarding partner by your side who will be your greatest cheerleader.”

When?

When is that supposed to happen?

She pats the top of my hand and then sits back in her chair smiling at the both of us. “It was a great pleasure meeting you both.”

I pull out a few twenty-dollar bills and leave the tip for her in the marked jar on her table.

“A pleasure meeting you as well,” Scarlett says with a slight bow. “And thank you very much for your time.” I give a curt nod to the woman and then take Scarlett’s hand leading us back downstairs.

Scarlett squeezes my hand. “Well, what did you think?”

“I think she said a lot of interesting things.”

“Your love will not always be your passion. Your passion not always your love,” she recalls what Rowena told me. “What do you suppose that means?”

“If I’m relating her words to my own life, I’m guessing she means hockey won’t always be my passion. Or that my passion for hockey won’t always be the most important thing in my life.”

Can’t believe I’m actually saying that out loud.

I live and breathe hockey right now.

Can’t imagine ever giving that up.

Though I suppose the day will come when my body gives it up for me.

And God knows I really would love a family of my own.

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