Page 3 of Cash

His mom never could have afforded hockey, it was an expensive sport. Luckily, his coach had seen his potential and helped him get the scholarships so he could play. He thrived on the ice. He thrived in the stability of the game. He knew if he worked hard on the ice, it would pay off in his game. It was the first time he ever truly knew what to expect in his day-to-day life, and he had craved that as a kid. Finding something he was good at that offered his life consistency had changed the trajectory of his life and would gladly help other kids find that.

He saw that Wes had signed up already to be the other volunteer. They would be a good balance, top scorer and defenseman to run a camp. Plus, Wes was basically a kid himself.

He scanned the room for Evie but didn't see her. He did spot the Scottish woman who he had chatted with earlier. She had mentioned a card reading, and while he might not believe in all that stuff, it was nostalgic for him. Growing up the way he did put him around those kinds of things. In fact, once he and his sister were out of the house his mom had started traveling with a Ren Faire doing tarot card readings herself. He loved his mom, but she had a spirit that refused to be caged. Sometimes he was surprised she had pulled it together long enough for him and his sister to have their school years in one place. He made his way over to her table.

“What do ye say, lad? Can I read your cards?” he heard the Scottish woman ask as he walked up.

“Sure. Let’s do this,” he said as he sat down at the small table across from the woman.

She pulled out the deck of well-worn cards and shuffled them with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Cut the deck and we’ll see what the fates have in store for ye.”

He cut the deck, but as he did a small jolt of electricity seemed to come off the cards themselves. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but before he had too much time to think about it, the woman across from him started the reading.

“Let’s see what we can learn about yer past,” she said as she flipped over a card and laid it on the table before him. On the card was a woman in white petting a lion. “Hmmm. Strength.”

Something in Cash swelled with pride at that card. He knew it was probably silly, but he was strong. Not only was he strong on the ice, but he’d managed to build the structured life he craved, despite coming from a flighty family.

“This card shows that ye have not only physical strength, but mental strength and fortitude as well. Ye know who you are, and ye exist confidently in the world.”

Cash nodded in agreement.

“Now, let’s get some insight into yere current position,” she said as she flipped over the next card to reveal a white knight looking like he was charging into battle. “The Knight of Swords. It looks like big changes are coming yer way soon. Don’t hesitate or over think it too much, just go with your gut.”

Was there any other way?Cash thought to himself. He was always someone who dove headfirst and trusted his gut. Most of his teammates past and present seemed about the same. There really wasn’t much room for timid thinking on the ice.

He looked up from the card and the woman seemed to be taking him in with a discerning look.

“Who was the woman in the navy dress ye were talking with earlier?” she asked. A small smirk creeped across her face. It was a look of someone who knew just a little too much.

“Evie. I don’t really know her,” he said with a disarming smile, “but I’m hoping to know her much better before the night is over.”

His eyes instinctively scanned the room for her. She was standing near the dance floor talking to Sasha. Captivating. She was simply captivating. The sound of a small voice clearing pulled his gaze from her. The woman sitting across the table was grinning at him. She knew what he was thinking, and he didn’t even mind.

“Now, let’s see what the future has in store for ye, shall we?”

He nodded and she turned over the last card and put it next to the others, and she grinned at him. The Lover’s Card. He was certain that would be his future tonight as well.

“The Lover’s Card…seems appropriate for a man with your reputation,” she said with a knowing glance.

He gave a small chuckle, suddenly eager to get away from the table and go dance with that beautiful woman they were just speaking about.

“Just know there is more to this card than physical love. While that is a very fun part of it,” she said with a wink. Cash liked this woman. “But I do think a proper love is in yer future. A soulmate level love. A love where ye’ll complete each other fully. True love may have outside complications, but when you are alone with this person it’s usually delightfully simple. Just the enjoyment of the person ye’re with is enough to fill yer heart with contentment. That one spark can lead ye to an enduring love and a true connection. Just dinnae overthink it, Mr. Hawthorn.”

He turned and looked at her. Though he hadn’t given her his name, most people probably knew it.

“Thank you,” he said, getting ready to stand. The woman on the dance floor was beckoning to him.

“It was my pleasure,” she said with her Cheshire grin. “Although, I feel like I should remind ye again not to overthink it. Sleep on it if ye must. Answers to our deepest questions often become clearer after a good night's sleep.”

Reaching across the table, she took Cash’s hand for a handshake. He took it, but almost pulled that hand back. That same electric current that zapped him when he cut the deck pulsed through him again.

“Enjoy the Gala,” she said, giving no indication she felt anything different.

“Thank you, you too,” he said as he took his leave.

Her words kept playing in his head. Love wasn't something Cash was looking for, not that kind of love anyway. He was looking for a night of fun, and as he watched Sasha and Evie out on the dance floor, he was reminded who he wanted to have fun with.

He threw back the rest of the beer and headed out to join them on the dance floor. When he got there Conner was already out there dancing with Sasha, and Wes with his girlfriend, Kate McPhee. As they all danced, he paid close attention to Evie, and much to his surprise she seemed very receptive to him.

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