Page 57 of Imperfect Arrangement
“Hi!” An unfamiliar, overly cheerful voice pulls me out of a spiral that’s teetering on indecent territory.
Nori walks through the wrought iron gate and pauses beside Violet on the porch. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was hereto drop off notes for a college study group. In her faded jeans and a simple white tee that says Harmony, she looks less like a psychic and more like she’s prepping for a freshman poetry class. Violet, on the other hand, could open up shop right here. Dressed in a flowy floral dress with her purple hair cascading over her shoulders and a pair of boho feather earrings swinging from her lobes, she practically screams mystical.
“Nori, meet my friends.” Violet is all smiles as she introduces us. “And thanks again for coming on such short notice.”
Nori shrugs, eyes bright with way too much energy for the hour. “You got lucky. I had one booking today, and they canceled last minute. Apparently, her husband didn’t think a tarot booth was ‘appropriate’ for a work dinner party.”Nori’s eyes roam over the porch, finally settling on the table where our takeout boxes are piled up. “Mind if we set up out here? I love doing readings outside, closer to nature.”
Violet nods, and in a matter of minutes, we clear away the takeout boxes and empty drinks. Nori transforms the table with a green silk cloth draping it, her colorful crystals glinting on the side. She fans out her deck with a graceful, practiced sweep.
“Who’s brave enough to go first?” Nori glances at us from where she’s settled cross-legged on a cushion, as calm and collected as the summer evening.
I immediately cower, trying to hide myself behind some invisible wall. If she’s as good as she said, I’d rather be out of this game. I don’t want a psychic to remind me of the one-eighty turn my life has taken.
“Daisy, you first.” Violet self-appoints herself as the host. “We can go in alphabetical order.”
“Totally makes sense,” I add, even when I think it makes no sense. But I’ve used this excuse plenty of times in my school. There’s one perk of a name starting from the letterW.
Daisy shrugs and moves to the spot across from Nori.
“We can finally find out if the baby is a boy or girl!” Violet sits straight. “I don’t think there’s anything else in Daisy’s life that needs to be figured out.”
“Not a chance.” Nori laughs, shaking her head. “Besides, you don’t get to ask questions until it’s your turn.”
“Actually, I do have a concern.” Daisy surprises us all, because if anyone’s got her life on lock, it’s her. “It’s about my dad…and his health.”
Shit! The weight of her words settles over the porch.
Nori nods as if she understands that Daisy is talking about her dad suffering from Alzheimer’s. “Think about your question and ask your spirit guides to help with the answer.”
There’s a glimmer of a smile on Nori’s face as she looks down at the drawn card. “Your dad will be with you for many more years. There’ll be tough moments, but you’re going to make so many memories together—you, him, and your family.”
Daisy’s hands fly to Nori’s, as she grips them tight. “Thank you. That’s everything I needed to hear.”
Suddenly, hope fills the space around us, like a wave that lifts everything in its path. It’s amazing what people can endure, what they can accomplish when they have a little hope to hold on to. It turns the unbearable into something you can carry, even if just for a little while.
When Elodie takes a seat across from Nori, our guest once again spreads the tarot cards across the table with a flourish.
“Got a specific question in mind?” Nori’s voice is warm and inviting.
“Not really,” Elodie says, demonstrating the same flat enthusiasm one would use for cleaning out the garage.
“Totally fine. I’ll just see what your spirit guides have to say about your life right now and what’s coming next.” Nori’s completely unfazed, as if she’s used to reactions like this.
El picks a card and places it face up on the table. I lean forward, intrigued by the intricate, colorful designs even though my tarot knowledge is a big zero.
“Are you an artist?” Nori asks, but before Elodie can respond, Violet snickers.
“El is ananti-artist. I did all her art homework in school, and I’mterriblewith colors,” Violet adds with a laugh.
Nori just smiles, not missing a beat. “No, I don’t mean artist like a painter. I mean more like a performer. This card reminds me of a time I read for Dreamcatcher.
Dreamcatcher? As inTheDreamcatcher? The famous ballad singer who’s won multiple Grammys? Sold out arenas worldwide? Has a voice that could break hearts and mend them in the same breath?
I exchange a wide-eyed look with Daisy. Where on earth did Violet find someone with connections like Nori?
“This card is the one I’d love to draw for myself every single time,” Nori continues. “It speaks of talent, fame, and wealth. Lots of it.”
El shifts uncomfortably in her chair. I’d be uncomfortable too if a stranger dissected my bank balance through a piece of art on a card. “Um, I’m really grateful for everything I have,” she mumbles. “But you won’t be seeing me on a shopping spree anytime soon.”
