Page 10 of One More Round

Gia

Why am I doing this … again?

I really don't want to. But really, what can the harm be? I don't believe in this shit.

Right?

But, what if—? No. Nope. There is no way this palm reader chick is legit. There is no way she is going to say anything about him. So, I should just chill out about it.

I try to put myself at ease when I hear the lady behind the counter tell us that, since we are going in as a group, we get a discount. However, we have to pay now and there are no refunds.

Well, that's promising. I fish out the $25 from my wallet and hand it over anyway.

The clerk leads us back into the hall behind the counter. We pass some fitting rooms and then she knocks at a half-open door where I hear a voice. The clerk smiles and tells us to go on in.

I'm the last to enter the darkened room. I don't know what I was expecting, but the room is bare except for a square card table with two folding chairs placed on opposite sides. There is a lady in a long, flowy skirt who is setting up two folding chairs near the wall. I notice how empty and chilly it is in the room, which convinces me that at least this isn't an elaborate scheme.

"Ladies. Please, please have a seat," she says with a warm smile. She looks a lot younger than I had expected. She's probably only in her late 20s, maybe early 30s. Only a bit older than us.

Ruby takes the seat at the table; Morgan and I take the ones by the wall.

"Hi, I'm so glad you ladies are here today. I woke up with an excellent feeling about today, so I'm very happy to have you girls here. Oh, I'm Marci, by the way." She stays standing near her own chair as she introduces herself. I notice that behind her chair is a small coffee table that holds a salt lamp and iPod docking station. She leans over and turns down the soft instrumental music that I hadn’t even noticed was playing until now.

It's so quiet you can hear almost every shift of clothing as we wait for her to take her seat and get situated. She looks slowly and sweetly at each of us, giving a warm smile to each of us as she makes eye contact. It's a bit awkward but, at the same time, reassuring. She seems like a genuine person … she could also be an excellent actress.

She focuses her attention on Ruby as I feel Morgan’s elbow press into my side. I turn my head slightly because it feels like anything I do will be a disruption. My gaze briefly meets Morgan's. I notice she is pressing her lips into a tight line, and I can tell she is trying not to laugh.

At least I'm not the only one thinking this lady is probably cray-cray.

"You must be Ruby," Marci says.

"Yes, oh, wow, how did you know?" she asks in astonishment.

"I saw you check in, you stated your name."

I can't help it, but I snort a laugh as Marci just warmly smiles at Ruby.

Ruby turns and glares at me.

"Can I have your dominant hand, please?"

Ruby turns back to Marci and thrusts out her right hand. Marci gently takes her hand in both of hers. She stares at it for several long seconds before she speaks. Marci chuckles to herself but doesn't say anything.

I notice Ruby, who is always moving, sits as still as stone.

"Ah, yes. I can tell, you are a feisty one."

Morgan giggles and I can't hold back my smile as Ruby's eyebrow lifts. Marci continues speaking.

"See, the palm of your hand contains several lines which allow me to see several aspects of your life. I can tell from your lifeline that you've had a good life, and you will continue to have one, albeit with a few bumps and stumbles along the way."

Meh, I call bull. This is easy, generic, fortune-teller bullshit. I'm about to scoff when she speaks again.

"I do see a boy. He gives you a run for your money." She starts to laugh again. "You hold on to that one. Don't chase him away," she says, matter-of-factly.

Interesting. Even in the dim lighting, I can make out a blush creeping up Ruby's cheeks. Marci goes on to tell Ruby about more generic predictions that I’m sure most people want to hear. She tells her about an advancement that is coming her way, and that there will come a time when she will question herself.

I mean. Don't we all question ourselves? Ruby is a pretty confident person though.

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