Page 95 of High Notes & Hail Marys

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh-h-h.” Caroline folds her hands on the table. Her nails are painted turquoise. “That makes sense. Sextile alignment. Earth and water.”

“What does that mean?” Sterling asks.

She smiles softly. “It’s one of the most harmonious matches in the zodiac. Tremendous compatibility. Some would say that Taurus and Cancer are soulmates.”

Sterling is eating up the sappy bullshit, but you’ve had about enough. Of course she’s going to say that you are compatible! After some ambiguous twaddle about challenges and good communication, or whatever. You could have made all that up yourself. Caroline seems nice enough, but she’s out to make money. That’s fine, but you don’t want to break the lady’s chair.

“I think we’ve heard enough,” you say politely, standing up. Your hips are cramped after only a few minutes of sitting on the stupid seat. “We have a lot to think about. We really appreciate your time.”

At the counter, Sterling pays cash for the reading—£50, which is highway robbery, in your opinion—and counts out a generous tip. As he’s putting his wallet away, Caroline is watching you with her peculiar eyes. Despite her friendliness, it gives you a chill.

“Do you have a card?” Sterling asks. “In case I can refer any friends when they happen to be in town?”

She smiles. Produces a lavender business card. “Word of mouth is the best publicity,” she says, “especially when it comes from someone so well-connected. I appreciate it, Mister Grayson.”

Sterling looks up sharply. “You knew?”

“Of course I did.” There’s her musical laugh again. “No worries, though. I consider myself a professional. Your secrets are safe with me.”

He looks disappointed, and fidgets noticeably with his hat as he steps away from the counter. Like that will improve his disguise.

You nod your head, and are about to turn away, when Caroline grabs your wrist.

“He’s worth it, Mister Reinhart,” she says. It’s like her weird eyes can see right through you. “I know that you know that. But hang on tight. Even with what’s coming. There’s always beauty after a storm.” She winks at you cannily—the green eye. You aren’t quick enough to hide the shudder that goes through you.

On the sidewalk, you help Sterling back into his coat.

“What did you think?” he asks.

“I think it was bullshit,” you say honestly. “Especially once she said that she knew who we were? It’s just touristy nonsense. Probably has a set of five or six scripts to rotate for every rube that goes in there. My Nana would call ithorse-pucky.”

“I think I’d like Nana Reinhart,” Sterling laughs. Once his arms are in the sleeves, he twines his elbow with yours, and you’re off again. Not another word is said about what happened in the psychic’s shop.

The next morning, Muriel comes by to say goodbye before you leave. There are tears in her eyes as you hug her goodbye. You almost have to bend in half to do it. You add her to your private socials, the ones you keep for friends and family under a fake name, and promise that you’ll keep in touch.

Just like that, the house seems like what it is—a rental. The women in the portraits feel like strangers; the clock tolls through rooms that have nothing of you left in them. The cleaners are on their way. Sterling has been instructed to leave the key in the mailbox. Cal has already departed, taking Apollo and Artemis to the plane. Even with all its furniture, the place feels hollow.

“It was a good few weeks,” Sterling says, as if he’s reading your mind again.

The sadness is already creeping in. You’re flying first to New York, where Sterling will get off, andthen home to Miami. The little cocoon of privacy and sex and alone time that you shared in Europe is over. You miss him already, and he’s still right beside you.

“Yeah,” you say. “It has.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

BLEACHER REPORT

MIAMI CYCLONES OTAs DAY ONE

It’s a huge week for NFA fans. OTAs and minicamps have started, giving the press and the world a first look at their favorite teams. What rookies are going to make the roster? What veterans will shine this coming year? For the Miami Cyclones, today is the first chance to find out. Veterans will hone their skills during specialty drills, rookies will take the lay of the land, and new schemes will be tested for the first time. Pathways to success in the new season begin here, today. It’s an exciting time for any team, but especially the Cyclones.

A member of our editorial staff, who asked to remain nameless, joked that Coach Larry Beausoleil could get away with charging admission to the Cyclones practice today if he were so inclined. The most newsworthy team in the Association remains charged as we head into the 2025-2026 season. What’s more captivating—the team’s ridiculous raw talent, or the personal lives of its players? It’s an even split.

There are plenty of folks to watch, including USC alum Nyko Waters (WR), who was drafted as another target for Sandro Covelli. The Cyclones’ marquee first-rounder is lean, fast, and hungry for the prime time lights. If he shows out in camp, he could get his breakout moment during GoGo Heller’s 3-game suspension, to be served during the first weeks of the regular season. Heller is dynamic and a TD machine, but will his ongoing off-field antics sideline a prospective HOF career?

Speaking of Covelli, how’s that shoulder treating him? It would make sense that he’s returned to 100 percent function after some much-needed R&R during the off-season, but we’re sure fans are eager to see proof that his throw is back to form. Even an injured Covelli is miles better than most NFA quarterbacks, but the Cyclones want a ring. Nothing short of perfection will get the job done.

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