Page 9 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
But she just keeps going. “First, there was Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan in thoseStar Warsfilms. Then came David Tenant when he was the tenth Doctor—which I completely understand, by the way. After that was that lovely young man from thoseX-Menmovies. Now what was his name again…?”
“James McAvoy,” I mumble.
“Right. Such pretty eyes on that one.” She chuckles. “And now of course, there’s Sam Heughan. We both have a thing for him.”
“I’m glad we have a show we can watch and talk about together,” I admit.
She titters. “And gush over the male lead together!”
“That too.”
“Oh, sweet Mother Moon Goddess! Maybe you’ll meet someone while you’re traveling. Your very own sexy Scotsman. Wouldn’t that be romantic?”
I dart a glance at Jamie Fraser frozen on my screen where I paused the episode I was watching.
“You can say that again.” I clear my throat. “Romance or even just a hot hookup would be a bonus, but this is so much more than that. It’s like the universe pointed a big neon light in the right direction all of a sudden, and I’ve got to follow it.” My shoulders slump. “But I don’t know how I’m ever going to afford a trip like this.”
Maybe I could max out the pitiful limit on my credit card and apply for another? Paying them off would be future Noah’s problem.
My mother makes a humming noise through the phone. “Not an issue. I’ll send you some money.”
“Mom, I can’t let you do that. I know you and Dad are on a reduced retirement income.”
“Don’t fret. This is money that’s been set aside for you ever since your grandfather died.”
It’s my turn to inhale sharply. “What?”
Mom sighs. “Look, I didn’t tell you about it because he and I agreed it was money that needed to be saved for when a major turn in your life was going to take place. And now it’s here. I only wish your grandpa was still here to see it. He’d be cheering you on too.”
God, how I miss Pops.I had no idea he’d done something like this for me.
I sniff back unexpected tears. “Doing this is kind of a big deal, huh? Things are going to change.”
I truly hope for the better.
“It is. Everything inside of me is vibrating with certainty that now is the moment to use the money that your grandfather left in my keeping for you. Take charge of your life and move in a new direction. I pray it will finally let you break free of whatever dark forces have been holding you back for so long.” Her voice gets a little choked up. “I’m only sorry that my own abilities haven’t been able to save you from all that you’ve endured.”
“Mom, you’ve always been my number one supporter, and you’ve helped me more than I think you even realize. Whatever is going on with me and this bad luck magnet I’ve become, it’s not your fault, let alone anything you could easily fix. Besides, this problem is one I have to conquer. Like that magic store owner said, I’ve got to take hold of it with my own two hands. Now that I finally see a clear path forward, I think I can do that.” Visions of sexy Scotsmen wearing kilts dance in my head undera shining spotlight of hope that I’m holding on to with all my might.
“Oh, Noah, I’m so excited. I can feel it in my bones. This is going to be the start of something amazing and wonderful for you.”
I grin. “You know? I kind of think so too.”
Chapter three
Noah
Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading
Things are looking up, Sagittarius! The world’s your oyster. Carpe diem, as they say, and don’t miss out on opportunities that come your way. That said, there are still some bumps in the road ahead. Nothing’s ever completely smooth sailing. However, if you embrace the adventure awaiting you, then you just might end up experiencing something unique and amazing.
When my plane finallytouches down in London, it jolts me out of sleep with a bang.
It’s not because we had a rough landing either. No, the sensation coursing through my body is akin to what I imagine sticking my finger in an electric socket is like.
My muscles contract and I slump in my seat, struggling to breathe for a moment. As the plane slows down and gradually loses momentum, the worst of the truly bizarre episode passes, but I still feel like I drank a case of Red Bulls laced with amphetamine.
I shakily hold up a hand, certain I’ll see sparks flying off of it, but it looks the same as always—except that my hairs are all standing on end. My whole body vibrates, and I would almost swear there’s a bolt of lightning zinging through me like I’m a fucking pinball machine or something.
