Page 43 of Gator's Gambit
Knowing what she was about to ask, I give her a smile. “I’m happy to do a quick three card draw for you, if you’d like. If no one else objects, that is?”
The other ladies shake their heads, apparently more intrigued than offended. The men simply smile indulgently.
“I’ve heard from my sister that Fancy’s really good at reading. Em says she’s always, to quote, ‘so damn accurate it’s scary.’” I whip my head up in surprise, only to be further surprised at the pride on Godric’s face.
“Yes, please,” Agatha all but sings, as she bounces in her seat like a little girl at Christmas time.
Shuffling the deck, I quiet my mind as I’ve taught myself to do over the years of practice. I feel into the feedback of the cards and allow myself to be guided to the three cards. Laid out before me, I take the time to listen for the message meant for Agatha, and when I’m sure I have it all, I share it with her.
“Holy shit, that’s amazing,” she whispers, eyes bright with excitement.
“Ok, me next. Please?”
Happy to oblige, I agree to Sage’s request, returning Agatha’s cards to the deck and shuffling again.
Each of the ladies take a turn and, finally, I come to Indigo. I repeat the process of shuffling and waiting for the right cards to present themselves. When I have them, I turn them over and feel a little shiver work its way down my spine.
I expected the Strength card, having already intuited as much from meeting her. It’s The Devil and The Tower cards that evoke the feeling of impending doom. Something sinister is headed her way, but I’m reluctant to share that message with her, only having met her tonight.
Dialing back the darkness of the message I’m seeing, I frown as I contemplate what to say. I start out by telling her of the strength the first card speaks of, trying to prepare both myself and her for what’s to come next. Eventually, I chicken out and simply say, “I’m not sure if this will have any meaning for you, but The Devil represents someone in your life who is a dangerous force. The Tower represents that they’re drawing nearer, and that you should prepare yourself for change.”
The ugliness that I foresee coming down the road gives me pause. I have no wish to ruin what has been a pleasant evening, so I make a mental note to speak to Godric about this in the hopes he’ll know what it refers to and how I can convey it to her.
There’s a lull in conversation as everyone contemplates what it could possibly mean. Or, at least, that’s what I’m hoping it is rather than the alternative, which would be that I’m a crackpot.
I thank my lucky stars when normal conversation resumes, and it feels like the spotlight has been shifted off of me. And I want to kiss Eloise and Bear when they decide it’s time for something sweet.
We’re enjoying the delicious dessert Eloise made when Agatha says, “I’ve got an idea – how about we do a spoil day tomorrow and end it with dinner?”
“Oh, I love that. I’m in,” Kathleen replies.
I see Indigo look over at Sage, and the woman nods. “Since Sage and I are on a few days’ vacation time, we’d love to join in,” Indigo adds. “Eloise? Fancy?”
“It’s actually brilliant timing because tomorrow and the day after are my days off, so I’m definitely in. I could use some pampering,” Eloise answers.
“I don’t even remember the last time I indulged in one of those. Count me in.” I smile over at Agatha as she claps her hands. Of the ladies she’s by far the most expressive – I guess some people might call her dramatic. But she’s so much fun. In fact, they all are in their own way.
“Excellent, so it’s decided then. I’ll give the spa a call first thing in the morning and book our sessions. Shall we meet there at nine thirty and grab some breakfast first?” We all agree, and she continues, “Gentlemen, your attention please.” When she has their attention, she says, “Us girls are doing a spa day tomorrow, then you get to treat us to dinner.” She grins – clearly pleased with herself, as the guys laugh at her antics.
“So where did you have in mind for dinner, Tigs?” Lucky asks.
“How about you guys surprise us. You set it up and text us where we need to be. The only stipulation is it has to be somewhere we can dress up.”
Lucky nods. “Challenge accepted. Right guys?”
A rumble of agreement goes around the table, and Agatha gives Lucky a smile meant just for him. The smile he gives her in return is just beautiful to witness. Guess I know what’s happening when they get home.
After dinner, we all retire to the living room, and the evening begins to wind down. Dutch and Sage are the first to leave, then Lucky and Agatha. Hugging me into his side, Godric drops a kiss on the top of my head.
“You ready to head on home?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“All right then, let’s do it. Come on.” He takes my hand in his as he gets to his feet, pulling me up behind him. “Guys, Fancy and I are going to be on our way too.”
Bear and Eloise walk us out, and when we reach the car, I take a chance and hug Eloise and am gratified when she hugs me back. “Thanks so much for a terrific evening. It was great getting to meet you.”
“Likewise,” she replies with a smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
