Page 39 of Mr. Scandalous

The crowd laughed.

Sarah left the room and returned with a rolling serving cart filled with a teakettle and matching cups. Trailing her was a short, smiling woman who looked all the world like renowned sex therapist. Dr. Ruth. She even giggled like the famous intimacy guru.

After passing out the tea, Madame Xavier instructed everyone to drink up and when they’d finished to turn their cups upside down in their saucers.

“Can you believe this?” Jill whispered to Eden. “Sarah is boldly outrageous, and with her

around there’s never a dull moment. Alec is the same way. Those two are peas in a pod.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” If she thought Sarah was outrageous, Eden wondered what Jill would think of her gift basket.

Sarah downed her tea and upended the cup into the saucer. “To get the ball rolling, I’ll go first.”

Madame Xavier took the saucer, studied the tea leaves for a long moment, and then she giggled. “You’re wearing your husband out, Sarah. To heighten anticipation, I recommend cutting back on sex from twice a day to five times a week.”

“Ooo,” teased the women.

Sarah proudly thrust out her chest. “Hey, we’re newlyweds, what can I say?”

“You next.” Madame Xavier moved on to Jill.

“Me?”

Madame Xavier nodded.

Eden noticed Jill’s hands trembling as she finished her tea and passed the saucer to the fortuneteller.

Madame Xavier looked at the tea-leaf patterns, and then touched her chin. She took a deep breath and Eden felt Jill tense beside her.

“Something is missing.”

“Oh.” Jill blinked. “I’m sorry, I accidentally swallowed a tea leaf or two.”

“No, no.” Madame Xavier frowned. “That’s not what I mean. Something is missing from your sex life.”

“Well,” Sarah said. “That’s no mystery. Jill and Randy have a second virginity pact. No nooky until the wedding night.”

The group laughed. Jill blushed.

Madame Xavier shook her head. “No. That’s not what I’m talking about.” The older woman stared deeply into Jill’s eyes. “Butyouknow what I mean.”

“Yes.” Jill nervously brought two fingers to her lips.

“You must fill in the blanks,” Madame Xavier said, “if you want the marriage to succeed.”

Jill nodded and ducked her head. Eden felt as if the young woman was struggling hard not to cry. Her own chest knotted up and she wondered what was going on.

“Now you. Drink up.” Madame Xavier pointed a finger at Eden.

“No, that’s all right. I’m not playing.”

“Drink up.” Madame Xavier frowned.

“Go ahead, Eden,” Jill said, “It’s just a game. It doesn’t mean anything.”

All eyes were on Eden. Not wanting to be the odd woman out, she swallowed the tepid tea, upended her cup and presented her leaves to the fortune-teller.

“Ah,” Madame Xavier smiled. “Lots of sexual adventure in your future. You’re a brave girl. You’ve taken the first step. It will pay off for you. Games and fun and much, much pleasure.”

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