“It’s not really my place to explain his troubles.”
“I see.” Zora nodded sagely. “You’re a good friend for keeping his secrets.” She tilted her head toward a carved wooden screen at the back of the shop. “Tell you what—I know a way to offer insight without divulging sensitive information. Are you willing to try?”
What would that involve, Addy wondered? Crystal balls? Palmistry?
“On the house,” Zora added with a wink.
Addy shrugged. “Okay. Why not?”
“Excellent!” Zora beamed and rubbed her palms together. “But first, let’s find the stone you need. Hmm…” She ran a fingertip along the shelves. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Green.”
“And when’s your birthday?”
What did that have to do with pretty rocks? “June twenty-sixth.”
The little hippie mama nodded sagely. “Cancer. A homebody and a natural caretaker.”
A less polite person would’ve snorted in the old gal’s face. Ever since she left Smithsville, Addy took military life’s frequent moves in stride, and she damn sure wasn’t feeling very nurturing towards her family.
If Zora sensed her skepticism, she didn’t let on. “Cancer is a cardinal water sign,” she continued, examining another basket of stones. “You’re like a flowing river, always moving, navigating around difficulties and other people. Cancers require healing rest because they give so much and care so deeply. Ah!” She lifted a basket full of polished stones striped with shades of green from brightest emerald to darkest pine. “Malachite is excellent for centering your psyche and making decisions when you’re in a state of emotional distress.”
“Sounds perfect.” She couldn’t care less about that zodiac nonsense, but the stones were beautiful, reminding her of the deep-green Pacific Northwest forests she’d soon leave behind. She sifted them through her fingers, enjoying their cool heft, and finally selected a heart-shaped pendant.
“Good choice,” Zora remarked. “Wear it over your heart to guide you as you tackle whatever’s got you so on edge. Now, come with me.”
Addy followed her behind the screen to find the quintessential fortuneteller’s lair: a table draped in purple velvet, holding a by-God crystal ball and flanked by two plush armchairs. An antique sideboard held an ornate silver samovar and china teacups.
“Here, you’ll find this relaxing.” Zora filled a delicate cup with fragrant, spicy tea. “My special blend. Have a seat.”
She sat opposite Addy, removed the crystal ball, and winked. “That’s for the tourists. Locals get the real deal.” She interlaced her fingers and cracked her knuckles, then pulled out a deck of tarot cards wrapped in red silk.
Addy’s skepticism must’ve bled through her smile, because Zora added, “Just one card, dear. What can it hurt?”
Chiding herself for the shiver that raised goosebumps on her arms, Addy shrugged. “I guess forward progress requires a leap of faith, right?”
“It does indeed. Now, concentrate on the question you most need answered in this moment.”
That was easy.What the hell is my next step?
“Got it.”
While Zora shuffled, cards sliding through her hands like water, Addy wondered what Liv would say if she were here. Hell, she’d probably laugh and ask for a reading—tarot cards, palmistry, crystal ball, the works. Though a woman of science, Liv had a taste for adventure and a sense of humor—qualities Addy could use more of at this juncture.
Zora fanned the deck face-down on the table. “Pick the card that calls to you.”
Really, none of them did, so Addy picked one at random. Zora turned it over.
“Ah.” She nodded. “A very profound card.”
Addy peered at the illustration. This could not bode well—naked men, women, and children rising out of coffins, their arms raised toward an angel blowing a trumpet.
“Judgment,” Zora intoned, confirming Addy’s fears. “This card heralds absolution and the completion of a significant undertaking. It symbolizes learning from past life experiences, leading to a spiritual awakening.” She tapped the card with her forefinger. “Does that ring true?”
“I suppose. I’m in a place where I have to choose a path, but…” She snarled her fingers into her hair. “How do I decide? And why are these people naked?”
“Nudity symbolizes vulnerability and self-forgiveness.”
