“And now, for your future,” she said, flipping over the final card. “The Ten of Cups!” The card showed a family standing under a rainbow of cups. “This is one of the best cards you can get! It represents emotional fulfilment, happiness, and harmonious relationships. Your future is bright, Vinnie. You’re on the path to finding true contentment and joy.”
I burst into laughter. “Well, that’s good to know! I’ll take that.”
“The cards don’t lie. It looks like Hallow’s End is exactly where you’re meant to be.” Ivy squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with excitement.
We both settled back onto the sofa, giggling. “What did you think of your first tarot reading?” Ivy said.
“I think it was fun,” I said, laughing. “I’m not sure I believe in all of it, but it was interesting.”
Ivy grinned. “That’s the spirit! It’s all about the journey, not the destination. And hey, it’s fun to think about what might happen, right? And who knows? Maybe the cards have a bit of magic in them, after all.” She sighed dramatically and added, “It’s going to be so dull without you around once you go back to Cresden.”
Caught up in the warmth and spontaneity of the moment, and wanting to cheer her up, I blurted out, “Actually, I’ve decided to stay.”
Ivy let out a delighted squeal and jumped up on the sofa, causing me to spill a bit of soda. “Are you serious? That’s amazing, Vinnie!”
“Yeah, I still have to tell my parents, and I’m worried about their reaction. But I’ve made up my mind.”
Ivy plopped down beside me, taking my hand in hers. “Don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll be here to help you through it. Plus, you’ve got me and Amelia. And maybe even Ethan?”
The mention of Ethan made my heart flutter again. “I’m really excited to get to know Amelia better. I wish she came tonight. I’ve always wanted my own girl group, you know? And with Ethan, everything is still so new. I don’t want to have any expectations. I just want to keep it fun and see what happens.”
A knock at the door interrupted our moment. “Pizza time!” Ivy exclaimed, hopping up and rushing to answer the door. Swiftly, Ivy opened the door, grabbed the boxes from Caleb, and stepped outside, shutting the door behind her before I could get a look at him. I could hear Caleb’s faint chuckle through the wood as they exchanged a few words before Ivy returned with a triumphant grin, balancing the pizza boxes in her arms.
“Dinner is served!” she declared, setting them down on the coffee table.
The smell of the pizza made my stomach growl, and we dug in, the combination of cheesy goodness and laughter making the night even better. We continued chatting about everything and nothing as we devoured the food and, eventually, we both settled back on the sofa, feeling full and content.
Ivy yawned and stretched. “I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready to call it a night.”
“Same here,” I agreed, my eyelids growing heavy. “This has been one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time.”
“Come on,” Ivy said. “I’ll show you to the guest room.”
She led me down the hall, stopping in front of a door. “Here you go,” she said, opening it for me. “Make yourself comfortable.”
“Thanks, Ivy,” I mumbled, feeling utterly exhausted. I stepped inside, too tired to even take in the details of the room. The bed looked incredibly inviting, and I didn’t bother with the lights.
“Sleep tight, Vinnie.”
“Goodnight,” I said, already half-asleep. I barely had the energy to kick off my shoes before collapsing onto the bed and sinking into the soft mattress.
Chapter 14
IWOKE UP GROGGY, the remnants of sleep still clinging to me as I blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. My head felt a little heavy from the wine but, as I stretched out in the bed, the ache faded, replaced by a sense of comfort. I had been too tired the night before to notice much, but now I took in the room around me, appreciating the subtle charm that was distinctly Ivy.
The walls were a soft sage green, with framed pressed flowers and delicate botanical prints in frames, each one chosen with care. A macramé wall-hanging draped artfully over the headboard, adding a touch of bohemian flair. The bed I had sunk into the night before was a haven of comfort, piled high with mismatched pillows and a quilted comforter that felt like a warm embrace.
In one corner, an antique wooden dresser held an assortment of candles, crystals, and small potted plants, their leaves trailing over the edges in agentle cascade. A worn but well-loved armchair sat beside it, draped with a knitted throw in rich, earthy tones. On the opposite side of the room, a small bookshelf was crammed with books. A thick, woven rug, in shades of deep burgundy and gold, covered the floor.
Ivy had clearly put thought into every detail, creating a space that felt like a sanctuary for her guests. Even the scent of lavender lingered in the air, a calming presence that eased the mild ache in my head from the wine the night before.
As I lay in bed, stretching out the last remnants of sleep, faint sounds drifted in from beyond the door from the kitchen. The soft clinking of dishes, the gentle hum of activity. My senses gradually sharpened, and I caught the sweet scent of something cooking; a warm, sugary aroma that hinted at pancakes, or maybe waffles? But more than anything, the rich, comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, making my mouth water, and coaxing me fully awake.
I reluctantly pulled myself from the bed, the quilted comforter slipping off as I swung my legs over the side. I rummaged for some clean clothes in the small bag I’d brought with me, and my fingers brushed against the soft fabric of my favorite oversized sweater. I pulled it out, along with a pair of leggings.
After slipping into the fresh clothes, I ran a hand through my hair, attempting to tame the mess that sleeping had made of it, before padding toward the kitchen. The aroma of breakfast grew stronger with each step, and my stomach gave a small, hopeful growl.
When I reached the kitchen doorway, I paused, taking in the scene before me. Warm morning light bathed the kitchen, casting a golden glow over the space. Ivy moved about with a practiced ease, her dark blue hair piled into a messy bun that seemed to defy gravity. She wore a pair of whimsical,mismatched socks that peeked out from under the hem of her pajama pants.
