him, like a police officer… or maybe examine him like a doctor. Neither prospect was comforting.
But her eyes were gracious and—because of her relationship with Tyler—he gave her the benefit of
the doubt.
"May I?" she asked.
He nodded.
Her hands landed on his shoulders with a firm squeeze. From there they traveled up and cupped
his cooling cheeks. Her thumbs felt along the bridge of his nose and traveled to his eyes. He closed them and she put slight pressure on their lids, massaging them a little. Then she spread her fingers and combed them through his wavy hair. When he opened his eyes she was smiling, and again he had a
distinct feeling that he was being examined.
"I would love to read your tarot cards," she said.
"I bet you say that to all the tourists."
Her eyes twinkled. "I like you, Alec."
"I like you too, Misty. But if a stranger tried that in DC, I'm not sure what I would have done.
Run maybe… called the cops."
"Tyler is very important to us," she said. "He's like a brother to Al."
"And you're psychically… profiling me?"
Misty's face scrunched a little, embarrassed. "A little. My grandfather was a shaman."
"A what?"
"A shaman. Medicine man... in the Blackfoot tribe."
"Ah." Alec raised his head, smiling with understanding. "Well, do I make the grade? We did just meet, you know? Tyler and me."
"But you're seeing him tonight," she said. "You have a date."
"Is that what he said?"
Now her face went full-pink. "Oh, my gosh. I'm sorry. We're so isolated that sometimes I forget what's normal. Yes, he did mention to Al that he had a date with you tonight. Butpleasedon't tell him I told you. He's been so happy lately."
"I don't know," Alec said, teasing. "You said there was a storm coming."
"Go. Please. Don't miss it. It's not supposed to hit until late anyway."
"Relax. I plan to."
Misty sighed audibly with relief as if she had just jeopardized world peace. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?
Alec laughed. "Girl, you're already reading me. Why stop now?"
"That column you write… that's not the real you"
He froze, mouth open… perhaps more jostled by this statement than anything else she'd done.
"You've read my column?"
