Ginny moved them around a little and handed them back.
Heather slid three cards off the top of the deck: the King of Pentacles, the Fool and the Lovers. She referred to her book and tapped on the King first. “He’s supposed to be an inspirational man who offers you good counsel. He is a faithful provider and represents security. The Fool is the next card and I think that’s you.”
Ginny barked a laugh. “Thanks.”
Heather shook her head. “The Fool means you’re on the path of an exciting, unexpected new venture. You will need to make a leap of faith to benefit from this new experience. The Fool has the potential of a newborn baby.” She picked up the third card and read her book again. “The Lovers represent love, harmony, aligning values and choices. It’s all there waiting for you to embrace it.”
“Do the cards refer to my husband?” Ginny asked, thinking there was no one else they could possibly relate to.
“I think that’s for you to interpret.”
The truth was, Ginny just didn’t know. The three cards had left her feeling more confused. “Have you done your own reading?”
“The tarot hasn’t been very obliging.” Heather drew the Four of Swords out of the deck for herself. “It usually means rest, relaxation and recuperation,” she said.
“Usually?”
Heather grimaced as she returned the card. “It was upside down so its meaning is reversed. It represents exhaustion, burnout and deep contemplation. It indicates that it’s time to retreat to face challenges.” She puffed out her chest, and raised her voice so everyone could hear her. “It’s probably all nonsense and not correct. I’m all about positivity and strength. In fact, I’ve been organizing our next activity. I’ve chosen something that will soothe our souls and warm our hearts.”
“Sounds like we’re making soup,” Curtis quipped.
When Eric laughed at his joke, Curtis’s cheeks flushed with pleasure.
“You’ll need to wear loose clothing and keep an open mind. We’re all going to the Grand Hotel Castello Bella Vista for gong therapy on Friday. The soundwaves are supposed to cleanse your body of negative energy.”
“Wha—?” Curtis started to say.
“You should come, too, Nico.” Heather nodded at him.
Nico brusquely gathered some of their plates and glasses together, making a din. “I am very busy,” he said.
“I think Loretta would like you to go,” Ginny said. “She mentioned having a birthday meal there with friends and you could check the place out.”
Nico’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the crockery. He appeared to wrangle with his thoughts, until he gave a short nod. “If my daughter wants this, I will go, too.”
That evening, Ginny returned to her room to find that Adrian had sent her another message.
Rum and cola, or vodka and orange?he asked.Would you rather be invisible, or be able to fly? Would you jump one year forward, or a year back in time?
Rum please, but I never drink and fly, Ginny replied.
She pondered over his next question for a while. Would she go back in time, to try to turn things around with him, or would she speed forward twelve months to see how everything turned out?
Before she could reply, Adrian got back in touch.Great answer, he said.Want to meet up for that rum one day? No flying required.
Ginny pressed a hand to her chest, thinking about the Lovers tarot card.I think that would be very interesting, she said.
Great. Looking forward to it.
Me, too.
Let’s make it soon, he said.
Good night, Adrian x
Sweet dreams, Jenny x
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