We grew up thinking she was our real great-grandmother. Imagine our shock when we found out she was only a lonely blind lady our Aunt Dylan had befriended back when she sold Girl Scout cookies.
Uncle Zane would drive her over, and the two became thick as thieves. They got even closer after our realgrandparents died, and now she takes care of all of us like we’re her actual family. I’m even named after her.
“I never saw any dead people.” Miss G’s brow furrows as if she’s thinking hard. “I do remember the table rising off the ground once. My father said it was all sleight of hand. ‘A bunch of hooey!’ he said.”
She imitates a man’s voice in a way that makes her laugh. Her white-gray hair is styled in a bob that curls under her ears, and in the warmer months she wears flowy linen outfits. In the colder ones, she wears flannel.
“I’d love to do a seance,” Heather’s eyes are wide. “I don’t think I could do one, but maybe my grandmother Gwen could.”
“I’d love to meet her.” Miss Gina reaches across the table in Heather’s direction.
Owen’s sister reaches out and squeezes her hand. “She would adore you.”
“I want to play with the pretty cards!” Maddie jumps up and down beside her aunt, causing Ladybird to rise from where she’d been lying and let out a loudRooo!
Spanky is on his feet at the sound, wagging his tail and walking around the chairs, concerned.
“It sounds like the dogs want to play, too!” Miss Gina claps her slender hands.
“Your dad said we have to wait until you’re older,” Heather tells her niece, provoking the fiercest pouty face.
“Daddy never lets me do fun things!” She crosses her arms hard.
“Here, come stand by me while she reads mine.” Miss Gina reaches for the little girl, pulling her into her side. “I can’t see the pictures, so you can describe them to me.”
That does the trick. Maddie perks up, nodding rapidly. “I’m good at describing stuff.”
“I bet you are.” Miss G pats her back, and we all walk over to watch.
“I’ll do a simple, three-card spread.” Heather takes out the deck of purple cards with gold-foiled illustrations. “What is your intention?”
“My goodness…” The old woman leans back in her chair, putting a hand on her chest. “I have no idea. I don’t need anything. I’ve done all I want to do… I guess, what should I focus on now?”
That makes me smile, and I sit on the side of her chair, wrapping my arm around her shoulders.
“My sweet Gina.” She pats my hand. “I remember holding you as a newborn.”
“Let’s see…” Heather places three cards face down on the table, then one by one, she turns them over. “First, in the past position, we have the Queen of Pentacles.”
“She looks just like you!” Maddie cries. “It’s a woman sitting in a pretty chair in flowy robes with flowers all around her.”
“I like the sound of that…” Miss Gina smiles, nodding. “What does it mean?”
“It’s in the upright position, so it means financial security… you’ve always been a reliable, nurturing person.”
“I’m convinced!” Kim takes the chair beside Heather to watch. “I can’t think of a better way to describe Miss G.”
“Next, in the present position, is the Four of Cups…”
“It’s a guy sitting under a tree, and a little cloud is handing him a cup,” Maddie whispers.
We all lean forward, curious. “It’s reversed,” Heather says, “Which means you need to get out more and engage in society.”
“I’ll do it!” Miss Gina slaps her leg, laughing. “I was justthinking the other day I’ve been cooped up too much lately, especially now that you all are getting older.”
“I’ll bring you to Cooters & Shooters with me on Thursday.” Kim puts her hand on the lady’s back. “And we can go to the football games on Fridays.The Nutcrackeris coming up…”
“It’s getting better already!” Miss Gina smiles.
