“Two large lattes, one of them with three sugars, and two bagels with cream cheese. And yeah, we’ll be set up at the entrance to the fountain. You know I’d love to see you all.”
River moved aside to let the next person order. At Marina’s questioning look, she said, “I’ve got a stall at the festival. Leo works with the kids from the LGBTQ center, and we did some workshops on tarot reading last year.”
“I’m not one for the indoctrination of children but teaching them paganism seems like a great way to show them how to go against the grain.” Marina looked down at River’s T-shirt. “I don’t know what it means, but the logo is very cool.”
River looked down, wondering if she’d worn something different than she intended. No, Marina was talking about the shop logo. “Thanks. I designed it myself. The top bit is Hecate’s Wheel, a symbol of crossroads and protection. The compass is about direction too, and I like to think some of the guidance I provide gives a sense of the way forward.”
Marina rolled her eyes but continued to smile. “Well, I like the logo anyway. I’d wear it on a sweatshirt.”
“We sell them at the shop. But I’m not sure about you wearing a spiritual symbol just for the aesthetic.” River handed Marina her coffee, then grabbed her tray with the drinks and bagels.
Marina pulled open the door and held it for River. “Please. How many people wear a Buddha without the faintest notion of what Buddhism is? Or wear Nike, without a clue as to who the goddess is that they’re using to sell shoes?”
River grinned and nodded slowly. “Point taken, and well made, may I say. You argue well, counselor. I find in your favor.”
The sound of Marina’s laugh set River’s entire body on high alert, and she would gladly have dropped the food on the curb and taken Marina into an alley for some rough and ready sex, if it wouldn’t get them arrested.
“Look, I’m sorry about the other night.” Marina stopped and watched as River put the food into the passenger seat. “I admit itfreaked me out a little, and I’m really not into anything spiritual in any way. But I was rude, and believe it or not, I try not to be.”
“Wow. How often do you admit you’re wrong? Is it painful?” River grinned. “Do you need CPR?”
“I’m not saying I was wrong. I’mneverwrong. I was just impolite. There’s a difference. And yes.” Marina put her hand to her forehead. “It’s extremely painful, and I may collapse.”
River reached out and touched her hip, needing to feel Marina’s presence in a more physical way. “We can’t have that.” There was a long moment of expectant silence, and then Marina backed up a step, forcing River to drop her hand. “Will you be coming to the festival today?”
Marina shook her head. “I’ve got an important meeting tonight with a new client, and I need to be fully prepared. I’m heading to my office as soon as I’ve showered off the sweat.”
There was no doubt, absolutely none, that she knew exactly what image she’d dropped into River’s brain, where it was soaped up and washed down, completely naked.
“Anyway,” Marina said, lifting her coffee. “Thanks for this, and good luck at the festival.”
River’s tongue, which had been duly tied up by the imagery in her head, finally began to work. “Thanks. Good luck at your meeting tonight.”
Marina turned and walked away, and River just stood there watching until she turned a corner.What a woman.Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she fumbled it out, nearly dropping it in the questionable sludge of the gutter as she tried to balance the drinks in the other hand.
Audrey: If you’re not here in five minutes I’m going to set everything on fire. x
River laughed and jumped in the rental car, exhilaration at the impromptu meeting making her feel like she could walk on water if she wanted to. Despite Marina’s dismissive attitude theother night, she’d been open and friendly today.Okay, so she doesn’t want to date me. But maybe we could have something with less pressure. Something more physical than mental.It was a nice thought, but it felt off, and her intuition never led her wrong.
She made it through the gate easily, since everyone else was already in, and headed straight to where Audrey was wrestling the gazebo out of the bag. She got out and held the coffee tray aloft. “I come bearing drinkable apologies.”
Audrey huffed and dropped the canvas to stomp over. “This better be amazing.” She took a sip and sighed. “You’re forgiven. What took so long?”
River sipped her coffee then set it aside, and they began pulling the gazebo into place at each corner. “I ran into Marina, weirdly enough.”
Audrey’s eyebrows rose. “Did you now? That seems a little coincidental.”
River nodded. “Right? Take the opposite corner and lift, will you?” They slid each corner up until it popped into place. “That’s what I was thinking on my way here. She even said it herself. Three times in less than a week. Ready? Lift.” The other poles slid into place, and River ducked into the center and pushed up from the middle until it too slotted into place. “Do you think it means anything?”
Audrey nodded emphatically. “She’s going to test your resolve not to fall for someone who will be so antithetical to your being that she’ll leave you in pieces.”
River deflated a little. “Grim. Thanks for that.”
“What are friends for?” Audrey side-hugged her as they headed for the boxes to begin unloading. “Seriously, though. What do you think?” She tapped River’s chest. “More importantly, what do you feel?”
River thought about it as they set out a table and chairs for her to do readings, and then they got out all the metaphysical merch for the other tables. Did she want to chase someone who could run hot and cold that way? Someone who had walls around her heart that were like bank vault doors? The answershouldbe no.
So why was she hoping Marina would change her mind and show up at the festival today?
