Page 25 of Hustle

“What’s next?” I ask, flipping over the next card.

“This is the present. Interesting. The King of Pentacles,” her smile turns feline. “Basically, the card refers to a wealthy, refined, and powerful man that gets shit done and takes care of the people around him.”

Evi quirks an eyebrow. “Wonder who that could be.”

Heat rolls up my neck, my cheeks flushing. She flips the last card over of the three.

“Wheel of Fortune?” I ask. “That’s good, right?”

Her shrug is noncommittal. “It depends. Technically, it means that big forces of destiny are in play, and it can really go either way.”

Terrific. Nothing like a little metaphysical confirmation of that complete lack of control I’m feeling. I shift, but she meets my eyes.

“A teacher I studied with once had a really interesting insight about the Wheel. She said that people think it’s all about this chaotic force of fate, and maybe there’s an element of that. But you have more control than you think. It’s all about how well you play your hand, and how willing you are to step into that destiny.”

I know a thing or two about playing hands. And I’m definitely wrestling with what direction my life will take.

“Okay, so think about your first question.”

I do, my eyes lingering on her face. Come on, Tarot. What’s the story with Evi and I? I take a drink of the beer, just to distract myself.

The card falls over, and my eyes hit the title just as she says with a little surprise, “The Lovers.”

I try to breathe, but I’m swallowing beer, and before I know it, I’m coughing and there is beer coming out of my nose. Fucking hell. Seamus Doyle does not look like a mess like this.

She reaches out and I think she’s going to hit me, but instead she just leans over to rub my back with a surprisingly gentle touch. God love these corner booths that force you to sit side-by-side. “You okay?”

Turns out you don’t need oxygen to get so aroused it feels like your balls might burst.

“Fine, thank you. Please continue.” It’s an effort to sound composed around the small coughs wracking my body.

She’s studying the card. “I think it’s self-evident, Seamus.”

Is there a note of accusation in her voice?

“Are you seeing anyone?”

Even though I know she’s asking because of my card, my heart thunders.

“No.”

She raises her eyebrow. My cock twitches, and I’m fairly certain I look a little pained. “Got your eye on anyone?”

How the hell do I even answer that, when I’m not totally sure myself?

After a minute of frank appraisal, she tilts her head. “Second question?”

I’m thinking about her shop, and that whole thing. The card she flings over has a globe on it.

“The World. Nice. Whatever you’re thinking about, that’s basically everything good in one package.”

If only she knew how right she was. That package doesn’t fit into my world, and I don’t fit into hers, but damned if my body is getting any of these messages. Especially tonight.

“Thank you very much, Evi,” She looks pleased and so I venture a little further. “How did you learn this?”

Her appraising stare has me uncomfortable, like she’s inferring all kinds of judgment there. Honestly, I’m just curious. There’s a lot about her, a lot about the diverse interests that she’s cultivated, that are interesting.

“You know, Seamus, sometimes it’s worth learning skills even if you can’t easily monetize them.”

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