Page 4 of All Hallows' Hex
“Of course you don’t, silly. That’s why you pay me to read it.” He smirked at that, and I continued, “Simply, your personal relationships are being affected and romantic, intuitive emotions are driving you forward. Venus represents harmony, attraction and love. Give it time, Everett. Let her come back and make that choice.”
“See, Lane. You’re simply the best,” Matt offered as his friend settled back in his chair and thought over his readings. “I’ll do a simple three card spread—past, present, future.”
“Noted,” I said, clearing off Everett’s read and taking Matt’s deck into my hands. I shuffled and shuffled, waiting for the cards to pop out as they wished. Soon, three cards rested against the purple fabric in a simple three-placement line. “Coming from, currently at, and where you’re headed,” I explained, pointing to each card. “Eight of Cups reversed, Nine of Cups upright, and Ace of Pentacles upright.”
“Good spread?”
“Always at the interpretation of the querent,” I answered Matt. “Looks like you’re coming from a place of avoidance. Change wasn’t something you were willing to budge on, but currently you’re thriving in emotional stability. I’d say at some point, you went with the will of things and it’s doing well for you. As for what you can look forward to, I’m seeing new opportunities.”
“I’ll take it. Once again, Lane, that brilliant witchy brain of yours has pulled out the best reading.” Matt stood and slid his chair back, but Everett lingered with heavy, unspoken questions coloring his expression. His full lips were pulled in a thin line, his brows pinched, and his focus stayed zeroed in on the cards in my hands.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry,” he whispered before shaking it off and putting his mask back into place.
“First-time readings can be heavy if you aren’t prepared. You’ve got this.” I fixed the table and lit another incense to cleanse the area. Matt waited for him at the back exit, but I stopped his advancement and pulled him in for a hug.
“Thanks, Lane.” As he pulled away, my phone went off with a text alert. Pulling it out of my bag, I waved to the boys as they made their exit and started their own conversations.
Aimee: Hey, turns out we were able to make a girls trip. Are you free?
Lane: Yes, I’m just opening actually! I’m across from the clown house.
Lane: Shelly has me doing tarot reads, ironically enough . . .
Aimee: Awesome! I’ll see you soon then!
I stared at the screen, realizing too late a goofy grin slid its way across my face. There wasn’t much to confirm that Aimee hadthosefeelings for me. Hell, there wasn’t even much to conclude that she was gay at all. I could’ve very well read into every interaction we had and projected my own wishes onto them.
But . . .
I danced around the topic enough, and it was only going to hurt worse the longer I put it off.
Simply ask.
Simple.
CHAPTER3
Aimee
“She’s expecting us?”Vera asked, leaning forward to look at me as we walked to the clown house we visited during our first trip. Sienna was visibly uncomfortable, but she wouldn’t bring it up, even if we tried to pry it out of her.
“Yes,” I answered, closing my phone and putting it back into my bag. “She did confirm the . . . haunted house is the right location.” I chose my words carefully.
“Clown isn’t a cuss word, guys.” Sienna sighed and loosened her shoulders.
“We’re always going to look out for you first,” Vera promised as she leaned in to hug her.
From where we originally came in, the area wasn’t that far away. On this avenue’s path, the shoddy building came into view soon and so did its massive line. Without bringing attention to it or the actors who could be working tonight, we made a beeline for the tarot booth.
Booth was a weird way to describe it. A shed with electricity was more apt. It was a simple construction, with a door and a large sign that was probably a bit more insensitive than intended. Lane had mentioned in a past conversation that her manager, Shelly, was immune to constructive criticism. It was enough that she talked her out of most of the “costume requirements” she insisted on.
Lane implied that change took a meeting with HR on why you couldn’t be insensitive to other religious or spiritual practices.
The shed was a deep purple, and a soft glow came from the open door. The scent of jasmine and desert sage wafted around us as we approached and stepped inside. I heard Lane greet the others who walked in before me.
I swallowed the thickness filling my throat and looked up. My breath caught as I took her in. She was wearing a beautiful robed dress and her makeup was theatrical. A black crescent moon was painted onto her forehead, and her black eyeliner dripped down her round cheeks.
