Page 9 of Unraveling Rain
I take a bite of the omelet and moan.
Blair cackles. “Damn, that’s good,” she says, wiping a bit of compote off her mouth.
I almost did too. But who wouldn’t? The omelet is packed with fresh veggies, hash browns that are crisp to perfection, all drizzled with a fig compote.
Damn. So good.
I lick my fork. “Yes, girl. Same.”
We make quick work of cleaning the kitchen after polishing off our plates.
When the clock hits ten, the rest of the staff starts trickling into the kitchen.
I disappear into my office to write down the recipes.
I sure hope Ruin’s patients enjoy this—and don’t think it’s too simple, like something they could’ve come up with themselves.
Rain: Hey, Ru. Do you have a minute?
I text my sister as I oversee my staff working like a well-oiled clock. I’ve trained them well, and they know this place inside and out—just like I do. Everyone here has earned their spot.
It fills my chest with pride to know that my family’s legacy is alive and kicking—not just through me and my siblings, but through these amazing people who dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to recreating our recipes.
If I’m being honest, they don’t need me here every day. But if I’m not here…what do I do with my life?
While I wait for Ruin to answer, I head to the dining area to check on Granny.
“Oh, there she is. My beautiful grandchild,” Granny says when she sees me.
It’s not the first time she’s called me beautiful, but a deep blush creeps up my chest all the way to my cheeks.
“Hey, Granny. How’s it going today?” I ask, sitting across from her.
She has all of her crystals and cards beautifully splayed across a dining table. Since she’s the star of the show, hers is the largest, nestled between two walls of plants, making her corner of the diner cozy and inviting.
“Actually, it’s been an amazing day,” she says, grinning widely.
I raise an eyebrow. Usually, when I ask her how her day has been, she gives me a canned response like “You know, it’s going,” or “Nothing interesting to report.”
Curious, I ask, “How so?”
She holds my gaze for a few seconds, then gestures to her card stack. I pull one, like always, and give it to her.
She turns it in front of me, and her grin widens. I glance between the card—a couple—and her.
“So?” I ask, growing impatientwith her silence.
“It’s finally happening, Rain. The love of your life has arrived. Don’t close yourself off to this opportunity,” she says triumphantly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
I look around the diner, scanning for anyone new in town, because one thing I know for sure: my real love can’t be someone from my past. That part of my life is dark and buried deep.
“Don’t be impatient, dear. You’ll meet in due time.”
I chuckle. Silly me, thinking this was real.
“Don’t ever doubt the power of the tarot, Rain Melody MacAllister,” she says, her voice stern.
I clear my throat. “Of course, Granny. Never.”
