Page 47 of Cursed Sight
“I think you traumatized her,” Brandy said.
“It’s a daily goal. What can I say?”
A knock sounded on the door, and they exchanged a curious glance before telling the visitor to join them. A middle-aged woman greeted them with a grin.
“I wanted to bring you champagne and some bottles of water to celebrate the upcoming nuptials!” she said with glee.
“Thank you!” Serena said and helped the woman set the drinks on a table. Once she turned to leave, Serena dropped onto the small couch and reached for the flute of champagne.
Brandy chuckled and sat facing Serena, then leaned to the side to grab the bottle of water. “So, how’s Ethan?” she asked before taking a slow drink.
“He’s good. He gets back tomorrow.”
Brandy placed her arm across the back of the couch. “Really? I thought he was supposed to be back last week?”
Serena sighed and took another swig. “Keyword: supposed. Something came up, and he was the closest one to the client, so they flew him there as soon as he finished.”
“Bummer,” Brandy said and glanced at the door before lowering her voice. “Has the telepathic part helped?”
Serena shrugged. “I mean, it’s been useful at times, but when he’s gone, the telephone works just as good.”
“That makes sense. Is it weird?”
“This?” Serena asked, pointing between them.
Brandy waved a hand and chuckled. “Nah, this isn’t weird… anymore. I mean… I didn’t have anyone I can talk to about this soul mate connection, but now I’ve got you. So, I guess what I meant to say… Is it weird being connected to someone so wholly as we are to them?”
Serena thought about it for a moment. “I haven’t had a hard time with it to be honest. It was harder when we fought it beforehand. Or when he was checking in on me with his power instead of calling. Did he happen to tell you about Junior?” she asked, chuckling.
Brandy leaned forward, her eyes dancing with amusement. “No, what happened?”
She shook her head. “I guess when he checked in, Junior and his wife were having sex, and Junior was mid-climax.”
Brandy’s eyes widened. “Oh, God!”
She waggled her brows over the champagne flute. “That’s what she said.”
The women exchanged high fives and burst into a fit of laughter. After their rocky first encounter months ago, things could have gone in a variety of directions between them. Serena calmed and cocked her head. “Can I ask you something?”
Brandy nodded before tipping back her water.
“It’s no secret that you’re stronger than me, even as a novice. Why don’t you want to challenge me?”
“When we first met, I didn’t know crap about this world. Challenging you was the furthest thing from my mind, and no offense, but I was more pissed you were being a bitch. Not to mention the way you looked at Rye then. As far as now? I have no desire, nor the knowledge, to lead anyone. You’re a friend, and soon you’ll be family. I respect you, Serena,” Brandy said and grabbed her hand. “I also genuinely enjoy your company and friendship.”
Serena squeezed her hand. She had not had many female friends in her life. It never turned out well, but something deep inside guided her to set aside the past and get to know Brandy better. “I also enjoy your friendship. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here,” she teased.
The seamstress returned before they could say more. Luckily, she had not come in during a strange conversation. “All set. Go ahead and dress,” she stated and hung the bagged dress. “All of us here wish you the happiest of unions.”
Her words were kind, but her tone was flat. Serena wondered how many of the happy brides who came in were still happy. There was no doubt in Serena’s mind about Ryan and Brandy though. Their union was written in the stars, as was hers with Ethan.
She had never believed in destiny, but for the lucky ones who did unite with their soul mate, it was hard to argue. The telepathic connection could not be faked. Maybe certain parts of their lives were predestined, while the rest were decisions of free will.
“Is it me, or was she not really wishing me a happy union?” Brandy asked as the door shut.
Serena shook her head. “I was thinking the same thing. Maybe she sees a lot of repeat brides?”
“True, but how sad to become so cynical.”
