Fortunes

by Tina Gallagher

  Table of Contents

  Fortunes

  Copyright

  Also by Tina Gallagher

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  A word about the author...

  Thank you for purchasing this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  Fortunes

  by

  Tina Gallagher

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Fortunes

  COPYRIGHT © 2012 by Tina Gallagher

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

  Cover Art by Debbie Taylor

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  PO Box 708

  Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

  Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

  Publishing History

  First Champagne Rose Edition, 2012

  Digital ISBN 978-1-61217-536-2

  Published in the United States of America

  Also by Tina Gallagher

  MISGUIDED

  ROMANCE BY THE BOOK

  …AND THERE ARE GIRLS YOU MARRY

  available from

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  Chapter One

  I glared at the palm reader.

  “You’re upset,” she said.

  “Yes, I’m upset.”

  “I am sorry, but I can only tell you what I see.”

  “Right.” I tried to sound indifferent. Judging from the look on her face, I didn’t succeed. “How much do I owe you?”

  She studied me for several uneasy seconds before answering. “Twenty dollars.”

  Madam V’s gaze didn’t leave my face as I reached into my purse and extracted a crumpled bill. I placed the money on the table in front of her.

  Instead of taking the cash, she laid her hand on mine. I noted the smoothness of her skin. For a woman well past middle age, her hands were surprisingly soft and wrinkle free.

  “I know I didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear, but it will all work out in the end.” Her fingers tightened, offering a reassuring squeeze before breaking contact. “Have faith.”

  I nodded, too choked up to speak.

  ****

  “What could she possibly know? Why did I even go to see her?” I muttered as I marched down the street, effectively putting space between myself and Madame V. “It’s not like I even believe in all that mumbo jumbo.”

  The conversation between me, myself, and I continued as I stopped at the bakery to pick up a cake, then all the way home. As soon I walked through the door, my sister pounced.

  “So, how’d it go?” Laura asked.

  “That’s the last time I listen to you.”

  “Why? What did she say?” Laura’s green eyes glowed with curiosity.

  “She said Kyle isn’t in my future.” I turned and placed the cake in the refrigerator.

  “Well, he isn’t in your present either, so I don’t know why you’re surprised.”

  “Don’t even start.” I turned and pointed my index finger at her, emphasizing my point.

  “He’s not coming back,” she continued, ignoring my words. “You know it and I know it.”

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “It’s complicated.”

  Why I feel the need to defend Kyle Mills is beyond me. The man took my virginity, my heart, and my dreams, then went off to “find himself” a mere week before our wedding. Part of me hates him, but another part can’t let go. Especially since he seems to call or show up and say all the right things anytime I even think about moving on.

  Every one of my thoughts must have shown on my face, because Laura’s eyes filled with tears. “Why are you doing this to yourself? Why are you putting your life on hold for him?” she asked. “Meg, I love you too much to let you waste your life over someone like Kyle.” She shook her head and sighed. “Is he really worth it?”

  My own tear-filled gaze met Laura’s, and I shrugged. She blinked, clearing away the moisture, then smiled. After several emotion-filled minutes, she spoke again.

  “So what else did Madame V say?” she asked around a sly grin, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

  “She said there’s a big business opportunity in my future and—” I stopped, reluctant to share the rest.

  “And?” Laura coaxed.

  I settled onto a stool at the island and picked up a bag of potato chips. After opening the bag, I pulled out a chip and raised it to my lips. “I’ll be engaged by the end of the year,” I added, then crunched into the chip, enjoying its savory goodness. Most women turn to chocolate to heal heartache, but fatty, salty foods have always been my magic elixir.

  “She didn’t see Kyle in your future?” Laura’s brow furrowed with her question.

  Still chewing, I shook my head and fingered the diamond solitaire dangling from a chain around my neck. After Kyle left, I didn’t feel right wearing it on my ring finger, but I couldn’t not wear it, either. The necklace seemed like a good compromise. I tried not to think about the fact that it had been hanging there for nearly two years now.

  “Obviously she was confused,” I said.

  “Meggie, she’s a palm reader. They don’t get confused.”

  “Everyone makes mistakes.” I munched on another chip and swallowed. “Besides, I don’t really believe in that stuff. I only went to see Madame V because you set up the appointment.”

  Laura rolled her eyes but didn’t comment. After a while, she said, “So who are you getting engaged to, if not Kyle?”

  “She didn’t give me a name, but she said he’s a doctor and that I’d meet him on this vacation.”

  “Really?” Laura sounded intrigued. “Tell me more.”

  “He has blond hair and brown eyes, and his name starts with a W.”

  “Well, at least you know what you’re looking for.”

  “I’m not looking for anything,” I insisted.

  “Are you sure about that?” Laura asked, then waited for my response.

  I grabbed the bag of chips and left the kitchen.

  Chapter Two

  Our friend Rebecca was turning thirty, so Laura and I threw her a party. It gave us a reason to play hostess at the beach house and get together with the friends we only see during the summer months.

  Preparations kept me busy, but unfortunately my mind was running at full speed. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Madame V had said, and Laura seemed to be on a one-woman crusade to convince me of Kyle’s unworthiness.

  “You were so young when you started dating him,” Laura reasoned. “And things got hot and heavy pretty fast.”

  “I was twenty-one, and I’d known him for a year before we had sex.”

  I alternated festive orange and yellow disposable plates in a stack and placed them in a wicker basket. Laura tossed matching plasticware into green wire holders.

  “But you barely dated before him. You were a virgin, for cripes’ sake.”

  True, I had been less than experienced before Kyle came along, but for a girl who held on to her virginity for twenty-one years, I became addicted to sex. Well, maybe not addicted, but I sure as hell liked it a lot.
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  “That’s why you can’t let him go.” Laura pointed her index finger at me, punctuating her words. “If Kyle hadn’t been your first and only, you’d have said goodbye to him a long time ago.”

  “Maybe.” I shrugged and pulled a tray of appetizers out of the oven and slid in a new batch. “Maybe not.”

  “What else is left to do?” Laura looked around the kitchen.

  “Not much,” I said. “I just have to heat the rest of the appetizers.” I gestured to the trays scattered across the counter.

  “Good. Let’s have a glass of wine and relax before everyone gets here.”

  She poured two glasses of merlot, and we settled at the kitchen table.

  “You know what you need?” Laura asked.

  I was afraid of what she had to say, but knew I’d hear one way or another. “What?” I took a fortifying sip of wine.

  “A good fuck.”

  Red wine spewed from my mouth and dribbled out my nose. “God, Laura.” I wiped my face with a napkin. “Just get right to the point, why don’t ya?”

  “I’m just saying.” She shrugged, not looking the least bit apologetic.

  I pushed my glass to the center of the table, not risking another sip. “Why would you say something like that?” I asked, cleaning my mess.

  “Meg, you’ve never been with anyone besides Kyle.” She held up her hand, halting my objection. “Let me finish.”

  I slouched and folded my arms across my chest.

  “It makes him seem special, like he’s something worth hanging on to.” She paused for what I’m sure was dramatic effect. “But he’s not. He’s really not. If he was, he’d be here. If he was, he wouldn’t have left in the first place.” Laura took a deep breath and let it out slowly, but her gaze never left mine. “If you took another lover, it’d take that distinction away from him. Maybe then you’d be able to move on.”

  Before I could comment, the doorbell rang. I glanced at the clock.

  “Looks like someone’s early,” I said. “Go answer the door, and I’ll keep working on the appetizers.”

  Laura stood and walked to the swinging door that separated the kitchen from the living room. She turned back to me, her brow furrowed.

  “Just think about what I said, Meg.”

  I nodded and shoved a tray of mini quiches into the oven.

  ****

  The guest of honor arrived with an impressive man on her arm. Last I heard, Rebecca wasn’t dating anyone special, and the man in question looked anything but ordinary.

  My eyes took a lazy tour of his athletically trim body. Faded Levis rested low on narrow hips and cupped his amazing ass. He turned and the zipper of those same jeans showcased what looked like a very impressive package. I nibbled at my lower lip and sighed. Rebecca was one lucky girl.

  I raised my gaze and jumped when I found laughing brown eyes watching me. Judging from the amusement in his chocolate depths, he’d caught me doing a pants check. My face heated. Grabbing an empty tray off the table, I retreated to the safety of the kitchen.

  I had just finished filling a tray with appetizers when Rebecca’s mystery man entered the kitchen. The room seemed to shrink with his every step.

  He smiled, and a single dimple flashed in his right cheek. Heat shot through me, and I tingled in areas that haven’t tingled in a long time. I shook my head in hopes of recharging my brain. Rebecca is one of my best friends. I can’t get tingly around her man. I straightened and cleared my throat. “Can I help you?” I asked.

  He raised an amused brow at my formal tone and held up an empty ice bucket before plunking it on the counter. “You’re out of ice.”

  “Sorry,” I said. “Laura is supposed to be on ice duty.”

  I took the bucket and filled it, then handed it back to him. “Would you mind taking this back out? There’s only a minute left on the timer.”

  He took the proffered bucket. “It’s great, you throwing this party for Rebecca,” he said. “She’s thrilled.”

  “I’m happy to do it.”

  He nodded and ran long fingers through his pale hair. After a brief hesitation, he held his hand out to me. “I’m Chip Nealon, by the way.”

  I placed my hand in his and felt as though I’d stuck my finger in a socket. My eyes rounded in surprise and so did his. “Megan Donnelly,” I said, once I could speak.

  “Ah, a nice Irish gal,” he said with a brogue.

  I removed my hand from his before it burned up and nodded. “As if you couldn’t tell.” I pulled on an auburn corkscrew and watched it bounce back into place. “Between this hair and the freckles, it’s pretty obvious.”

  He took a step closer and stared into my eyes. My heart rate increased, and I was afraid he’d see the pulse hammering at my throat.

  “It’s your eyes that gave you away,” he said. “They’re as green as the grass in Ireland.”

  That should’ve sounded corny, but for some reason his words seemed sincere and nearly melted me into a puddle of giggly girl goo. I simply murmured, “Thank you.”

  Sparks flew between us, but I had to ignore them. Chip belongs to Rebecca. Our friendship wouldn’t have lasted for ten years if we made a habit of swiping each other’s dates.

  But the man affected me. In fact, if he wasn’t Rebecca’s, I’d probably have taken Laura’s advice. A roll in the sheets might be what I need to get Kyle out of my system. If nothing else, it’d scratch the itch my vibrator doesn’t seem to reach anymore.

  “Well, I’m going to join the party again,” Chip said, pulling me out of my erotic thoughts. “I promised my cousin I wouldn’t let her do anything stupid tonight.”

  “Huh?” I said, knowing I sounded like an idiot.

  “Did I mention Rebecca’s my cousin?” His brown eyes twinkled with mischief as he disappeared through the swinging door.

  Chapter Three

  The next morning, I hoisted my lawn-sized green Hefty bag in the air. “The kitchen’s done. How are you doing in here?”

  Laura tossed two plates into her own garbage bag. “Almost finished.”

  The words had just left her mouth when the doorbell rang. “I got it.” The fact that Laura nearly sprinted to the door roused my suspicions. I wasn’t surprised to find Rebecca and Chip standing on our threshold.

  “Sorry we’re so late getting here. Is there anything left to clean up?” Rebecca asked my sister. “You have to at least let me help clean the mess, after the great party you threw.”

  “The birthday girl doesn’t have to help,” I heaved a few cups into the bag. “Besides, we’re almost done.”

  “Then let us take you out for an early dinner.” Chip leaned against the doorjamb, looking sexy as hell.

  My face flushed when I met his gaze. If the man knew the kind of things we did in my dreams last night, he’d probably blush too. Then again, maybe he’d like the erotic images that had filled my head.

  As I opened my mouth to decline his offer, Laura said, “We’d love to.”

  “Great. You two go get changed, and Chip and I’ll finish up here,” Rebecca said.

  Even before she finished the sentence, Laura ushered me into my bedroom.

  “I can’t believe you accepted,” I wailed at her. “I can’t go.”

  “Rebecca said Chip wants to get to know you better. Don’t you see the way he looks at you?”

  “Maybe that’s the problem.”

  Despite my dreams and erotic musings, my stomach knotted at the thought of actually spending time with Chip, or any man.

  Laura put her arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “It’ll be okay, Meggie. You got tangled up with the wrong guy. Now you have to break free and move on.”

  “I know.” The words came out on a sigh.

  “Then come on.” Laura headed toward my closet. “Let’s get you ready.”

  She flipped through the hangers, pulling several items out and throwing them on the bed. After arranging the various clothing articles together in different ways, Laura tossed a pair
of khaki capris and a peach blouse at me.

  “Those should work,” she said. “They’re nice without looking too starchy.”

  Since fashion isn’t my forte, I took her word for it. After warning me not to wear my old, scruffy Birkenstocks, Laura disappeared into her room to get dressed.

  Changing into new clothes took mere seconds. Looking in the mirror, I finger-combed my curls into submission. The diamond solitaire hanging around my neck caught my attention. I looked down, touching the gleaming stone, and bit my lip. What had once been a security blanket all of a sudden felt like a noose.

  Before I could think about it too much, I unhooked the necklace, taking the ring off for the first time in a long time. Holding the ring between my thumb and index finger, I flashed back to the day Kyle had given it to me.

  I was so happy, and thought Kyle was, too. Obviously that hadn’t been true, or he’d still be around. I placed the necklace on the dresser and stepped back, feeling my now naked neck. Laura was right, it was time to move on. Kyle realized that two years ago. It’s time I did, too.

  After slipping my feet into strappy gold sandals, I headed downstairs.

  ****

  We decided to eat at an oceanfront grill, and the walk there helped soothe my nerves. The sound of the waves crashing to shore, along with the smell of the salt air, worked like a full-body massage. The company helped, too. Chip and I were left alone as Laura and Rebecca practically speed-walked to the restaurant. He seemed sensitive to my pensive mood, and I appreciated that fact.

  “It’s so beautiful here.” I barely heard Chip’s soft voice over the sound of the surf.

  “I know. I love it.”

  They were the only words exchanged the entire eight blocks to the restaurant.

  At the quaint grill, we were seated at a small table near the back of the restaurant. The smell of shrimp and garlic started my mouth watering in anticipation.

  We ordered a pitcher of beer, and the waitress disappeared toward the bar, giving us time to peruse the menu. I already knew what I wanted, so I fidgeted with the flatware, glanced around the room, and waited for someone to speak. Unfortunately, Laura uttered the first words. “So, what do you do for a living?” she asked, sounding suspiciously like my mother, wasting no time drilling Chip.