Madame Zee had a way of talking that was laden with mystery and invitation, causing both Amy and I to lean forward as she explained the process.
“I’m going to give you a couple’s reading.” She handed us each half of the deck. “Shuffle eight times,” she said. We did so. “Now combine the decks again, and split it into three piles. Very good. Now, flip the top card on each pile.”
We obeyed.
“Now, let us see what we have.” Madame Zee leaned forward, studying the cards. “I see. Very, very interesting.”
She tapped her finger on the first card. “Your first card is the Devil.”
“Well, that’s heartening,” Amy said wryly. I chuckled.
Madame Zee smiled. “No tarot cards are innately good or bad. They are simply expressions of different states. The Devil represents the taboo. It’s a symbol of our most primal desires and passions. This card, I feel, is brimming with lust and sexuality. ” She closed her eyes, breathing in the incense in the air. “Addiction… bondage… gratifications. Remember, this card represents the earthly world, which makes sense, as it expresses earthly pleasures.”
Amy and I exchanged glances. I lifted my eyebrows at her. She was blushing heavily.
“Given this card, I would advise you two to drop any inhibitions you might have. This card lacks subtlety and strategy—it is purely want and honesty. Express yourself as truly as you are able.”
Her hand shifted over to the next card. “Ah. The Lovers, of course. Now, this is relative to your mental realm. Perhaps there is something holding you two back, or something unspoken between you. The Lovers, as the name would suggest, are all about love, unions… bonds. It reflects the challenges and rewards of choosing a partner. You’ll see a crossroads painted on the card, reminding us that we cannot take both paths. We must eventually make a choice, or forever remain stagnant. It is a romantic card, certainly, but more than this, it is one of decision. We will always have our fantasies, but we must not forget to attend to reality. My advice would be to consider all of the options before you, and never be unwilling to compromise.”
Her words were causing me to think. I knew how this worked, of course—these so-called psychics would spin some words so vague that they couldn’t not be applied to one’s own life. But there was something about Madame Zee and her cards that was strangely related to my own life. I couldn’t help but hear what she was saying and think, huh.
Her hand rested on the final card. “The Empress. A wonderful finale. The Empress is representative of motherhood—generosity, warmth, kindness, all motherly traits. This card applies to your spiritual states. It is often considered to be a message from your spirit, something you yourself may not even realize yet. That said, it’s often the hardest to understand.” She looked up at Amy. “It’s a very feminine card, and I feel it pulling specifically at you. The Empress herself is the Great Mother, or Mother Nature. She both surrounds us, and is inside each and every one of us. She is the power to give life. This is a very beautiful, hopeful card.”
Madame Zee tapped it a couple of times as she considered it. “It symbolizes many things—femininity, fertility, birth, creativity, action. I would say to you, instead of fearing that you are incapable or inadequate, understand that your influence is a powerful, positive force in the world. Recognize that your intentions toward responsibility and compassion are good.”
She picked up the cards in a single, smooth motion, and sat back, looking at us pleasantly.
Amy spoke first. “Thank you,” she said. “That was really interesting.”
“You’re welcome, dear. I’m happy you enjoyed it.”
I nodded. “Agreed. Thank you.”
I tipped her an extra fifty dollars on our way out. Not only was I fascinated, but Amy seemed to particularly enjoy it, and her joy was contagious.
As we continued through the festival, Amy and I chatted about the reading.
“I mean, I’m usually pretty skeptical about stuff like that,” Amy said, eating caramel corn we’d picked up from the tent next to Madame Zee’s. “But that was spooky. And really cool. And some of the stuff she said actually applied.”
“You think so?” I smiled. “Like she said, it’s all about how we interpret it.”
“Well, how do you interpret it?”
“Hmm… have sex, make decisions, and be feminine.”
“Oh, shut up.” She pushed at me teasingly. “The Devil, the Lovers, and the Empress. It does sound pretty cool. I thought it was fun.”
“I’m happy you enjoyed it, beautiful.” I kissed her cheek. “I did, too. I don’t get out often enough. I’d forgotten how much I love the culture.”
“Well, we’re here now,” Amy said. “And that’s what counts.”
We spent most of the day exploring the streets, but as the afternoon carried on, we wandered back to the car.
“Are we heading home now?” Amy asked, buckling her seatbelt.
“Not yet,” I said. “I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see! Have patience.”
Not giving her any hints, I started driving. We made our way out of the city, and finally ended up in an area of large, open fields. Amy looked out the car window, and gasped when she saw what was in the field.
“Hot air balloons?” she said. “No way.”
“Yes way. I made reservations for a private ride.”
“Oh my gosh! Are you kidding me?”
“Excited?”
“Yes, Of course I am.” She turned to me. “Thank you so much, Derek.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
We got out of the car, and an employee led us over to our striped blue and green balloon.
The pilot, an old man with a magnificent, gelled, handlebar mustache, gave us a brief overview and instructions before letting us into the basket and turning on the fire that inflated the balloon. When it was ready, he untied the rope that held us down.
The balloon floated slowly up into the sky. Amy peered over the edge, a smile stretched across her face. I could never get tired of her youthful excitement, and the way she looks at everything with such wonder.
Soon, we were soaring through the sky, the view spectacular. In the distance, the city, filled with skyscrapers looked so small. Stretching beneath us were endless green hills and fields. The trees looked like bushes, and the roads like pencil-drawn lines.
We floated through the sky, lazily, as the earth turned below us. It was amazing to take a step back and observe the world as it moved along without us.
I wrapped my arms around Amy from behind, resting my chin on her head.
A perfect day, I thought. With a perfect woman.
The sun began to set on the horizon, streaking the sky with magnificent reds, oranges, yellows and pinks. And we were a part of that sunset.
“This is amazing,” Amy whispered. I hugged her tighter.
We were up there for at least an hour, then too soon, the balloon began to descend, as stars appeared in the night sky.
The balloon touched down gently, and the old man asked if we enjoyed our flight. We nodded eagerly, like children who had just gotten off of a rollercoaster.
By the time we made it back to our vehicle, it was dark. We headed home, through the dark winding country roads. Our conversations fell smoothly to silence, and we simply appreciated each other’s presence.
Finally, we made it back to my father’s mansion. Keeping quiet so we didn’t wake anyone, we tip-toed in, giggling and shushing each other as the doors and floors creaked.
“I’m not really tired,” Amy said, as we stood in the foyer.
“Me neither,” I said.
We stared at each other for a moment. After such a spectacular day, it seemed appropriate that we end it with something just as meaningful.
“Follow me,” I said.
Taking her hand, I led her through the mansion, until we arrived at the ballroom where we hosted the cocktail party earlier that week.
Now, it was empty. It was grand, but there was something melancholic about it.
“It’s lonely in here,” Amy said, her thoughts echoing around the room and in my mind.
“Well,” I replied. “Then I fit right in.”
She smirked. “We both do.”
I pulled out my phone, powered it on, and turned on a song that was recorded in the 1940’s, an old favorite of mine. The tune was slow, almost sad, but beautiful. I held out my hand to her.
“A dance?”
She took my hand, and I pulled her into me.
“Do you know how to waltz?” I asked her.
“Yes,” she said. “I took a dance class once, a few years ago. I’m a bit rusty.”
“Psh. You’ll be fine.” I placed one hand on her back and lifted the other, stepping carefully, so that she could learn the pattern. She picked it up easily, following my lead, light on her toes. “Impressive.”
Together, we moved across the dance floor, our steps matching the subdued beat of the music. Having her here, in my arms, I felt my chest tightening—not with lust, as she had so often caused in me before. No, this was something else, something deeper.
She leaned her head against my shoulder, and it struck me.
I think I am in love with this woman.
Could I be? I’d only known her a week. There was no way that, in such a short amount of time, I could feel something this strong. I must be fooling myself. Maybe it was hope. Maybe it was just dreaming. It couldn’t be real.
And yet, here I was. I wanted nothing more than to voice my feelings, to tell her what I was thinking.
But I didn’t. I bit my tongue.
The song ended, and we reluctantly pulled apart.
Chapter 20
Amy
Yesterday had to be the most amazing day of my life. Adventuring throughout the city with Derek was more fun than I’d had in a very long while. There was something about him, something inexplicable that made everything lovelier. He was addicting, and I wasn’t sure how I was ever going to leave. How would I be able to go back to a life without him.
Today, he told me that there was a ranch about two miles away where he spent the majority of his childhood summers. Apparently he was an avid horseback rider, back in the day.
This man never failed to surprise me.
After lunch, we decided to walk over.
Derek knocked at the door of the huge country estate. A plump, tan, older woman answered the door. Her eyes lit up when she saw Derek.
“Derek Rittsman!” she trilled, and pulled him into a tight, matronly hug. “Here I was thinking you’d gotten too old to come visit me. Come in, come in. And who’s this?”
Smiling, Derek introduced me. “This is Amy. Amy, this is Aunt Joelle.”
I went to shake her hand, but instead, Aunt Joelle pulled me into a breath-stealing hug.
“How lovely to meet you, darling! Did you two want some iced tea and biscuits? Or if you can stay a while, there is a loaf of banana bread in the oven.”
“Mm, I can smell it,” Derek said. “That sounds delicious. I was wondering if I could take Amy over to see the horses.”
“Of course!” Aunt Joelle chirped. “Take them out, if you want. They’d love to see you. Just promise to come back here and have a visit before you go.”
“We will,” Derek said, taking my hand and leading me to the back door. We walked across a field, toward a large stable.
“Your aunt?” I asked.
“We’re not actually related,” Derek explained. “I don’t have any other living family, apart from my father. Joelle is the sister of my father’s third wife. She was the one who introduced them. Even before that, though, I spent so much of my time over here that she basically adopted me.”
“She seems really nice.”
“She is,” he said. “And her cooking is to die for.”
We reached the stable, and Derek held open the door for me. There were seven horses, each in their own box.
Derek paused at the first horse, a small, grey mare, and rubbed her nose affectionately.
“This is Pepper,” he said, his tone fond and nostalgic. “I used to take her out all the time. She was my favorite. We went on so many adventures, didn’t we, girl?”
The horse nudged him.
“She’s getting old, now. I’m happy she’s still here. She’ll let you pet her.”
I held out my hand. Pepper watched me, her eyes dark and knowing, and I stroked her mane.
“She’s beautiful,” I said.
“Isn’t she?” Derek beamed. “I have so many good memories with her.” He patted her once more, before gesturing for me to follow him. He led me down the row, and stopped in front of a large black horse with white spotting. “This is Domino, one of the younger horses. He’s only about ten years old. A smooth rider.”
He opened the door and led Domino out, then handed me the rope as he put a saddle on him. “Have you ever ridden a horse before?”
“Uhh.” I looked up at the huge creature. “Like, a couple times, on farms and things. Not in a long, long time, though.”
“That’s fine. Domino is experienced. He’ll follow me. You just have to hold on and try not to lose your balance. Need help up?” Derek held out his hand.
Steeling myself, I took his hand and let him boost me onto the horse. When I was snug in the saddle, I looked down, feeling pretty far from the ground—but safe, knowing Derek was there. Once I adjusted to the feeling, I quite liked it.
Derek went to get Pepper ready, before mounting her and glancing back at me. “How’re you doing?” he asked me.
“Great!” I gave him a thumbs up. Just as I did, Domino took his first step forward, causing me to gasp and grab the horn of the saddle tightly. Derek laughed at me.
Derek directed Pepper down a path toward a grove of trees, and sure enough, Domino followed after him, trotting happily until he was beside Pepper. I held on tight. When I glanced over at Derek, he smiled easily at me, which helped me to relax a little.
I slowly got used to the up-and-down, back-and-forth rocking, and felt myself easing into the saddle. Domino was treating me well, following obediently by Derek, perhaps sensing my uncertainty. My grip slowly eased up, and I started to enjoy the ride.
We reached the trees. The woods were beautiful and serene, shadows speckling the path. The only sound was the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of wind in the leaves. I was overcome with a sense of peace.
We rode on for at least twenty minutes, before Derek stopped and turned to me.
“Alright,” he said, “I’m going to show you something that I’ve never shown anyone before.”
“I can’t wait,” I said, smiling.
Within a few minutes, we broke through the undergrowth, and I was met with one of the most beautiful sights I’d ever seen. The clearing was shaded and overgrown. There was a small waterfall over the ledge, pouring into a crystal blue pond. It was like something out of a fairytale.
“I used to come here all the time as a kid,” Derek said. “It was my secret hideout.”
“It’s magical,” I said.
As we looked at the lake, an idea wriggled its way into my mind. I glanced sideways over at Derek, a mischievous smile on my face.
“What are you thinking, Amelia?”
I lifted my eyebrows. “You’ll see.”
Taking off toward the falls, I took hold of the hem of my shirt and pulled it over my head before dropping it on the ground. Next were my pants. And I didn’t stop there, I stripped off my underwear until I was completely naked. Then I jumped into the water.
Once I was submerged, I turned back to Derek, who hadn’t moved. He was just watching me, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Skinny-dipping?” he called.
“Bucket list!” I responded. “Jesus! It’s cold.”
He walked to the edge of the water, grinning broadly, “You’re full of surprises, Amy.”
I splashed at him. “Come on. J
ump in.”
He studied me for a second, before stripping down, leaving his clothing in a nice pile away from the water and sliding in with me.
The crisp water felt like heaven on my skin. I leaned my head back and dipped it into the water, letting it soak my hair.
Without warning, Derek tackled me, flinging his arms around me and twisting me in the water. I squealed, clinging to him tightly.
We wrestled playfully in the water. I managed to escape from his grip, and the chase was on. I dove into the water and kicked with all my strength, heading toward the waterfall. Derek was close behind.
I stopped at the wall of water, cornered. Giggling, I held up my hands, but Derek had no mercy. He grabbed at me, pulled me under the waterfall, and kissed me with unmatched passion.
Eventually, however, we had to come up for breath. When we did, we looked at each other, laughed heartily, and dove right back in.
* * *
After we got back into our clothes and returned the horses to the stable, we went back to Aunt Joelle, who fed us generously and chatted our ears off. She told me all sorts of stories about Derek as a child, and the sort of trouble he would get into on the ranch. She had me laughing so hard that my stomach cramped and my eyes watered.
Several hours passed before we said our goodbyes and returned home. We went straight up to Derek’s room and he headed to the shower.
I heard the shower turn on, and Derek get in. I sat on the edge of the bed. Something about our horse-riding and skinny-dipping adventures today had gotten me in the mood.
Quietly, I slipped off my clothes and opened the bathroom door. Derek, unaware that I’d come in, was humming to himself behind the glass. I tapped on it gently, startling him.
“Can I come in?” I asked, a slight blush rising to my cheeks. Before this week, I never would have imagined making such a bold gesture. But Derek had brought out a confidence in me, a self-assurance that I never would have expected I could have.
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