Mind Reader

by Kirsty McManus

  I gape at her, unable to speak.

  “Only if you want to, of course,” she says hurriedly.

  “Yes! I would love to. I’m honoured that you have so much faith in me.”

  “I know it’s a gamble. You’ve only been with us for just over a month, but you’ve shown a natural aptitude for the job, and an exceptional eye for detail.”

  “Polly doesn’t think you’re playing favourites?” I check.

  “Actually, no. She was the one who suggested it, but I am one hundred percent onboard. She just made me promise we’d…” She goes red.

  “Not have sex in the office?” I offer.

  “Something like that.”

  Charlie laughs. “I am loving this so much. You know what? The three of us should have a name. I’m thinking Charlie and her angels. Or maybe The Three Musketeers if you think the first one isn’t inclusive enough.”

  “We’ll discuss that later,” Beatrix says, rolling her eyes at me.

  “Okay, well, since I’m in charge, I should probably tell you guys to get to work. I expect a full update on Singapore on my desk by 5pm this afternoon.”

  “Yes, boss,” I say, grinning.

  I don’t think life could get any better.

  ***

  Beatrix

  As much as I want to spend the evening with Kellan, I decide to spend it with my bestie instead. Charlie buys a bottle of champagne, and we go back to my house to open it.

  “I can’t believe I’m the boss now!” she says, popping the cork and pouring us each a glass.

  “Like I said earlier, you totally deserve it.”

  “Well, I’ve got to be better than Elijah. I can’t believe he was stealing from the company. And his employees!”

  “Sweetie, you will be a million times better than Elijah, even without the stealing thing.”

  She takes a gulp of her wine and looks around. “So, have you decided to put this place on the market?”

  “Yeah, I think so. But probably not until I get back from Singapore. Are you still up for moving in with me?”

  “Actually, I might just wait and see. Will you be totally offended if I say no?”

  “Of course not. But why the change of heart?”

  She beams at me. “I think I’m in love.”

  “Wait, is this with the guy you met after Oktoberfest? You never even told me what happened on your date! I assume it went well?”

  “It went so well. Zane and I have a ton in common, like our shared obsession with Gary Oldman movies and flash fiction. He loves Norway and wants to take me there to see the midnight sun. We even joked about what we’d call our future kids.”

  I chuckle. “You’re naming your kids after one date?”

  “I know. It’s crazy, but it feels so right.”

  “What are you calling them?”

  “What?”

  “Your kids. What are their names?”

  “Oh. Isabella and Liam.”

  “How did you meet?”

  “Would you believe he was my Uber driver on the way home from Oktoberfest? I had planned on taking Gavin home with me, but he ditched me for Joan in accounting!”

  “No!”

  “I know, right? So there I was, feeling sorry for myself and waiting for an Uber, when Zane pulled up. He was my knight in shining armour.” She takes another sip of her wine. “I guess you were right all along. You can’t go looking for love. It finds you.”

  I laugh. “I’m really glad it’s going well for you. So he’s the reason you’re not moving in with me?”

  “Yeah, I know. It’s all happening a bit fast. I’m not planning on shacking up with him right away or anything, but I don’t want to mess you around. And if things work out, we might decide to live together sooner rather than later.”

  “What colour hair does he have?”

  She frowns. “Blonde. Why?”

  “No reason.”

  She looks at me for a second, and then the light dawns. “Oh, you’re thinking about what Kellan said about my soulmate having red hair. Yeah, I think he must have gotten it wrong for me. I don’t mind.”

  “Are you sure? You’re not going to be thinking about this other mystery redhead that’s supposed to show up next year?”

  “Nope. I’m all in with Zane. And as we’ve previously discussed, there’s no way I’d ever end up with a redhead. Maybe Kellan accidentally tuned into someone else’s vision or something. I mean, who knows how that thing works? He could have seen his neighbour’s soulmate. Or maybe the light in his vision was weird, and the blonde looked red.”

  “Does Zane have a crooked nose from a sporting injury?”

  “No, why?”

  “And is he tall?”

  “He’s the same height as me, so no, not particularly. Why are you asking these questions?”

  “Because they’re the other things Kellan said about your supposed soulmate.”

  “Oh.” She shrugs. “Then I guess he was way off base. I can’t believe you remembered all that. You seem more concerned than I am.”

  “I guess I’m just trying to figure it all out.”

  “I thought you didn’t believe in any of this.”

  “I didn’t at first. But now…” I don’t want to admit that I really had started to believe him, and the fact he couldn’t predict my soulmate is still a slight sticking point. “It’s all good. It’s not a big deal.”

  I gulp down my champagne.

  Kellan is the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.

  The soulmate matching stuff doesn’t matter.

  THIRTY-FOUR

  Beatrix

  The next couple of days are great. Charlie is an awesome boss, and being able to work side-by-side with Kellan is even better. Since both Steve and Elijah are no longer around, Charlie talked to Polly about re-drafting the policy on interoffice relationships. They agreed that pre-existing ones were okay—so technically Kellan and I could claim ours fit into that category, because we met before he started working at StemWide. And other relationships were also acceptable as long as there wasn’t a large power imbalance between the two staff members. But regardless, Polly stipulated that there was to be no PDA in the workplace from anyone.

  So far, I’ve managed to restrain myself, but it hasn’t been easy.

  On Friday afternoon, Kellan and I head over to the secret back-alley bar. Charlie has a date with Zane, so she declined to come with us.

  “Did you know you’re the first person Charlie and I allowed to join us here?” I tell him.

  He grins. “I knew you were secretly into me, right from the start.”

  “Actually, if you didn’t notice, I had my reservations,” I tease.

  He pulls me to him, wrapping me in a tight hug and kissing the top of my head. “I hope that’s changed.”

  “Of course it has.” We sit in the corner, and the bartender brings over my cocktail. Kellan gives her his order and she nods, leaving us alone again. “To be honest, even from that first Uber ride, I knew I was in trouble.”

  His eyes light up. “Is that so?”

  “I guess after reading that article on you, I automatically applied a confirmation bias.”

  He laughs. “A few weeks ago, I would have asked you what that meant, but I’ve been cramming. I know my scientific terms now.”

  “Your brain is amazing. You remember everything.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you remember who you predicted for Charlie’s soulmate?”

  “I do. I also write everything down, but in Charlie’s case, I said she was going to meet a tall redhead with a crooked nose.”

  “That’s right. Do you know she thinks she’s in love now? With a guy who doesn’t look like that?”

  He levels his gaze at me. “I suppose time will tell if they stay together, won’t it?”

  “I guess so.” He’s right, though. Charlie has only just met Zane. A lot can happen in a year. I stroke the fabric on the couch beside me. “Hey, do you ever wonder why you couldn�
��t predict my soulmate?”

  “Yes. And it’s been bothering me ever since. But in a way, I’m glad. It means I don’t have to worry about some dude coming along to steal you away from me.”

  I laugh. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

  “Are you still questioning what I do?” he asks lightly.

  “No. I told you I accepted you for who you are.”

  “And you haven’t changed your mind?”

  I don’t think so. But sometimes, it’s hard.

  “I want to see you work. Properly,” I say suddenly.

  “Really? Because I was going to call in sick tonight. I’d rather stay home with you.”

  “No, please. I want to see the full spectacle. Nightclub and all.”

  “Okay. If that’s what you really want.”

  “I do.”

  He leans forward, and our mouths connect. It’s so easy to lose myself in those kisses.

  I’m very close to being in love with this man, and I don’t want any reservations ruining that.

  ***

  Kellan is already wearing a suit, but I am not dressed for a nightclub, so he drives me back to my place so I can quickly change. I don’t have a lot of outfits suitable for a cutting-edge venue, but I find a little black dress Charlie left behind once, and decide that she won’t mind if I borrow it.

  I step into some suede ankle boots and tidy up my hair and makeup.

  When I head back into the living room, Kellan grabs me around the waist. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay here with me tonight? It would be a lot more fun.”

  “We don’t have to stay late. I just want to see what all the fuss is about. Besides, I’ve never been to Heaven Sent. I need you to get me in.”

  He laughs. “So you just want me for my connections?”

  I kiss one of his hands. “And your body.”

  At that comment, he lifts me up onto the kitchen counter and starts kissing the top of my chest. I don’t stop him immediately, but I do manage to summon enough motivation to pull away before my defences completely crumble.

  Kellan tells me he doesn’t normally drive to work, but he wants to with me.

  “We’ll only stay for an hour or so. Just enough for two or three clients.”

  “Whatever you like.”

  We breeze through security, with Kellan and the door guy exchanging a complicated high five. Once inside, I can see why the place is so popular. When I was here to talk to Roxy, there was no music or lighting. Now with the place heaving, the energy is electric.

  Kellan drags me over to his booth, which is slightly raised, and overlooks both the dancefloor and part of the club leading to the bar. I can imagine it’s the most desirable position in here. I feel like a celebrity.

  A waitress brings over a bottle of something expensive-looking, along with two glasses.

  “Who’s your friend?” she asks Kellan while looking at me.

  “This is my girlfriend, Beatrix,” he says without a trace of hesitation. “Bea, this is Miranda.”

  “Hi,” I say self-consciously.

  She looks me up and down. “Girlfriend, huh? Since when do you have girlfriends, Kellan?”

  “Be nice,” he warns. “Oh, and tell Roxy I’m here. I’ll take a few clients if they’re ready.”

  She nods and leaves, but not before shooting me one last curious look.

  “I know we’re exclusive, but I haven’t heard you refer to me as your girlfriend before now,” I tease.

  “But that’s what you are. Does the idea scare you?” he asks, tracing a finger lightly over my thigh.

  “Not at all.”

  Kellan pours us a drink and we sit back, observing the comings and goings of the club. I’ve decided I can get used to this.

  A petite woman with long blonde hair approaches us. “Kellan? I have a session booked with you.”

  He smiles warmly. “Welcome. Sit with us for a moment. What’s your name?”

  “Tara.”

  “Would you like a drink?” He tilts his head to the ice bucket, where the bottle is resting.

  “Uh, okay.”

  Kellan pours her a glass and hands it to her. “I hope you don’t mind, but Beatrix is observing tonight. Is that all right with you?”

  She looks at me nervously. “I guess so.”

  “How did you hear about me?” he asks conversationally.

  “Oh, I read about you in YZ magazine.”

  Kellan winks at me before returning his focus to Tara. “It seems I’ll have to write to that journalist and thank her for the publicity.”

  She sips her wine. “How does this all work?”

  “I’ll take you next door in a moment, and we’ll conduct the session there. It’s a lot quieter, so I’ll be able to concentrate.”

  “Cool.”

  I don’t know why, but I’m starting to feel nervous on Tara’s behalf. I didn’t feel this way when I saw Kellan do his thing with Charlie, and I think the hesitation I felt when Kellan tried to predict my soulmate was more because I didn’t trust him. If Kellan is the real deal, finding out when you’re going to meet your soulmate is huge.

  Kellan stands up and holds out both his hands, one for me and one for Tara. I have to admit, it’s a slightly odd situation, accompanying your boyfriend to a strip club with another woman. But I should have known this kind of thing might happen when I agreed to date the guy. Life with Kellan will never be boring.

  Tara giggles when she sees the strip club. “We’re going in there?” she checks.

  “That’s right. Don’t worry. It’s perfectly safe.” He shoots me a look to check I’m okay. I smile reassuringly back at him. I was already prepared for this moment, and I’m totally fine with it. Despite my normally conservative approach to love, I’m not a prude. I actually think strip clubs can be fun, as long as they’re run properly.

  We enter Kellan’s private room, and I sit in the corner on a bench seat, trying to stay out of the way.

  Kellan instructs Tara to take one of two armchairs in the centre of the room. The walls are lined with cushioned satin panels, and the floor is carpeted in a thick plush pile. It is a quiet environment, perfect for concentrating.

  He reaches out and holds Tara’s hands.

  “Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths,” he says.

  I lean forward slightly, trying to see exactly what Kellan is doing.

  After twenty seconds, he lets go. “You’re already engaged, aren’t you?”

  She gasps. “How did you know?”

  “I can see the mark on your finger where you’ve taken the ring off.”

  “Oh.”

  “Were you trying to test me?”

  “I…I’m not sure,” she stutters.

  “Did you want confirmation about your fiancé?”

  She doesn’t say anything for a moment. “Actually, I was wondering if you saw someone else.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “You were hoping I didn’t see your fiancé?”

  She nods almost imperceptibly.

  “Are you sure you want me to tell you? Because it sounds like you already know what you should be doing.”

  “But what if you saw my fiancé?”

  He sighs. “Okay. I can confirm that you already know your soulmate. He’s around five-eleven, has wavy brown hair, and one of those bushy beards with the moustache that turns up at the corners. Sound familiar?”

  Her mouth falls open. “That’s Luke.”

  “And is Luke the fiancé?”

  She shakes her head.

  “There you have it. Perhaps you should go return the ring and apologise profusely for breaking the poor boy’s heart.”

  She stands up and runs out without another word.

  I look at Kellan. “Is that normal?”

  “There’s no such thing as normal, my darling Queen Bea.”

  He comes over to where I’m sitting on the bench seat and kisses my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. But I
can’t help feeling bad for Tara’s fiancé.”

  “It’s better they end it now, rather than after the wedding.”

  “I suppose…”

  “Come on. Let’s go back to Heaven Sent. I can imagine this place isn’t exactly your cup of tea.”

  I stroke the satin wall. “You’d be surprised.”

  He chuckles. “My, my. I had you all wrong.”

  I press myself against him and whisper in his ear. “You did. If you weren’t working, we could put this room to good use.”

  He looks into my eyes, his pupils dilated. “Maybe I’ll just tell Roxy to reschedule the next few clients…”

  I pull him to his feet. “Nope. You have a bunch of dreams to make come true.”

  “I suppose I do.” He reluctantly lets me lead him back outside.

  I love being the cheeky one for a change.

  THIRTY-FIVE

  Beatrix

  Back in the club, Roxy comes over to join us. She’s holding three tequila shots and hands one to me. She gives Kellan another and keeps the third for herself. We all down them at the same time.

  “My two favourite women in the same place,” Kellan says, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  “Yes, it’s the mysterious woman from the non-existent psychic show,” Roxy says dryly.

  I redden. “I’m so sorry, Roxy. I know it was wrong to do that. It’s just…” I suddenly remember I never cancelled the third of Kellan’s previous clients I was supposed to see. I quickly get out my phone and check my calendar. I mustn’t have been thinking straight at the time, because I agreed to see her while I’m in Singapore. I make a mental note to text her tomorrow.

  “Is everything all right?” Kellan asks.

  “Yes, sorry. It was nothing.” I refocus on Roxy. “I hope you’ll come around to trusting me eventually.”

  She smiles sweetly, although I suspect it’s not completely genuine. “Of course.”

  At that moment, another woman approaches. “Kellan? I’m your 11pm session.”

  He looks at me. “Did you want to come along to this one too?”

  “Oh, no. That’s fine. I’ll stay here.”

  “Yeah, me and Beatrix will have a cosy little chat, won’t we?” Roxy says.