Marco. Kathy barely paid any attention as Giovanni nodded at the group of them and started his spiel. His name was Marco. Somehow it suited him. His dark, hard body and black hair reminded her of a hot Italian wanderer. She couldn't tear her eyes off of him as, with Giovanni, he led them through the tour.
Every time his eyes seemed to settle on her, she burned with desire and need. Her body remembered every single second of last night and it ached for a repeat. Her core pulsed as she looked at him, as though trying to urge her to jump his bones. And when his eyes left her, she suddenly felt cold and alone once again. Oh God, what had she done?
* * * *
"What are you doing?"
"Getting you alone."
Kathy's heart sped up at the thought of them alone, again. Somehow Marco had maneuvered them to be the last two in a small tasting room. He had closed and locked the door behind the rest of her friends, trapping her in here with him. “You can't do this. My friends will—"
"Assume I did exactly what I have done."
Kathy backed up against the wall. Not that she had very far to go, but being too close to him was bad for her libido. Very bad.
"What do you want from me?” Her voice came out breathy, excited. Damned if she didn't want him to take her in his arms and make love to her like he had last night. Where was her standoffish attitude? Where was the bitch queen her co-workers often called her?
"I think that much is obvious.” He smiled the same seductive smile that had her melting in his arms last night.
"So we had good sex. Great sex. You can find that with any woman. I'm sure there are hundreds willing to give it a shot."
He strode toward her leaving barely enough room for a piece of paper between them. He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “We shared something last night, and not just the sex. There is something about you that makes me break all the rules, something that makes me want to live again."
Live again? What did he mean? Did it matter? Don't I feel the same way? She felt alive with him like she hadn't in years. Not since Riley.
No, she couldn't do this. It was unfair. She was being unfaithful to Riley.
Riley's gone, Kathy. He's gone and he's not coming back. He'd be rolling in his grave to see what you have done with your life, the way you have closed yourself off from everyone.
Kathy closed her eyes and felt a single tear escape.
"Why the tears?” His thumb brushed away the drop that escaped from the corner of her eye.
Kathy shook her head, unable to speak. The words of the fortune teller she had visited when she was with Sarah in Pennsylvania came back to her.
"The World. It is the end and a beginning. You will have all you have dreamed of, all you have strived for. But it is also a beginning. A time to start a new chapter of your life. You are soon to reach that chance, that time when a decision needs to be made, my dear. You can have all you have ever wanted, but you need to take that final leap off the cliff, and face that this chapter is over. It is time to begin anew."
Could she do it? Could she face the fact that her life with Riley was over? That all they had shared was now only a memory?
Kathy opened her eyes and looked at the man who held her in his arms. Last night had been much more than sex. She'd had the opportunity in the past, hell had even indulged before, but Marco was right, last night had been more. She owed him an explanation at the very least.
"I'm sorry. I can't."
"Why? Why can't you? Is there someone else?"
"No, not exactly.” She looked down at her wedding set she wore on her right hand.
"Whoever he is, Kathy, he's gone."
At her look up at him, he continued. “It's obvious.” He reached down and held her hand with the rings. “You obviously loved him a lot. But he's gone. And I'd bet he's been gone a while."
"How do you know what I'm going through?"
He smiled and pulled something from the neck of his shirt. It was a thin gold necklace with a small diamond ring as the charm.
"I lost my fiancée nearly ten years ago. It took me a long time to recover from it. I keep this with me as a reminder of what I had, and what I can have once more in my life, but only if I am open to it. I don't often wear it anymore, but it is always with me."
He let the necklace lay on his chest. “How long has he been gone?"
"Five years."
"And what would he say to you putting your life on hold? To you not living?"
"He'd probably yell at me.” She smiled sadly.
"Kathy, I don't know if we have the potential for anything more than just a short fling, but I, for one, would like to give it a try. But you have to be willing, too."
Kathy knew that. She stood there with his hands now on her arms, holding her gently, warmth flowing from him into her, heating a part of her that had been cold too long.
"I don't know if I can do it. There is so much still there."
"And I don't want you to lose that, but perhaps together we can build more."
* * * *
Months later, neither Kathy nor Marco noticed the two people watching them as they walked through the park, arm in arm.
"How did you know they would suit each other?” the tall blond male asked the female standing beside him.
"Oh, I had a feeling about it."
"A feeling, huh?” He raised one eyebrow as he turned to look at her.
"It was time. For both of them. Don't you agree?"
"Most definitely. It's been painful watching her the past few years."
"Abigail was a big help."
"Yes, she was."
"So you think the two of them will get it? The happily ever after?"
The man laughed. “Are you kidding? She's the strongest fighter I know. Once she sees what she wants, she goes for it full force. Nothing will stand in her way this time."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Epilogue
by
Tina Bendoni and Michelle Hasker
Abigail Montgomery glanced around her shop. Over the past year it had taken on various appearances, as had she, to help out the twenty-two people the gods had selected. She didn't want to move on just yet. Philadelphia was a large city filled with thousands of people. People who deserved to have a little nudge in the right direction. Unfortunately, the gods had already chosen her next location, but she'd keep the shop here in Philly because she'd definitely be returning to this wonderful city again.
In the meantime, she needed to make sure everything was ready for her farewell party. The year had been a smashing success. Every single one of her clients had received their happy ending. It gave her hope that the next city would be as lucky in love as this one. If not, well, she wasn't above taking matters into her own hands if she had to.
A quick glance around assured her that everything was set. Now it was just a matter of waiting for her guests to arrive. Who would be the first? Kathy and her new beau? They'd most likely accompany Sarah and Jack. Or would it be Tayla and Hunter, the two who needed to learn to communicate and trust?
Abigail shook her head. Regardless of who was first, they all had begun their journeys.
The tinkle of the bell over the shop door drew her attention to the front room. The first couple had arrived. The Fool. Andrea and Cade. Valentine's day. Abigail smiled. Gene had been a big help with them.
Never had she met a woman more stubborn than Andrea. She would have let the best thing in her life go because of fear and pride. Thankfully, Gene had intervened in a delightful manner, and set Andrea on the right track. From the looks of them together, arm in arm, Andrea had learned her lesson well. Yes, The Fool had chosen well.
Abigail motioned them into the back room, which now resembled a small banquet hall. Hopefully it wouldn't occur to any of her guests that the small shop shouldn't have a back room that large. And if it did, well, that was the wonder of magic, wasn't it?
The sound of bells pulled her attention to the front door once again. Ada and
her Magician, Yves. What a cute couple they made. Ada looked nervous, though. She must be worried about her reception. She hadn't been the most polite of recipients, but Abigail understood her. Probably better than Ada understood herself.
"Thank you for coming, Ada. This must be the incredible Yves I've heard so much about."
Ada gave her a hesitant smile. “Mrs. Mongomery. Yes, this is Yves, the man you told me about."
Abigail couldn't resist teasing the poor woman. “Now, I don't recall telling you much about a man, Ada."
Genuine laughter escaped from Ada, and Abigail knew it was Yves who made her so happy.
"Well, no, not in so many words, but if it hadn't been for you, I never would have given Yves the time of day."
"And for that, dear lady,” Yves took Abigail's hand and kissed the back of it, “I am eternally grateful."
Shameless flatterer. Abigail smiled and ushered them into the back room to introduce them to Andrea and Cade.
By twos and threes the rest of Abigail's special customers joined her for an end of year celebration. That they came, even the ones who were nervous and hesitant, pleased her. She'd successfully touched the lives of countless people here in Philadelphia, but these were the most important. Twenty-two extraordinary readings.
Linda and Michael stood in a corner, whispering softly. Her little High Priestess was so stubborn and independent, but had been hurting deep down inside. Possibly more than any of the others here. It was good she was finally happy. Michael was good for her. They were another good match.
Eager to make sure none of her guests were neglected, Abigail passed Anne and her two firemen. The three of them made a good grouping. Their relationship was still very new, and they had a lot of tough times ahead of them, but they had promise. The Empress was a level-headed woman in all things, even love. Yes, they would do well.
Cynthya and Clark, The Emperor, walked toward the back of the room, caution in every step. Of course, they would make sure there were other exits and no one could sneak behind them, despite the apparent safety of her store. It was ingrained in those two. Both leaders in their own right, both highly successful in their chosen field. Even more so now that they found each other once again. They were definitely a couple made for each other.
Chris and Dawn. The Hierophant. They looked happy as they talked with Annabelle and Luke. The Lovers. Abigail shook her head with a smile. It hadn't even occurred to her that the two men knew each other through their businesses. The threads of fate were often more intertwined than people gave them credit for. Even she had made that mistake.
The Hierophant and The Lovers. Two very different cards, but each required the recipient to reassess something in their lives. Apparently both Chris and Annabelle had done so successfully.
While Abigail watched, Angela danced by with one her men. Jamie and Tony were the perfect men for her. It had taken long enough for Angela to realize what she had right in front of her, but with others against her, it was understandable. The Chariot encouraged a person to rein in the opposing forces in their life and take control. Abigail saw a long, happy future together for the three of them.
Continuing around the room, Abigail noticed Attie's gaze followed the dancers on the floor with ill-concealed interest. Mike's arm wrapped around her waist, but when he bent to ask Attie something, she shook her head and turned away from the dancers. Her ex had really done a number on her, but perhaps Mike would help by balancing out the Justice that Attie richly deserved.
Josh surprised all who knew him, as he and his wife, Cybil walked around visiting with friends and strangers alike. So much for Cybil's Hermit. They were a good couple, and Abigail was happy to see no troubles ahead for them. They had both been through a lot and deserved the happiness they would bring to each other. It was interesting to see he'd chosen not to get the surgery done.
"Mrs. Montgomery, I'd like you to meet Jack."
Abigail turned and met Sarah and her new man. Sarah looked much better than she had when she had first come to see Abigail, much less haunted. Whatever had been going on in her life since meeting Jack, it had a positive influence on her.
"You would be the police officer?” Abigail asked as she shook his hand.
"That I am, Mrs. Montomgery."
"You're keeping a close eye on this young lady?"
He looked down at Sarah and pulled her tighter against his body. “The closest. No one is going to harm Sarah as long as I am around."
Sarah blushed prettily. It was nice to see the two of them so happy together. The Wheel of Fortune picked well for Sarah.
The two walked on, allowing Abigail more time to watch the rest of her customers. She had enjoyed Philadelphia more than she had expected to. No other town had called her to stay as this one had. Perhaps, when her time was over, when the torch could be passed to another, she would be able to stay and retire here. Keeping the shop was a good reason for her to come back. The people she had met, another.
Abigail was pleasantly surprised to see Sonya and Noah. She hadn't expected Sonya would be able to get him to agree to come. In fact, Abigail had fully expected neither of them to show. But apparently Sonya had more influence with her wolf than Abigail had given her credit for. She had definitely shown Strength in her dealings with her new man.
Tori and Eric were also here. It was nice to see Eric back in the area. Tori missed him when he wasn't around. Abigail felt particularly proud of their relationship. Eric had needed the impetus to get him to look at things in a different way, and what better view than that of the Hanged Man?
Mist appeared in the doorway, then it cleared and Abigail saw Grace and Dylan. What other woman would be able to take Death as calmly as Grace had? She had a very special place in Abigail's heart. Her courage was incredible, and her transformation was equally impressive. That woman had a lot of promise over the next few centuries. Hopefully Abigail would be able to return to see some of the promise fulfilled. And she'd do everything she could to help Grace assist her goddess.
Abigail helped herself to a truffle on the buffet table and smiled as she thought of the woman who had made them. Tayla might have a knack for catering, but her ability to keep a relationship going wasn't as good. While she was still with Hunter, and they seemed to be doing well, they would both need to continue growing and healing, as well as compromising if Temperance was to be satisfied.
The room was close to full. It appeared that almost all of her customers had come to this party, although most of them probably didn't understand why they were here. But that was part of the draw, the magic behind Abigail's ability.
Across the room Abigail saw Tabitha and her young man, Johnny. Now they had been a fun couple to bring together. Carol had been invaluable in that, and probably benefited as much, if not more than the couple themselves. Abigail was very pleased with The Devil's match. Carol's future had been bright before Johnny came into their lives, but now there was a little bit more hope in the household as well.
Her gaze was pulled in another direction and she saw Crystal and Jason. The Tower wasn't always viewed as the most positive of cards, but often it meant that although things were going to seem to fall apart, there was the always the possibility of rebuilding. Crystal was still working on her forgiving, but Abigail was sure she would get there eventually.
Out of the corner of her eye Abigail saw a shining star light up one side of the room. Her “niece” Astrid. That girl was full of so much love and energy, she couldn't help but light up a room when she walked in. Even those without the ability to See her light felt better in her presence. Her mother naming her after The Star had been a wise choice.
And it looked like she herself had made a wise choice the night of the meteor shower. Jared was still in pain from all he had seen and done, his aura remained patchy. But Abigail knew that Astrid's love truly was capable of helping him heal those empty, painful spots. It was amazing how far they had come in such a short time together. Perhaps the young one on the way would speed
things up.
Next to her little star shone another of bright hope. Eliana, a woman of incredible spirit and hope. And her partner shone as brightly as she did. Apollo was aptly named and suited The Sun card very well. The two of them knew each other so well, and had helped the other grow so much over the years, Abigail saw few problems in their future.
Outside Abigail saw a full moon hanging in the sky. A time of uncertainty and fluctuation for those who draw that card. Theresa's life had finally calmed down, her job was secure and meeting Jay was exactly what she needed. She wondered if they knew they were going to be the parents of five new puppies in a couple months. If not, Jay would soon realize it. Maybe Abigail might ask for one to take to her new place.
Sitting over in a quiet corner, Andre and Charlie were enjoying some quiet time together. Despite her fame, the rest of the guests here had not bothered Charlie at all, giving her some much needed rest. They all treated her the same as anyone else, and that had to be welcome for a woman who had avoided Judgment for so long.
The cycle was complete with The World. Kathy and Marco looked happy together. When Riley and Nina had approached her and asked for help, Abigail hadn't been sure she would be able to do much, but she had been wrong. The two of them had suffered long enough, had earned a right to close this chapter in their lives and begin anew. The love and happiness shining off of them truly warmed her.
One last time, Abigail looked around at her guests. Life was good and looking to be better for each of them. It had been a long time since she had been as successful as she had been while here in Philadelphia, and she was pleased with the results. She was still unsure of where she would be sent next, but she was sure they would need her there as much as she had been needed here.
Each of these couples, though, had just begun in their way. And each would need to continue to work toward a satisfactory ending. But Abigail was content. She'd had a good year, and was looking forward to the end result.
Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 3 Page 15