by Chloe Lang
“I would love that.”
“Excellent,” Carlotta headed to the swinging door to the kitchen. “Have a seat. How do you like your steaks?”
Lance smiled broadly. “Medium, for me.”
“Well done, thank you.” Chuck sat down in a booth.
“Very good. I vill bring you some applications to fill out. I could use two strong men like you at my diner.”
Chuck shrugged. “But ma’am—”
“No buts about it, young man. You’ve proved your vorth to me. I’ve made up my mind about dis.”
Lance slid into the booth, sitting across from Chuck.
“And I vant to give you both a free reading. I’m a psychic, you know.”
They both shook their heads. Carlotta had them under her spell, which made her giggle again.
“No arguing, understand?” She didn’t wait for a response as she headed into the kitchen.
“That was fun,” Chuck said.
“I agree, buddy. We haven’t had this much fun in years. Didn’t you just love the people?”
“They’re amazing.” Lance placed a wad of bills on the table. “You and I worked at five-star restaurants and never made this kind of money.”
Chuck brought out his tips, adding them to Lance’s. “I know. There’s got to be at least nine hundred dollars there.”
Danielle was shocked to see the pile. “Wilde folks are very generous. I’ve always made good tips, but nothing like this.”
“I told you, Danielle,” Lance said. “We’re experienced waiters. Service with a smile.”
He and Chuck pushed the money toward her. “This is for you.”
“I couldn’t. You earned that fair and square.”
“Will you at least go out with us?” Chuck asked.
Lance chimed in, “On a real date?”
God, she wanted to say yes. They were kind, wonderful men. Handsome and charming. What woman wouldn’t want to go out with them? But she couldn’t.
“I’m sorry, guys.” She had to remain detached. I’ve stayed too long in Wilde. Was telling the sheriff about her past a mistake? She wasn’t sure. This town had become home to her, and she didn’t want to leave. Not yet. Sure it would be amazing to spend time with Lance and Chuck, but she couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to them. “I just can’t say yes.” She headed into the kitchen, leaving them behind.
Chapter Three
“What just happened?” Lance stared at the swinging door that Danielle had just left through. She’d turned their offer down, and that didn’t sit well with him. Not one damn bit.
“I haven’t got a clue.” Chuck shook his head. “Maybe she could see through our BS. She’s clearly the kind of woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone.” He lifted his apron and pointed to the tea stain on his shirt. “Case in point.”
“I’m not ready to give up, buddy.” Just because he and Chuck had lost the battle didn’t mean they had to lose the war. “I want a date with this girl. Let’s go with the old tried and true, send-the-flower bit.”
“Good idea. I wonder if this town has a florist.”
“We’ll have to ask Michael.”
Chuck looked around. “Where is he, anyway?”
“He left about halfway through the rush.” Norma’s Diner had been so much more fun than all the posh parties he and Chuck had attended in the last several years. “That was a blast, wasn’t it?”
“More fun than I’ve had in a very long time, and I know that gorgeous brunette had a lot to do with it.”
He agreed wholeheartedly. “Danielle made it fun. She is so sassy and beautiful. Just our type.”
“You can say that again.”
“She’s the whole package.” Being billionaire bachelors, he and Chuck were used to women throwing themselves at them. But not Danielle. She was worth the chase, and God, he liked the chase. “Long, dark hair. Green eyes. Curves to die for. And so very sweet. I would give anything to hear her laugh again.”
“Me, too. It’s contagious.”
Carlotta came in carrying a tray with their meal. The aroma and sizzle of the steaks made his stomach growl. He was hungry. She sat the plates in front of them.
“Here are some hot rolls for you, gentlemen. Save room for dessert.”
Lance looked back at the swinging door. “Is Danielle okay?”
The woman’s gaze landed on him. “Your aura is quite impressive, young man. You have a caring heart. I can see dat. Yes, she is fine, but I dink she needs time alone for now. I have a message for you.” She handed him a piece of paper. “I hope it is good news.”
Obviously, Danielle hadn’t shared its contents with her.
He opened it up, expecting the worst. Thankfully, it wasn’t. Danielle wasn’t blowing them off completely. It was only a message from Michael, stating his driver would be just outside to take them back to his place once they were ready to leave the diner.
He handed the note to Chuck. “Everything is fine.”
“Dat’s good to hear,” Carlotta said.
Chuck read the message. “Yes, it is.”
“Now, about your new jobs. Be here at ten tomorrow morning. All I’m going to have you do is fill out some paperwork.” She handed him an envelope filled with cash. “Dis is your tip money. No argument. Danielle told me you vould try to refuse, but you earned it. You both look tired, so sleep in. Dat’s it. Understand?”
He smiled. “Carlotta, we—”
Chuck held up his hand. “Wait a second, Lance. I think this is a great opportunity for us.”
Carlotta nodded. “Lance, your friend Charles is someone you should listen to.”
“Please call me Chuck, ma’am.”
That shocked him.
“Excellent. I’ll see you both at ten. I vill bring my cards. I vant to read you both. Enjoy your meal.” Carlotta went back into the kitchen where Danielle was.
Lance silently cursed the swinging door that separated him from the gorgeous woman who had spilled tea on his shirt. “What was that all about? You want us to take jobs here at Norma’s. We’re billionaires, Chuck.”
“Carlotta doesn’t know that. Besides, I think Danielle won’t be able to avoid us if we end up working with her at the diner.”
There was the Chuck he knew in college. “Ah. You’re a devious bastard, aren’t you?”
“Takes one to know one, Lance.”
* * * *
Danielle heard the bell on the entrance door jingle. She peeked through the food window to the dining room and saw Lance and Chuck leaving. She felt her shoulders relax.
“Are dey gone?” Carlotta asked.
“They are, thank God. Now I can get some work done before the diner crowd arrives.”
“Not just yet, young lady. Dere’s something ve’re going to do.”
“What’s that?”
“Come vith me,” Carlotta headed to the back door. “Lil’ Chuck, you keep an eye on da place for me.”
“Is that going to be my name from now on? Lil’ Chuck?” the cook asked, smiling. “I kinda like it. I also like Lance and Big Chuck.”
“So do I,” Carlotta said. “Come on, Danielle.”
There was no sense in arguing with her boss. Once she made up her mind about something, there was no stopping her until it was done.
They got in her car. “Where are you taking me?”
Carlotta smiled. “I’ve been vanting to read you for a very long time. No time like da present.”
“Alright. Lead the way, Madam.” Danielle cared for the self-proclaimed psychic.
Carlotta had the most giving heart she’d ever known. Danielle had been avoiding sitting down in front of the sweet woman and getting her fortune told since arriving in Wilde. Although she didn’t believe in it, she was still afraid Carlotta might find out something about her past. Maybe if I hold my breath or think about kittens, she won’t be able to get inside my head with her mumbo jumbo.
Maybe I believe a little. Danielle grinned.
Carlotta’s
other business was just outside of town on the highway. Her boss parked the car. They walked into Carlotta’s Liquor Store and Tarot Card Reading Room. Danielle had never been inside the space.
As they went in, the first thing she heard was trancelike music, which made her smile. So like Carlotta. Four statues of Buddha were in the corners of the room. She could smell sweet incense burning. Other than that, it looked like most package stores she’d seen. Several shelves of liquor and wine lined the walls. In the center were racks of wine from all over the world. The art on the wall did remind her of what gypsies might have in their wagons.
“Hey, boss.” The young man behind the counter seemed surprised to see Carlotta. “I didn’t expect you so early.”
“I have a reading, Owen.”
“Danielle, you’re finally giving in. Good for you. You won’t be disappointed. Carlotta has real talent.”
“You know da drill. Do not disturb us until ve are done.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Danielle felt a shiver go up and down her spine. The sheriff already knew her secret. She didn’t want anyone else to find out about her past, not even Carlotta.
The fortune-teller led her past Owen and to the opening that had beads blocking the view beyond.
The room they walked into was draped in fabrics of every color. In the center was a small table covered in a blue tablecloth. On its surface was a crystal ball. Three chairs were around the table, two metal ones and a large black leather wingback that was clearly meant for Carlotta.
“Sit, child.” Carlotta reached under the table. She pulled out a white turban which had a large crystal stone centered on it and a deck of tarot cards. “Ve von’t be needing dis today.” She removed the crystal ball. “It vouldn’t vork vell since you are an unbeliever.”
“I never said that.”
“So you do believe?”
She grinned. “I believe in you, Carlotta. Always will.”
The sweet lady smiled, making her look even prettier. “And I believe in you, Danielle. More dan you do in yourself. I believe you can have happiness in dis life.”
She wished she could believe that, too. “How does this work?”
“Let’s see vhat da spirits tell us.” Carlotta shuffled the cards several times. She patted the deck and created three piles on the table. “Don’t touch. Just point to da vone dat you are most drawn to, my dear.”
“I like them all.”
Carlotta shook her finger. “Don’t try to stall, Danielle. This von’t hurt. I promise.”
She wasn’t so sure. Please don’t let her see into my past. “This one.” She pointed at the middle pile.
Carlotta picked up the pile, moving the others to the side. “I shall use the five-card spread for you. Da first is your distant past. Da second is your near past. Da one in da middle is the present. Da fourth is your near future. Da final card is your distant future. Simple as dat.” She turned over five cards in a row on the table.
Danielle looked at the first card, which was of a stately woman wearing a crown of twelve stars. “You said this one is of my distant past, right?” She held her breath.
“Dat is correct.” Carlotta bent over the cards. “This is da Empress in the reversed position.” The fortune-teller’s eyes lifted from the table and locked in on her. “You had a very tragic childhood. Your mother vasn’t kind to you, vas she?”
Oh, God. Please don’t let her see anything more. “Doesn’t everyone have dysfunction in their families?”
“I suppose so, but yours vas filled with selfishness, pain, jealousy, and rage. Your father died when you were very young.”
“I miss my real father,” she confessed, starting to really believe in Carlotta’s gift. “I was only five when he died.”
“Your mother vas blinded and confused.”
That’s putting it mildly.
Carlotta grabbed her hand. “Da card tells me dat she’s not been in your life in a very long time.”
Danielle’s heart was pounding hard in her chest. “I should get back to the diner, Carlotta.”
“Not before ve finish your reading, child.” Carlotta released her hand. “Dis is da Five of Staffs, my dear, though some call them vands. It is in da position of your near past. You’ve been struggling, hoping to reach some destination, but never arriving. You’ve been in Vilde for two years now, yes?”
“Yes,” she whispered, in awe of how clearly Carlotta was seeing into her past.
“How long at da last place before dis one?”
She didn’t answer, couldn’t answer.
“Ah. A short time. And I can see dat da places you resided in are only stopping points. Vilde has been da longest you’ve stayed anywhere since running avay from your family.”
“I’m sorry, Carlotta. I don’t want to do this any more.”
“Child, I’m like a priest. Anyding da cards show me is sacred. I vill not talk. You understand? You are safe vith me.”
That made her feel a little better.
“Shall I continue? Vould you like to see vhat da present is like…and your future?”
She nodded. Her life had been nothing but running for so very long. Carlotta had proven that she was real, that her cards were real. Could the days ahead be different? Could her demons from the past be dead?
“Dis is da Six of Swords. You have left an untenable situation and are charting a new course. Da passage from darkness to light can be difficult. You belong in Vilde. You must trust in yourself, Danielle.”
“The road has already been long and hard.”
Her friend sighed. “Yes. I sense dat it has.”
Very long and very hard.
“Dis is the near future. Da Lovers.” Carlotta closed her eyes. “Love is a mystery. Full of its own challenges.”
“It’s not for me. I don’t have time for love.”
The sweet fortune-teller’s eyes opened and she smiled. “Da spirits dink differently. Your aura changed whenever Lance and Chuck vere near you.” She tapped the Lover’s card. “Dhey are da reason dis card is here.”
“I’m not going out with them. That’s final.”
“Don’t judge dhem so harshly, child. It’s clear dhey lack much, but dheir hearts are pure.”
“Speaking of hearts…” Danielle wanted to get the conversation off of the two men she couldn’t stop thinking about. “This card in my far future looks scary. A heart with three swords piercing it. When will it happen?”
“Da distant future can mean next week or next year or ten years from now, but I sense what da Three of Swords is signifying is closer dan you dink.”
“What does it mean?” A cold chill overtook her and she began to tremble.
“Da past you’ve been running from, Danielle, is about to catch up vith you.”
Shocked by Carlotta’s reading, she stood. “Oh my God.”
The woman grabbed her hands and squeezed. “You are not alone in Vilde, my dear. I vill support you, and dhere are many others ready to do da same. You are one of us now. You vill be safe vith us. Da spirits say so.”
She wanted to believe that. With all her heart, she wanted to. But she’d been alone for so long that she just couldn’t.
“Don’t forget.” Carlotta held up the Lover’s card. “Lance and Chuck are here for a reason. Dhey are here for you. Perhaps da universe brought dhem here not only to heal your heart, but to protect you also.”
“Thank you, Carlotta. I really hope you’re right.”
“The cards never lie, Danielle. You’ll see.”
Chapter Four
No matter how hard she tried, Danielle couldn’t seem to fall asleep. Her mind was racing like mad. Carlotta’s reading had unnerved her, and she couldn’t get the images of Lance and Chuck out of her head.
She needed to sleep since she had to report to the diner in the morning for her shift.
Turning on the television to a documentary about elephants, she hoped it would lull her just enough to forget the two rich bad boys, a
llowing her some shut-eye.
The announcer’s delivery was soft and soothing. The background music was melodic and pleasing.
“The elephant is the largest mammal living outside the oceans. In Africa, their herds’ ranges extend over many countries and thousands of miles.”
She sipped her wine as a mother elephant and her baby appeared on the screen. They looked so cute together. She’d never had time for relationships, being on the run for so long.
Still a virgin. Twenty-two years old. Crazy.
The picket fence and loving children were always out of reach. A normal life would never be hers.
She sat her empty glass on her nightstand and leaned back on her pillows.
“Their trunks are very versatile and are used for communication, as seen by this mother with her calf. Like a human’s hand, the elephant’s trunk can handle objects…”
She yawned. The magic of the documentary was working.
“…when the female comes into heat, the males will find her…”
* * * *
Danielle looked at the African sun, which was low on the horizon and the most beautiful orange she’d ever seen. She walked by a crystal blue stream. The sky was clear and dotted by white puffy clouds. The air was warm. She wore no clothes and no shoes, which allowed her skin to feel the heat of the setting sun and her toes to be tickled by the softness of the grass.
The birds sang beautifully. This was a perfect day.
She came across a blanket that was stretched out with a picnic of all her favorite foods and wine. Kneeling down, she wondered where the owners of this outdoor feast might be. Would they miss a few bites of fruit and a sip of wine? Feeling hungry and a little naughty, she decided to go for it. There wasn’t a soul around for miles.
Off in the distance, elephants were drinking from the stream. The baby calves were so cute.
She grabbed one of the strawberries and took a bite. It was the juiciest, sweetest fruit she’d ever tasted in her life. She ate another one. And another one. Then she ate some of the cheese, which was just as delicious as the strawberries had been. The wine was open, sitting in an ice bucket. She poured the golden liquid into a glass. She brought the rim of the goblet to her lips and tasted the sweet wine.