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Kiss Kiss

Page 5

by Various Authors


  Mayson kissed me goodbye, and just like that he was gone again, and I was left wondering what the hell was going on with us. Was he worth the anxiety in my chest, the worries on my brain, the aching in my heart?

  I was tempted to call Elise on her cell phone, but I'd never forgive myself for disturbing her on her honeymoon. I'd just have to wait for her to return as her guidance meant so much. For now, I just needed to sleep. Rolling over in my bed, doing my best to block any thought of Mayson from my heart and my head, I slowly fell into a restless sleep.

  #

  Chapter 8

  Kim

  "You don't seriously believe this is going to tell us anything, do you, Morgan?"

  We were in the car, on our way to see a psychic whom Morgan's co-worker had recommended. The whole thing seemed ridiculous to me, but I was going along with it to appease her.

  "My friend Cheryl swears by this woman. She goes to see her every year and she always gets the best advice. And so many of her predictions have actually come true."

  "Sounds like a self-fulfilling prophecy to me." My cynicism was so transparent.

  "But, seriously, wouldn't it be cool to find out who you will actually end up with? This drama with Mayson has gone on for years, Daph, years! You need answers."

  "That's assuming this psychic knows anything. She could be pulling things out of her ass."

  "Since when did you become such a cynic? You were always the one who read your horoscope and trusted in Astrology. Hell, you even bought tarot cards in college. I remember you giving 'readings' at your parents' house. You used to lay the cards down on your U of I blanket because it gave you good luck! Now, all of a sudden you don't believe in this stuff?"

  "Oh for God's sake, I completely forgot about the tarot cards." I laughed. "That was just for fun. This is different. You believe this woman is actually going to help me figure out my love life."

  "Listen, I told you it's my treat. You have nothing to lose."

  "True. But, why is this so important to you?"

  "I have some questions I want to ask about Matt and about my job. I'm not sure I should be staying there much longer. If you want, we can ask about you. And if not, you'll be my wing woman."

  "Fine, fine," I agreed half-heartedly. "This should be interesting."

  We arrived at the psychic's home and I was pleasantly surprised to see that she resided in an incredibly classy (and expensive looking) Victorian estate in upscale Naperville.

  "This is definitely different from the shacks we've seen along the highway with signs for palm reading," I said, slightly impressed.

  "Yeah, maybe she wins the lottery every year to support herself." Morgan giggled as she parked the car in the large driveway. "She doesn't go by a cheesy name like Madame Ruby either. Her name is Kim, just Kim. Please, be on your best behavior, okay? Don't embarrass me or anything."

  "Of course I'll behave myself." I said, rolling my eyes. Like she even had to ask.

  Kim was a lovely woman in her late forties. She had gorgeous black hair, pinned up in a bun on the top of her head, her bangs sweeping across the olive skin of her forehead. She was stunning.

  "Welcome, ladies." Kim greeted us as we entered her large foyer. "And which one of you lovely young women is Morgan?"

  "That's me." Morgan extended her hand to shake Kim's. She held Morgan's hand for a moment, just long enough for Morgan to look at me, shrug her shoulders, and grin. Kim released Morgan's hand and looked at me.

  "So you must be Daphne. I had a feeling when you walked through the door that you would be the one with man trouble." Hmmm, a psychic who 'sensed' something after the answer was already given to her? Wow, how impressive. Before I could even finish my sarcastic thought, Kim gave me a knowing smile.

  "Darling, it has nothing to do with my abilities and everything to do with your pained expression. Miss Morgan here looks like she is content and at peace. You, on the other hand, look uncomfortable and anxious. Let's go to my sitting room and get better acquainted."

  Blushing with embarrassment, I followed Morgan and Kim into the sitting room. Morgan took my hand and whispered, "Just have a little faith. You may even get some much needed answers tonight." I nodded in submission.

  Kim gestured for us to sit in two lovely armchairs, each draped with silken blankets. She sat on a small chaise lounge and chuckled to herself as she shook her head. Clearly I wore my heart on my sleeve. It was difficult for me to disguise my surprise at the atmosphere.

  "Were you expecting a crystal ball?" Kim smiled warmly.

  "Well, I don't know...maybe?" I said, again discomfited by the psychic before me who was incredibly astute at reading other's emotions. Or maybe she'd just seen it all.

  "So, Morgan mentioned that you have some questions about a relationship you have started. Rest assured, I asked Morgan not to tell me any more than that. It can, many times, cloud my abilities if I know too much about a situation. It's always better for me to simply use my senses."

  "Maybe you could start with Morgan. I'm not really sure if I want to know anything or not." Morgan rolled her eyes at me. Apparently, she was hoping I would just go with the flow. She should know me better than that.

  "Well, that's fine with me. So, let's see, Morgan. I can tell from your contented nature that you are currently in a healthy relationship. This is actually your first healthy relationship in quite some time. You've had a bit of a rough road with men. One in particular, I see was incredibly tall with several freckles on his nose--"

  Morgan gasped and clutched her hand to her mouth. Kim was referring to Morgan's ex-boyfriend Brett. They dated in college and he treated her terribly, insulting her intelligence constantly, especially in front of those she cared about. Morgan broke up with him about eight months into their relationship when she discovered he had cheated with three different members of her sorority. She was devastated and unable to trust the opposite sex for quite some time.

  Kim's description was eerie. Brett was obscenely tall, about 6'5", towering over Morgan at only 5'2". He had a large cluster of freckles situated on his nose only, no freckles anywhere else on his body. Even though I hadn't showed my surprise as obviously as Morgan, I was blown away. Perhaps I should let Kim talk to me after all.

  "Shall I continue?" Kim asked, not at all alarmed by Morgan's response, but testing the comfort level in the room regardless.

  "Yes, please," Morgan replied, inching closer to the chaise lounge.

  "Alright then," Kim continued. "The man you are with is an incredibly motivated and driven person. He also cares for you immensely and dreams of a future with you. There will be a time when you doubt his motives, but rest assured he has your best interests at heart. He's good for you and his love is unwavering."

  Morgan's eyes were wet as she smiled at Kim. This was what she was hoping to hear. She and Matt had been happy for a long time, but with her track record, I knew she was afraid of what the future might bring, and no amount of reassurance from me or others close to her would change that. Maybe the predictions were exactly what she needed in order to look towards a future with Matt.

  "That's wonderful. Can you tell me anything about my career?"

  "Hmm," Kim began, "I don't see you continuing with your current company for longer than a few years. After all, you'll be pretty busy with other things."

  "What kind of other things?" Morgan asked, confused.

  "Are you sure you would like to know the specifics?"

  "Yes," Morgan responded with confidence.

  "I see you with your hands full, at home. I see you with babies."

  "Did you say babies, as in more than one?" Morgan looked panicked.

  "That is what I see. But don't worry. You have several years yet before worrying about that." Kim flashed a knowing smile at Morgan. "Just continue to live your life. Use your current work situation for what it is--excellent experience that you will come back to when the time is right. But no, I do not see you there for longer than five years."

&n
bsp; "Wow." Morgan looked bewildered, overwhelmed, and a bit stunned. Kim smiled and looked at me.

  "So, Daphne, have you decided? Would you like to ask me anything?

  "You tell me." I said, narrowing my eyes at her. She just laughed.

  "You're not my first cynic. And, yes, I believe you do have a question to ask."

  "I don't have an actual question. Just whatever you can tell me."

  "All right," Kim said. "You are a bit harder to read than Morgan. Can I see your watch? If I hold it while we talk, it might help me connect more with you. It doesn't always work, but it has helped me previously in cases such as this."

  Quickly, I removed my watch and handed it to Kim. She smiled and held it in the palm of her hand, closing her eyes briefly before looking at me with a smile.

  "Sugar?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. This time it was my turn to gasp.

  "What did you say?" My eyes were wide, my mouth agape as I stared at Kim. Morgan giggled nervously.

  "The man in your life calls you this, right? It's cute."

  "I think so, too." My cheeks grew hot. Shock was still coursing through my brain.

  "He's not who I see though." She sighed. "Not in your future."

  My heart tumbled to the floor. This was what I had been dreading. That my anxiety over Mayson was well-founded--that he truly wasn't the one for me.

  "May I ask who you see?"

  "Well, the man you're dating has sandy hair with very brilliant green eyes, yes?" I nodded.

  "That is definitely not who I am seeing down the road. I am seeing a tall man with dark brown chestnut hair. He is very handsome and cares deeply for you. He has a wonderful sense of humor and you enjoy one another immensely. He brings you peace and a tremendous amount of happiness, although you might not realize it when the relationship begins. It'll take some time, but it'll be worth it for you, for him, for both of you. He is the one I see."

  Looking to Morgan, I failed to keep the tears from forming. Morgan gave me a sympathetic smile and mouthed, "It's okay."

  "I'm sorry," Kim said gently. "I know it can be awfully difficult to hear the opposite of what you were hoping for. Remember, not everything I see is one hundred percent. However, when it comes to faces, I'm confident in my abilities. The man who calls you Sugar is not the one I see. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't pursue a relationship with him. But, know that you have a remarkable amount of happiness awaiting you in the future."

  Morgan and I spent most of our car ride home in silence. She was grinning from ear to ear and I was more overwhelmed than ever. Finally, she spoke.

  "This doesn't mean that things won't work out with Mayson. You know that, right? She admitted freely that what she sees isn't always accurate. You have to follow your heart."

  "But obviously I'm just wasting my time. I'm just chasing the dream I've had since I was nineteen years old."

  "You don't know that. You need to give things with Mayson a real chance or you'll never forgive yourself. No regrets, Daphne. You know that I'm not his biggest fan, but I also don't want you to sabotage the entire relationship because Kim, the supposed psychic, doesn't see him in your future."

  "Then why have you not been able to stop smiling since we left her home?" I asked accusingly.

  Morgan shrugged. "The good stuff is easier to believe."

  #

  Chapter 9

  Flight

  A month had passed since Mayson left my apartment so early in the morning. I hadn't seen him in person, but we had Skyped several times and we'd talked and texted on the phone almost daily. He was back in Denver now. I'd never visited Colorado before, and seeing Mayson would be a great way to escape the boring summer break that I was having, but I hadn't been invited.

  Elise had returned from her incredibly long honeymoon and was settled into married life. After waiting weeks to update her about Mayson, I was thrilled to finally share things with my best friend. Digging into our salads, Elise listened intently as I poured my heart and soul to her at a local restaurant. She knew Mayson better than any of my other friends did. If anyone could help me through this, it was Elise.

  I didn't share my visit to the psychic, partially out of embarrassment, but also because I wasn't ready to face what Kim had told me about my impending future. I knew Elise would never approve anyway. She was the one friend who always said, "no thanks" whenever I dragged out my U of I blanket and tarot cards. She didn't check her horoscope and she had no interest in astrology. There was no reason to tell her about Kim.

  "Wow," she said, gazing at me with large eyes, "you've been a busy girl."

  "I know! Thank God I haven't had to worry about work. If this was going to happen, I guess summer break is the best time. But seriously, Elise, what have I gotten myself into?"

  "Well, what does Morgan think?"

  "She doesn't like him. But she's doing her best to be supportive. She doesn't want me to have any regrets."

  Elise threw me a questioning glance.

  "What does your gut tell you? Is he bad news or do you think he is worth taking a gamble for?"

  "So I'm gambling my heart now?" I asked, pouting.

  "Maybe you are. You two don't have the best track record. You were together, then he broke your heart, and you tried to be friends. And then..."

  "True," I agreed, interrupting her. "But,at this point, I think I'm too far gone. I want to see him again. I hope I will, anyway." I stared at my fork, still hovering above my salad.

  "What do you mean hope, Daph? Of course he wants to see you! He calls you all the time!"

  "Well, I know that. But it's pathetic how much I look forward to his calls."

  "I was afraid you were going to say something like that. Look, I'm not saying that this thing with Mayson is a bad idea. I haven't seen you two together in years. But I can say this. I adore you, and your feelings matter to me. I will not stand by and watch you get your heart broken all over again."

  I nodded, knowing she was looking out for me.

  "Promise to listen to me if I see any red flags. This guy put you through the ringer. If he's bad news, get rid of him."

  "I'll listen. I promise," I replied truthfully. "Thank you, Elise."

  A few hours later, we were pulling into my small parking lot when I heard my phone ding with a text message, and I knew exactly who it was from.

  "Hmm, wonder who that might be," Elise teased. "I bet his ears were burning."

  My lips formed a curious smile as I read the text. It was from Mayson and it was different from any other text I'd received from him.

  Check your mailbox.

  After showing the text to Elise, we ran to my mailbox in front of the building. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the mail had already arrived. There were no packages. But, at the bottom of my pile of mail was a large envelope. The postmark was from Denver. A large sticker with "delivery confirmation" flashed in bright green.

  "What do you think it could be?" I asked, my heart thumping uncontrollably in my chest.

  "There's only one way to find out. C'mon, get it over with!" Elise urged me.

  I slowly ripped open the envelope to find round-trip airline tickets to New York City. If there is one city in this country that I had wanted to visit during my lifetime, it's New York City. My heart was doing flip flops inside my chest.

  "Holy crap! You're going to spend a weekend in New York! That is so romantic. Is there anything else in the envelope?"

  Tearing into it once again, I found a post-it note that must have fallen from the tickets.

  Join me? --M

  Still in shock with an enormous grin plastered onto my face, I grabbed my phone and sent Mayson a simple text message: See you there.

  Three days later, I arrived at the Four Seasons in New York City. In disbelief as I gazed around the lobby, I couldn't believe that I would be staying here for the next two days. It was truly a sight to behold: magnificent décor and beautiful flower arrangements placed on every available surface. My nerve endings
had been twitching non-stop ever since I received Mayson's cryptic text. Breathing deeply, I searched for the man who caused such excitement and anticipation in my heart.

  "Daphne!" Mayson popped up from a leather chair. He was grinning, his hair freshly trimmed and face recently shaved. He looked incredible. He walked quickly to me before sweeping me up in his arms and spinning me around.

  "Wow," I said, collecting myself when he released me.

  "You're finally here!" he said, sounding ecstatic. He leaned in for a soft, gentle kiss. "I feel like I haven't seen you in so long!" he whispered as he pressed his forehead to mine.

  "It's great to be here," I managed to say, feeling pretty overwhelmed.

  "Come on. Let's get your luggage upstairs. Then we can explore the city. Some incredible buildings in this town! I want to show you everything. Absolutely everything!"

  Mayson was energetic, smiling and humming to himself as we strolled through the streets of New York. As he pointed out buildings and elements of architecture that he found remarkable, I was completely wrapped up in him once again. I wanted these moments to last forever.

  When we reached Central Park, I was in awe, unable to stop looking around at all of the lovely scenery before us. Movies had depicted this beautiful park but it was like nothing I had ever seen on screen. Completely enamored and swept up in the moment, I reached up to Mayson and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  "So, other than shocking the hell out of me... any reason for the trip?"

  "I'm here for work. I got here on Tuesday and finished up this morning. If you'd turned me down, I'd be on my way home right now. It was a great opportunity to see you...and maybe spoil you a little."

  "Wow."

  "You've wanted to come here for a long time. I remember that."

  He smiled, a dimple forming in his cheek. He wanted to please me. All this time, I had been thinking about how on earth I would please him. Was it possible that he was feeling the exact same way? Were we making up for lost time? All those years that we could have been together but instead were held apart by circumstance--were they finally coming to an end? Would I get my happily ever after?

 

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