“If you need anything…” Agnes began and Greta waved it away.
“I know, I know. I’ve just got to figure this out on my own.”
Agnes squeezed her shoulder and gave her a compassionate look.
“Liora, this is Greta. She lives just outside Loren Brae.”
“Actually, I was kind of hoping to see you,” Greta surprised me by saying when she took the hand I offered.
“You were? Have we met?” I asked. I honestly couldn’t remember the diminutive woman. Instantly, I felt bad. “I’m sorry…I don’t recall.”
“No, we haven’t. I just heard…” Greta leaned in and lowered her voice. “You give readings, right?”
Over her head, Agnes raised her eyebrows and nodded furiously at me.
“Um, I do, yes. Astrological readings. Tarot as well. But I’m not a psychic, if that’s what you’re needing.”
“No, I just need…” Greta took a deep breath. “I just need some guidance about a few decisions I’d like to make. In the coming year. For myself.” Her eyes held a plea and between her expression and the way Agnes was trying to telegraph something to me over her head, I relented.
“That’s fair. It sounds like an astrological reading for the upcoming year might be a good fit then. But, keep in mind, they don’t tell you what to do. It’s just a guide to be used to help know when it might be a more prosperous time to make changes, or when the energy might get a bit murky or sticky for you…that kind of thing.”
“Understood.” Greta’s face lit. “Would this weekend work? My mum has the kids in the morning tomorrow.”
“Oh, already? Um.” I thought about it. I wouldn’t have to be on shift until eleven tomorrow morning, so I could make it work. “Sure, would nine suit? I have to be here by eleven.”
“Perfect. I’ll come to you then?”
“She’s staying at Torin’s. You know where his place is?” Agnes leaned in.
“Och, aye. Not too far then. That’s grand. Just grand. Thanks, Liora. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before I could say anything else or even give her a price, Greta all but ran from the room as though it had taken all of her courage to speak and now she had none left.
“That’s fantastic news,” Agnes breathed and leaned in, a delighted look on her face. “This is such a big step for her.”
“Was that Greta I just saw?” Graham asked, coming across the room from where he’d been taking the order from the couple having an early dinner.
“Aye, it was.”
“Nice to see her out,” Graham said, before ducking into the kitchen.
“Greta’s widowed. She lost her husband last year and has two young kids just on her own. She really had a tough go of it, but Shona, one of the Order, helped her to learn to live within her grief a bit. I’m happy to hear she’s looking for some advice on her life. That means she’s probably putting herself out there more.”
Now I understood why Agnes had been silently urging me to accept the booking behind Greta’s back.
“That’s sad. Must be tough.” I couldn’t imagine navigating grief and single parenthood at the same time.
“Such a shame, it really is. We’ve all done the best we can to help, but she’s a bit stubborn about not letting people in. Hopefully this is a good sign.”
“I won’t be able to tell you anything about the reading, you know.” I stacked my bowl on top of my plate and stood. “I do keep the confidentiality of my clients.”
“Och, goodness, no. I would never ask. I’m just happy to hear she’s making some decisions for herself. Whatever they may be.”
“I’ve got to get back to work,” I said, picking up my empty bowl.
“Give me your number and I’ll text you about a wine night.” Agnes pulled out her phone and typed in my number as I recited it. “Sooner rather than later.”
“Please, I’m gasping for some girl time,” I admitted.
“We’ll plan it. I’ll see if the others can join too.” Agnes stood. “That’s me off then.”