Beks wiggled in her seat, and Marissa wanted to cheer. She’d done that, and Beks wasn’t holding back at all.
God, she hoped she was doing the right thing, and this wasn’t just a rebound relationship. She didn’t want to hurt Bekka—if they were just fooling around that was one thing, but it felt like more than that. She was sure Bekka saw it as more than that.
She was sad, but didn’t feel heartbroken anymore; she’d left all of that in New York. But did that mean she was ready for this? Was there any such thing? Maybe not.
Maybe she just needed to enjoy it, right now, and let herself relax for a minute. That was probably the most fair thing for Beks too.
“If I stick around after Christmas I’ll have to work some…that okay?”
“Oh, I’m not independently wealthy. I’ll have to take clients myself.”
That made her smile. Someone who understood she had to work. She made good money, and it would go a lot farther outside of New York, but for now she still had rent to pay. “Great. Do you do a lot of virtual work?”
“One hundred percent. One of the reasons I can charge what I do is that I can make appointments at odd hours, that I can be there at midnight if I’m needed.” Beks grinned, the expression a bit wry. “I know it’s a niche need I’m filling, but my clients are good people, professionals and artisans who are needing support.”
“You sound like a therapist. A fancy in-the-box therapist instead of a card reader.”
“I am.”
She nodded. “That wasn’t meant to be insulting, I’m sorry. I just… I guess I need to see you in action, that’s all. You know how I am.” She was a skeptic. She believed in what she could see, hear, smell, taste--solid proof was her way of life.
“No, I mean, I’m a licensed counselor. I’m qualified to prescribe drugs in Texas. I just choose to communicate with my clients using the tarot.”
She blinked and set her glass down. “You are? I’m so sorry, I had no idea. That’s fantastic.” And pretty much the perfect career for Bekka, who had always been as empathetic as they came.
“Thank you. I love my clients, and they are special people.” Bekka beamed, and it was a good look on her, to be honest.
Lesson learned. Don’t underestimate Bekka. And ask more questions.
This wasn’t a competition. This was a…was journey too overused? It probably was. Didn’t make it less true though.
The server took their orders and she leaned back in her chair, settling in, determined to get to know Bekka—thisBekka, not the one in her memory, but the version sipping champagne and looking so beautiful—much better.
10
“I’m waiting to hear about that rental downtown, Mari. It’s an old Victorian, and so cute.” There were stairs, but it was worth the hassle for the sheer adorable factor.
They had three more days at the hotel, and she was hunting for a space for another week, at least.
“All I need is Wi-Fi. But if it’s cute, that’s a nice bonus.” Mari sipped her coffee and looked out the window. “It won’t have this view, but downtown would be cool. In the middle of everything. I called my cat sitter; she’s good for as long as I need her.”
“What’s your cat’s name?” She did love Mari’s butt. It was so sweet and squeezable.
“Poe. He’s a black Maine Coon. He’s a big dork and my best buddy.” Mari wandered back over and pulled out her phone to show off a picture. “Isn’t he pretty? He knows it too.”
“Oh, so pretty! I just lost my girl—Wacky. She got cancer.” And it had hurt, bone-deep, but that was how life happened.
“Wacky.” Mari smiled gently. “I’m sorry she was sick. That’s a great name. But you like cats?”
“Are you kidding? I love cats. My apartment only allows one, and I haven’t been ready to find a new soul buddy.”
“I hear that.” Mari touched her cheek. “Okay, you. Are we getting out of here today?”
“Totally. I am at your disposal, and they say more snow is happening tomorrow, but today is supposed to be beautiful.” And sunny. And sparkly. And—“This place is so pretty, Mari!”
“So outdoors first then. How about the gondola ride? I think we can get a shuttle over there.”
“Ooh…can I do it with the cast? I’d love to take pictures.” She could put them up on her Insta. It would be charming.