Jenny was clear in her mind—she would stay in the Midwest, in Skokie for however long it took. That goodbye at the airport might very well have been the final goodbye. She didn’t see herself going back to LA.
Jenny exhaled and closed her eyes.
* * * * *
Later that day
For some reason, Helena couldn’t stay away from these types. In boarding school, she and her friends had traveled to the city to party and there was always a fun visit to a psychic. That is, her friends took it as fun; for Helena psychic advice helped her make life-altering decisions. In London and New York, she had tarot card readers on call and both women were paid a monthly salary from her. Since landing in Los Angeles, she had searched for someone who could tell her what her future held in store. This day, Helena had been driving down Hollywood Boulevard when a storefront sign caught her eye. She pulled over. Now she sat in the waiting room casually flipping through a magazine. She was surprised when a young man dressed in Levi’s, a white Polo shirt, and tire tread, brown sandals entered the room and looked at her.
“Are you here for a palm reading?”
“Yes, is it a long wait?”
“No, I’m ready for you right now. Come with me.”
“You’re doing the reading?”
“I have a gift. Don’t puzzle over my age or gender. I’m good and I’m always right.” He turned and Helena followed him. He pulled back a colorful Moroccan-style curtain that was a room divider. The room he entered was quite small with just a table and two chairs.
“So how long have you been doing this?”
“For about twenty-five years.”
Helena laughed nervously. “You look twenty-five.”
“No, I’m twenty-eight. Give me your hand.” He grasped her hand, turned it palm up and stared at the lines rubbing a finger over it gently. “Well, I won’t tell you that you’re filthy rich because I’m sure you know that already.”
“How?”
“I saw your Benz when you pulled up and you smell splendid. I’ve only smelled knock-offs, but my guess is you’re wearing Jean Patou’s Joy. That’ll set you back.”
“Yes, it is Joy.”
“Nice. Okay. Let’s get your $25.00 reading out of the way. Ready?”
Helena liked this guy. He wasn’t pretentious and he seemed honest—as honest as those in this business could be. Helena had run into a few grifters and scam artists in her day, so she knew the signs. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
He looked down at her palm. “You’ve doubted yourself. You won’t have to now. You’ve either made a big change in your life or you’re about to. It’s a good decision.
