Winter Solstice in St. Nacho's (St. Nacho's #5) - Z.A. Maxfield Page 0,92
an antique looking Ouija board. A brass scrollwork pot merrily puffed palo santo and sage into the air. The room was exquisite—perfect for the séance scene in any British country house mystery.
Minerva turned the sign outside the door to read, “The Witch Is Occupied,” and shut it behind her.
“How are you doing. Settling in nicely?” She pushed up her sleeves, smoothed her voluminous skirts, and sat in one of the dainty velvet chairs. “Leon has nothing but praise for you.”
“Glad to hear it. It’s early days, but I think I’m going to love the job.” I’d only been at the library for a week, but I knew it would work out. Leon was a wonderful boss and my colleagues were warm and friendly.
“I told you so.” She motioned toward the chair opposite hers. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
I sat. “Leon sent me to get the final vendor list for the winter solstice event.”
“Ah, yes. He’s making some posters for us. He’s a very talented artist. I have the list ready to go. I’ll get it before you leave.” She eyed me speculatively. “That’s not the only reason you want to talk, is it?”
“Er, no. Can you um, put me down as a volunteer?” Why was I beating around the bush when I wanted to ask about Thuong? “I think my family’s going to be in town that weekend. We’d be happy to help in any way we can.”
“I’m delighted they’re going to be here. We’ll have food and artisan craft booths and fun and games for the children. Plus, a surprise. You’ll love it. What else is on your mind, honey?”
“Er, how’s Thuong doing? As you saw, he’s pretty determined to keep me at arm’s length.”
“I can safely say he’s working the steps and doing as well as can be expected. How about you? Did you want me to do another reading for you?”
I hesitated. On the one hand, Minerva’s readings were fun, and I imagined she spun every story in a positive way. On the other, her accuracy so far had been a little uncanny. I didn’t want her readings to affect any decisions I had to make, but I liked her. I wanted her advice, her wisdom, even if she shared it through the cards.
“I don’t have my phone to record the layout this time.”
“You’ll remember what’s important, I promise.” She handed me a deck. “Here. Shuffle.”
I did as she asked, and she laid down the first card. “Ace of swords. Makes sense that this is your past card. The ace of swords represents new beginnings, new ideas, new clarity. The recent past has changed the direction of your life. How does it feel so far?”
“Everything’s been great since I’ve moved here. In a way I’m waiting for some hidden disaster, or… I don’t know. Can something ever be too good?”
“Of course, but nothing wholesome, like finding the place where you belong, or setting up your new home, or starting a job you enjoy. That’s called serendipity. I suggest you revel in it.”
“I will.” She turned over the next card.
“The queen of cups. The wands made themselves heard before as I recall. That told me you were desperately worried about a certain fiery someone in your life. But here”—she tapped her plain, squared-off fingernail on the card—“this is about you. The queen of cups embodies heart and compassion. In the present, this might mean you have a wise and nurturing older female on whom you can rely for guidance.”
I cleared my throat noisily. “That’s an ad, isn’t it? Is the universe shilling for you now?”
She cackled. “It can also mean you are becoming this embodiment of warmth and wisdom for others. Just be careful you don’t give so much to others that your reserves become depleted.”
“I see.” Well, I was considering more volunteer work in the recovery field. And I reminded myself that any card she pulled would fit because confirmation bias was a thing.
“Now for the future.” She turned over the third card. “Ooh. The knight of wands… hmm. Fire again. This card symbolizes great passion and adventure for those brave enough to accept the consequences. And we know there will always be consequences, don’t we? It’s a fitting future, though, accepting the warmth and beauty of fire as long as you’re prepared for the occasional burn. I wonder what more we could ask for?”
“It’s a lot to think about.”
“As if you haven’t already made up your mind.” She gave an exaggerated eyeroll.