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In the past position, I turn over the Four of Cups reversed. I take notice, immediately finding it interesting. No one says a word as I start shuffling again. The Seven of Wands falls up to take the present position. My breath catches in my throat when I turn over the final card, The Lovers.

“Oh!” Ronan howls with laughter. “Would you look at that? The Lovers are in my future. I think I can interpret that one all on my own, don’t you agree?”

Playing it cool, I straighten the cards, and use the time to gather my thoughts. I don’t want him to know the last card caught me off guard, too. I’m not sure I like any possible meaning that card could have in this situation. “Maybe you should let me tell you what all this means, especially since the cards aren’t always as they appear.”

He motions to the spread on the table. “By all means, tell me my future, Miss Sheridan.”

With a roll of my eyes, I take a look to find the connecting pieces. Once I describe what each card means, I'll pull it together and relate it back to his question. I think this is going to be much more relevant than he anticipated.

“We’ll start with the meaning of each card.” I point to the one in the past position. “This is the Four of Cups, but in reverse. This suggests that you took on a new outlook on life. You stopped dwelling on where you were and decided to take steps toward your future—the future you wanted.”

Ronan sits up a little straighter, his green eyes glancing over at Bryce. I want to see his reaction, but I'm too focused on watching the doubter before me.

I move to the second card. "The Seven of Wands is telling you to take a stand. I can't tell you what this is in regard to, only you can do that. It's a message on how it’s time to fight for yourself and thatfuture you decided to chase. Push back, don't worry about the odds being against you. This is your moment."

Another glance toward Bryce and Carter has me wondering what they know about Ronan that I don't.

"That might make a bit of sense," he murmurs, but then the small smirk is back. "How about we talk about the last card?"

"The Lovers…" I trail off, trying to find the best way to describe this card. "In this instance, it could mean finding love, but it doesn't necessarily mean you've already found it."

"Well, that's good," Bryce murmurs, "because everyone who's an option is literally taken."

I bite back a grin at the idea of him not seeing me as an option for Ronan. At least he still thinks I hate him. Because I do.

I absolutely do.

"So, what does it mean, exactly?" Ronan asks, ignoring his friend.

"In this instance, I would say it's reminding you to follow your heart, but be careful to make sure you're looking at what the best option is. It can be a warning to not give your heart away too easily."

The smirk slowly slides off his face. "Oh."

"Yeah, so to sum it all up…" I take a glance back at the cards. "I would say you made the right decision by focusing in on a new outlook and taking a chance. In the present, you need to prepare to stand up for the things you believe in and defend them when necessary, or you run the risk of losing them and yourself. That needs to be your priority right now. In the future, you can start looking for romance based on good communication, but be careful not to mistake lust for love. Do you have any questions?"

He looks at the cards, like there might be some secret within them that we’ve both missed. The crease in his forehead deepens with his frown, green eyes jumping between them all. I’d give anything to be able to read his mind right now—figure out if he’s panicking overhow relevant this reading seems. I feel like I know nothing about his life at this point. I’m still trying to get used to this new version of him I’m being exposed to, but even I can connect the dots.

“What else can you tell me about The Lovers card?”

Bryce groans at the question. “I’m officially bored with this. We’re supposed to be having a game night, and this doesn’t count.”

Ronan waves him, and everyone else, off, but stays exactly where he is, waiting.

“What do you want to know?” The rest of our group filters out, heading toward the living room to set up the game night.

“Everything.”

“I mean, there are a lot of ways to interpret it, and it usually depends on the question being asked,” I tell him. “Typically speaking, it signifies a perfect union, but we need to know what that union is. It could mean learning to love and accept yourself. It could mean romantically, or even, in some cases, deep friendships. If you’re focusing on your own health, it could be a reminder that your support system is here and never goes away. It can also be related to heart health.”

“Oh, so now they can tell me if I’m going to have a heart attack?”

“Seriously?” I grab the box with more force than I mean to. “You’re the one who’s asking follow-up questions. You don’t get to be a judgmental ass.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Please continue.”

I narrow my eyes, trying to show him my dislike for this whole conversation. “If it’s in a reading focusing on your career, it could signify that you’re entering a partnership that’s going to be great and successful. In relationship readings, it signifies a strong bond. It can also signify sparks starting to fly within your love life. It doesn’t mean the person you’re thinking about is the one.”

“And who do you think is on my mind?”