Page 10 of A Charming Touch of Tarot (The Gin & Tarot Club #2)

10

The Hanged Man

“I’m so excited for you, Ally,” Nina says, pinning a piece of my hair back. “Tonight is going to be good for you.”

I watch through the mirror as Nina continues to tuck pieces into various places, looking like an expert as she does it.

“You should really have considered cosmetology. You’re really good,” I say, smiling at my friend through the mirror.

“Yeah, right. Can you imagine my mother’s horror if I had suggested such a thing?” She looks up, widening her eyes and crinkling her nose.

“It’s exactly why you should’ve.”

She laughs. “Well…while I do enjoy occasionally dabbling in hair placement, it’s not my calling.”

I turn around to face my friend. “You do whatever you want. This is your life, and we only get one to live.”

She nods. “It’s why I plan to help women. It’s something that I know will fulfill me.” She blows a piece of her hair out of her face. “Despite my mother forcing me to get my PhD, I truly love what I do.”

“I know you do,” I say, smiling.

“So, tell me all about your plans for tonight,” Nina says cheerfully. “Aside from the sleeping arrangements.” She winks.

“Oh god. Did you have to remind me? I’m so nervous, Nina.”

She tilts her head. “Why? It’s not like you haven’t had sex. You should be a pro by now.”

I make a face, rolling my eyes. “It has nothing to do with that. It’s so much worse.”

She quirks a brow but doesn’t speak, giving me the floor.

“This morning when I woke up at Nick’s, I saw a woman.”

Her eyes grow wide. “The woman in red?”

I shake my head. “Nope. This particular ghost is no poltergeist.”

Her face relaxes and she chuckles. “Well, that’s good. Isn’t it?”

I level my gaze at her. “It’s Nick’s fiancée, Isla.”

She splutters, mouth dropping open and then closing several times. “What?”

“She told me she believes she’s stuck here because her spirit can’t leave until she knows he’s happy.”

“Isn’t he?”

I shrug. “She believes she needs to see him happily with someone else.”

“That’s…”

“Awkward?” I offer, smearing my top lip with a color called Bombshell.

“I was going to say morbid for her.”

“That too,” I say, tilting my head left and then right, marveling at how plump my lips look when I’ve finished.

“So, she’s okay with you being with him?”

I grunt, turning back toward Nina.

“I don’t know. She said she’s feeling me out.” I run my palm over my thigh, thankful I haven’t put my dress on yet. “She doesn’t like that I’m not a fan of football.”

She purses her lips. “You don’t hate football.”

I shrug one shoulder. “I didn’t tell her that. I don’t want her interfering, Nina. It’s…uncomfortable.”

“What reason could she have for caring about your opinion on football?”

I shrug again. “Your guess is as good as mine. It’s not like I could really drill her, considering Nick was in the house, right down the hallway.”

Her eyes widen. “You didn’t tell him?”

“No, I did.”

Her breath hitches. “Oh god. What happened?”

My hands lift to my sides, palms facing the ceiling. “I mean…he about fainted.”

She bobs her head, chewing on her nails. “This is bad. I can’t believe he didn’t call off tonight.”

“I know. It shocked me too, but he was so good to me, Nina. He went out of his way to ensure I was okay, when it was him who had his world rocked.”

“He’s a good man,” she says, patting my shoulder. “And you did nothing wrong. You can’t help which spirits barge into your life.”

I sigh. “We can’t have sex tonight. She’s attached to him.” My voice pitches.

“Yeah…that would be a little more than awkward.” She bites her top lip. “What are you going to do? You have to help her move on.”

“I don’t know. Honestly.” I link my hands in an attempt not to touch my hair. That particular nervous habit would not serve me well tonight. “How do I get him to prove to her he’s okay, without looking self-serving? I just feel like it’s a conflict of interest that it’s me that needs to send her on her way.”

“I’m not following your logic,” Nina says.

“What if he doesn’t want her gone? What if he thinks I’m pushing him? I don’t want him to resent me if she goes away.”

Nina looks me in the eye and smiles sadly. “You’d want Garrett to stick around if he were here?”

My head shakes back and forth violently. “No. I’d want him to be in paradise with his parents.”

“Then Nick probably feels the same way. Maybe you should see Corinne’s mom. Have her help with this one.”

My head jerks back. “Pass. She’s intimidating.”

“She’s downright scary,” Nina says, shivering.

In the end, having someone else help Isla move on might be in my best interest.

“But you might be right. If she has the answers I need, then I have to go to her.”

She bites her lip, inspecting my hair and appearing to find something off.

“So, tell me about the party,” she says, changing the subject to things that are less stressful.

“We’re going to some hotel in Silverton. All I know is that we’re being fed and the drinks are bottomless. They’ll have a band until eight and then a DJ takes over until two a.m.”

She snorts. “Does Nick know how much caffeine he’ll need to feed you in order to make it to midnight?”

I laugh. “I’m not that lame. I can hang until midnight.” I glance down at my feet, which are currently bare. “That’s if my feet cooperate. The shoes I bought were not a good idea.”

I glance at the offending shoes I purchased at the mall with contempt. They’re beautiful and my legs look incredible in them, but they’re killer and I’m not accustomed to wearing such a large heel.

“If I fall, I’ll die.”

She laughs. “If you fall, he’ll catch you.”

I sigh, watching that scenario play out in my head. There’s nothing embarrassing about Nick holding me in his arms. But reality would not look like that.

“What are you doing tonight?” I ask.

I should have considered Nina when making plans for tonight. The least I could’ve done was spend this New Year with her. After all she’s been through, I’m not sure she should be alone.

“Don’t,” she warns, and I look up at her, confused. “Don’t feel bad for having fun, Alyssa.”

“Who said I was feeling bad?” I ask, one eyebrow raised.

“I know you, and I know that face you’re making.” She huffs a humorless laugh. “I don’t need you to sit around with me. I’m perfectly capable of picking out a book and pouring myself a glass of wine. You forget, I don’t have FOMO over parties. I much prefer quiet and a good glass of merlot.”

I smile because I know there isn’t a shred of deceit in those words. That is Nina’s ideal night, and I doubt she’s been allowed to enjoy many of them until recently.

“You’ll have a lovely night if that’s what you’re planning.” And then I get an idea. “Why don’t you stay here? I won’t be home tonight. You can have my comfy bed and stay somewhere that doesn’t feel like a prison.”

Her eyes light up, and she smiles wide. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I should’ve suggested it earlier. You are always welcome here, Nina. Hell, if you want, pack a suitcase and move in.”

She blinks, and a tear runs down her cheeks. I quickly stand, pulling her into my chest.

“Nina. Don’t cry,” I coo into the side of her head.

“I couldn’t do that to you.”

I pull back, narrowing my eyes on her. “Why the heck not? I want you here.”

“It’s just…”

“If you’re going to say it’s my second chance, I might slap you. I’m an adult, and so is Nick. If we want privacy, we’ll go to his house. It’s not like it isn’t very convenient.”

She nods several times. “I’ll think about it.”

I lift my hand and place it on her cheek.

“I want you here. It’ll be good for me just as much as it will be for you,” I say. “I can’t take care of this place all on my own.”

Not entirely true, but I’ll say whatever I need to convince her. I know she needs to get out of that place, and why shouldn’t she move here?

“I’ll let you know soon.”

I nod, stepping away and looking back to the mirror to swipe away mascara from under my eye.

I glance at the clock. “Shit. I need to get dressed. He’s going to be here any minute.”

My phone pings, and I see Lanie’s name lighting up the screen.

Lanie

Is Nina there?

Me

Yessss…why?

Lanie

I need her tonight.

Me

Care to explain?

Lanie

Ugh. I will in 5…

She doesn’t say anything else and neither do I, because I’m running out of time. I pull my dress from the closet. It’s a black, bodycon wrap dress that hits just below mid-thigh and shows just enough cleavage to be sexy, but not too revealing. It complements my figure perfectly and looks amazing with the red-soled shoes I spent far too much on.

When I’m dressed, I take a look in the mirror, twisting to see the sequins sparkling under the light.

“Wow, Ally. You look fantastic.”

“I have you to thank for that,” I say, pulling my best friend into a hug. “Thank you, Nina.”

The doorbell rings and Nina squeals. “He’s here.”

I take a deep breath and grab my overnight bag from beside my bed, making my way downstairs, not bothering to put on my shoes yet. Not until I’m down the stairs and safe from falling to my death.

I pull open the door, and Nick’s on the other side under the blinking porch light that clearly needs to be fixed.

My breath hitches at the sight of him in his black tux, hair slicked back, making him look like a movie star. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

“You…” His words trail off, and a goofy grin spreads across his face. He leans in. “You are breathtaking.”

My toes curl, and my entire body heats.

He’s about to say something when Lanie comes racing up the stairs, practically pushing him out of the way. “Sorry, Nick,” she says over her shoulder. “Where’s Nina?”

I turn to point toward the kitchen, then turn back to Nick. “I’m sorry. She has zero manners.”

He chuckles. “I’ve known Lanie Anderson long enough to know that when she’s on a mission, you get out of her way.”

I lift both brows, inhaling deeply.

“Are you ready?” he asks, continuing to sweep his cerulean eyes up and down my body.

I feel the heat spreading all over, and I have to swallow to collect myself.

“Ready.”

He holds out his hand for my bag, and I give it to him. I place the killer shoes on my feet and don’t miss the way Nick’s eyes darken as he takes in the entire package.

“Bye, ladies. Happy New Year,” I yell out, and hear it echoed back. I’d love to give them real hugs for the holiday, but based on the way Lanie arrived, they’re likely in deep conversation. I do not have time to get involved in whatever that is. If it were important, they’d tell me before allowing me to leave.

Nick helps escort me to the car, which is very appreciated. There are still patches of black ice, and the last thing I need is to ruin tonight before it gets started by breaking my ass on the sidewalk.

He starts up the car and we’re off. Nick keeps glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, and I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he excited for tonight? Or are his thoughts still on what he learned today? I want to ask him, but his phone rings, cutting off my chance to speak. He glances at the screen on his dash and curses under his breath.

The screen is lit up with the name Grayson .

“It’s my captain,” he explains. “I’ve gotta grab this.”

It’s not a question, but he’s staring at me like he’s awaiting my permission.

“Of course,” I say, sitting back into the car seat, getting comfortable for the thirty-minute drive we have ahead of us.

“Captain,” he says by way of greeting.

I watch the side of Nick’s face, but he doesn’t give anything away. He’s a stone fortress, holding in his thoughts on whatever is being said on the other line.

He mumbles words of understanding and agreement, and I think it’s over when he says, “I’m very sorry for your loss, Captain. I’ll catch the sonofabitch responsible.”

They found her.

He presses the End button and sighs, glancing over at me, a look of regret shining through his stony features.

“I’m so, so sorry, Alyssa…”

He doesn’t have to say another word. I already know what’s coming.

“They found Chelsea.” It’s not a question. It was clear from the conversation.

He huffs, pulling the car off to the side of the road. His head falls against the headrest.

“It’s all right, Nick. I understand,” I say, hoping to alleviate some of the anxiety radiating from him.

He shakes his head. “They did, and you’re right…it’s bad.”

I want to ask. I really want to, but I’ve learned in the short time I’ve known Nick that some things aren’t meant to be shared in his line of work.

“They found her body in Falls Haven, and they suspect foul play,” he says, which is more than I expected to get. He sighs heavily. “My captain is losing his shit.”

I place my hand on Nick’s leg, squeezing lightly.

“We knew this would be the case. I’m just glad they found her. I’d love nothing more than for Chelsea Grayson to move on.”

He blinks several times, and I’m sure he wants to ask questions, but he doesn’t.

“Captain wants me to head to the scene and work the case with the local authorities.”

“You can do that? Work in another city?” I ask, recognizing there’s still a lot for me to learn. Especially if I’m going to be starting a business where I cowork on cases.

“Captain got special permission since it’s outside our jurisdiction. They agreed but specified that he can’t work the case.”

“He’s too close to it.”

Nick nods. “I’m surprised they’re allowing me to assist.” He blows out a harsh breath. “I was really looking forward to tonight. I feel like shit, ditching you.”

“Like I said, I understand. You’ve got a job to do.”

And I do. It doesn’t suck any less, but this is his job, and considering Chelsea is a relative to the captain, what could Nick possibly do? It’s not like he could refuse.

“I’ll be fine. It appears that Lanie doesn’t have plans, and I know Nina really didn’t. I’ll hang with them. Maybe we can try to get Chelsea to move on.”

He grumbles something, running his hand back through his hair and messing up the carefully styled locks. “It’s a fucking shame that nobody but me and your friends gets to see you in that dress, Alyssa.” His husky voice and darkened eyes make my blood pulse in my ears.

“We’ll just have to find another event for me to wear it to.”

He smiles, leaning over and kissing me hard. I melt into him, opening my mouth to his tongue and relishing this moment. If it’s all I get, I’ll take it greedily.

He pulls away, head against mine as he groans. “I’m sorry.”

Most would think he’s apologizing yet again for needing to bail tonight, but I know that’s not what he’s referencing. I could feel the shift in his kiss. The way he was all in and then suddenly withdrew.

He thought about Isla.

He’s likely wondering if she’s here.

I clear my throat, pulling away and sitting up straight. “She’s not here.”

Nick doesn’t speak, but I see the way his chest expands.

“I’ll make this up to you. I promise,” he says, and I wave a hand in the air.

“All good.”

Nick turns back to the wheel, putting the car in drive and making a U-turn in the center of the next cross street. We’re heading back toward my house, and the silence is heavy. Neither one of us says a word, making it uncomfortable.

He pulls into the driveway and puts the car in park, turning toward me.

“Thank you for being so easygoing about this. I know you’re disappointed. I am too.” His eyes shift, and his fingers tap against the steering wheel.

I can tell he wants to say something but is struggling with it.

“Nick, I—”

He cuts me off. “I didn’t mean to act weird when we kissed. It’s just a very tricky situation for me. Isla is gone, and I know that. Even if her spirit is lingering. But I’d be lying if I said a part of me didn’t feel terrible thinking about her seeing me with someone else.” He grimaces. “Does that make sense?”

I nod once. “Perfect sense, and I understand. Truly, Nick. It feels wrong to me too, and I didn’t even know her.”

He takes a deep breath, tapping the steering wheel again. “We’ll figure this out.”

I smile and grab my bag, opening the door to climb out.

“Be safe,” I say. “Send me a text when you make it to your destination.”

“I will.” He runs his hands back through his hair again. “Happy New Year, Alyssa.”

One can only hope.