Page 13 of Heart

“Makes me want to dig out my old tarot cards. See what’s in the future.”

“Are you for real, lady? Were you born in the wagon of a travelin’ show?”

“Ha, ha. Hilarious,” she said, making light of hisGypsies, Tramps, and Thievesjest. “I used to read cards back in college. Do you want me to read yours? I will.”

“Of course, I do. But not tonight.”

“So, what was Mikey’s sign?”

“I didn’t ask.”

May sighed loudly, channeling her best teen angst with an exaggerated eye-roll. Gertie heaved a sigh beneath them shortly after—a mimicking echo. They looked at the dog, then each other, and burst out laughing.

“Well, she certainly has her namesake’s comedic timing,” George said.

“Let’s just hope Ms. Stein wasn’t plagued with the same flatulence.”

“Back to your question—no, I didn’t ask for his sign... but he thinks you’re a really groovy chick.”

“I bet he’s a Taurus. Taurus and Cancer are like theperfectsigns for each other.”

“Why are you suddenly trying to match me up with the mailman?”

“I’m not. Honest. But you said you clicked... so, I’m just thinking... he’s probably a Taurus.”

“Whatever. Oh, Shane Ballinger stopped in this afternoon too.”

“How’s that asshole?”

“Whoa... such harsh language from such apristine young lady.”

“Listen to him—first Judy Garland, then Cher, now aBreakfast Clubreference? I may have mistaken you for theoldGeorge Patras. Anyway, Shane Ballingerisan asshole and you know it.”

“Look, just because he beat me out for a slot onTop Chef—years ago, mind you—doesn’t mean that he’s an asshole. Some of what you saw was editing, you know?”

“Maybe. I still don’t like him.”

“Don’t believe everything you see on TV, May. Just like Ralph... Shane’s a good guy. He’d heard through the culinary grapevine that I had left Old Ebbitt and he wanted to offer me head chef at the restaurant he’s opening in Georgetown. But when he found out about David’s, he stopped by to congratulate me. Told me it was about time I did this... that it would make a substantial addition to The Circle, and that if I needed anything he would be happy to oblige.”

“For real?”

“For real. And he’s giving me an expensive espresso machine. Said he got several in an endorsement deal and he has more than he needs.”

“Hm. Maybe assholeisa little harsh.”

George grinned.

“I still don’t trust him.”

“Ah, the power of reality television.” George lifted and poured the rest of the Cabernet into both of their glasses. He raised his and May mirrored the action.

“Here’s to David,” he said.

“The man... and the restaurant.”

“And here’s to May Fischer and Ruff Stuff, may she continue to be a successful holistic dog food guru and our businesses work together in symbiotic harmony.”

“That talk is way too fancy for me, but if you’re toasting our mutual success, I concur.”