Page 23 of Secrets (Lost and Found 2)

“Shoot!” Luna said as she walked briskly back to the café.

“I heard you are into psychic stuff.”

Luna looked around. A lot of people knew, but to what extent she wasn’t sure since most of her clients were supposed to be on the down-low. She didn’t want visitors who loathed the idea of the paranormal to be insulted or put off by her presence. Luna was in protection mode when it came to Ellie and the center.

“I’ve been known to do readings if that’s what you mean.”

“Yeah. That.”

“Why do you ask?”

“It’s about a friend of mine,” Rita said.

“Does she want a reading?” Luna asked hurriedly.

“No, it’s for me.”

“Sure. No problem.” Luna set the boxes down and pulled out the wicker baskets. “How about later? Around five?”

“Great! I’ll buzz you on the squawk box.” Rita waved, and Luna continued to get the café ready.

Ellie and Chi-Chi started in her direction. Ziggy and Marley were already in the dog park with Alex and Wiley.

“E kaaro.” Chi-Chi bowed in respect.

“E kaaro,” Luna replied. “Namaste.”

Ellie always got a kick out of their morning greetings. “It’s such a nice way to start the day. It gives it a fresh feeling.”

“And that is exactly what it is supposed to do,” Chi-Chi said in her beautiful, articulate, singsong voice. Her enunciation was impeccable.

“So what do you fine women have on your agenda today?” Ellie asked.

“Cullen managed to talk Chris into crashing at his place last night,” Luna said mildly.

“And why not yours, young lady?” Ellie gave her a suspicious look.

“It wasn’t the right time,” Luna defended herself.

“It was Cullen who offered first,” Chi-Chi backed up her friend.

“Well, that’s too bad. I was hoping for a little dish,” Ellie teased.

“Dish?” Even though Chi-Chi had a marvelous grasp of the English language, some slang made no sense to her.

“Gab. Gossip,” Luna informed her.

“Oh, I see. But what does the word ‘dish’ have to do with anything?”

“Dish it out. Serve it up,” Luna explained as she placed the scones, muffins, and croissants in the baskets.

“It also means an attractive person, especially a woman,” Ellie added to the urban dictionary.

Chi-Chi sighed. “I have been here for many years, and I still do not understand your language.”

Ellie and Luna laughed. “Don’t feel bad. I had to figure out that the word ‘dope’ meant good or cool and not just drugs or someone who is stupid,” Luna said.

“Then there’s ‘doping,’” Ellie added.