Someone Like You by Susan Mallery Page B

“I’m sure we have something you can help with. Maybe stuffing information folders for the chamber of commerce. I know they need help with that.”
    Determined to have a witty comeback this time, she searched her brain as she opened her mouth. Just then Franklin Yardley called the meeting to order.
    Pam waggled her fingers and sauntered off.
    â€œBitch,” Jill said as Mac led her to the back of the room.
    â€œTry to play nice with the other children.”
    â€œYou heard what she said.”
    â€œI did. I also know that you’re younger, more successful and a hell of a lot sexier. Did it ever occur to you she’s acting this way because she’s bitter?”
    Jill felt her bad mood drain away. “No, but I like it.”
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    E MILY HELD the deck of cards in her hand. Bev demonstrated how to shuffle and Emily did her best to follow directions.
    â€œJust slide a few in front,” the older woman said with a smile. “It’s easy.”
    The cards felt big and awkward, but Emily did as instructed. The cards slid into place.
    â€œGood,” Bev told her. “Let’s try it again.” She winked. “We need a well-shuffled deck so I can beat you this time.”
    They were playing Go Fish, which was a little kids’ game, but still fun. Emily shuffled two more times, then dealt out the cards. When one slipped and fell on the floor, Bev didn’t say anything. She was nice that way, Emily thought as she put the card back in place. She never yelled or got mad. She never made Emily feel scared.
    â€œYou have other cards,” Emily said as she sorted her cards by numbers. She already had two threes and two fives. That was good. “Cards with pictures and stuff on them.”
    â€œYou’re right. I do. My tarot cards.”
    â€œWhat are they for? Different games?”
    â€œNot exactly. The cards can be fun. People use them at parties. Some people think they’re special—that theycan tell what’s going to happen in the future or what happened in the past.”
    Knowing the future sounded scary, Emily thought. “Doesn’t everyone already know the past? Weren’t they there when it happened?”
    â€œSometimes. But they aren’t always clear on the events. A lot of people think tarot is silly.”
    â€œDo you?”
    Bev put down her cards and leaned forward. Her long red braid hung over her shoulder and nearly brushed against the table.
    â€œI believe I have a gift. I can see things other people can’t. Like you’re a good reader. You read better than most kids you know. That’s a gift, right?”
    Emily nodded.
    â€œNow you being able to read is something people can see. They don’t have to take it on faith. But my gift is different. You can’t see it or touch it. So while I believe, others don’t.”
    Emily thought she understood. “Does Jill believe?”
    Bev laughed. “An interesting question. My niece is one of my doubters.”
    Emily was shocked. “She thinks you’re lying?”
    â€œNot lying, just pretending.”
    â€œAre you?”
    â€œNo.”
    Emily tried to understand. “So the cards tell you what’s gonna happen tomorrow?”
    â€œNot specifically. They give me ideas. Good fortune,bad fortune, that sort of thing. People come to me with questions and I try to help them find answers.”
    â€œWow.” That sounded pretty exciting. If Emily could know the future…she closed her mind to the question. There were too many dark places she didn’t want go.
    â€œThere are responsibilities that come with my gift. Do you know what responsibilities are?”
    Emily nodded. “You have to do the right thing and you have to think it up even if no one tells you. Like having a pet. I’d have to feed it and stuff, even if Mom didn’t remind me. Or doing my homework without being re minded.”
    â€œExactly. I have to