Page 25 of Bargain with Fate
“Whoa. You did not just say that to me.”
“Ponytails are for children.”
“They’re also for people who don’t want their long hair used against them in a fight.”
“I wouldn’t mind watching women pull each other’s hair. Could be entertaining.”
“You’re lucky you’re not within striking distance right now.” There was no age limit on personal style. Ponytails. Short skirts. Make-up free.
He ignored my threat. “I need to go. I see Barnaby’s cart on the hill.”
“Break a leg,” I said, and disconnected.
Jinx streaked down the hallway to greet me.
“You won’t be so happy to see me when I tell you about the appointment I made for you on Friday with Dr. Adam.”
The cat hissed.
“Which word triggered you? Doctor?”
Jinx ran and hid behind the sofa. Sighing, I went straight to the refrigerator. I anticipated a very difficult week ahead of me.
My phone vibratedon the kitchen counter. I glanced at the name and tapped the screen. “Hi Dr. Adam.”
“Hello, Maya. How are you?”
“Not too bad. What’s up?”
“Are you available to meet?”
I looked longingly at the slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on the plate in front of me. “Now? Jinx’s appointment isn’t until Friday.”
“I’m actually not in my office. I’m with a patient. I think you should see him.”
“I told you before, Doc. I’m not a healer and I’m not interested in becoming one.”
“That isn’t why I’m asking. It could be a security issue.” He paused. “I’m not sure, so I’d like to loop you in.”
“Where are you?” I asked, as I put the carrot cake in the fridge and blew it a kiss.
“Magnolia.” He gave me the unit number.
“Who lives there?”
“Ronald Greenleaf.”
His name wasn’t familiar. “Do I need any weapons?”
“No, no. It isn’t that sort of issue.”
“I’ll be there in ten.” I could’ve gobbled down the cake, but I preferred to savor every bite. Best to wait until I had time to enjoy it. Achilles had his heel; baked goods were my weakness. Toss a chocolate chip cookie over your shoulder as you run away and you’ll definitely slow me down.
I surveyed the cottage for Jinx. The bowls were empty, so I refilled the water. The food bowl would have to wait until the next meal. I’d already fed her breakfast, and Jinx was like a goldfish—she’d keep eating whatever I put in front of her.
Forget the goldfish. Jinx was like me.
I left the cottage and drove my golf cart to the address Dr. Adam had provided. The druid was waiting outside the doorwhen I arrived. He was on the young end for a druid, and he looked more like a catalogue model than a healer. Chiseled jaw. Clean-cut. Blond hair. Impeccable manners. He was born under a lucky star.
