Dream of Destiny, page 7
"You can lie to yourself all you like, but I know you pine for him." A deep frown creases her forehead. She might be right, but I don't need to listen to her slating Jae-ik. Instead, I scoop Lucie in my arms, jump to my feet, and walk away.
"Ana, come on. Come back," she yells. I raise my middle finger in return.
Chapter 12
ANASTACIA
Early morning light trickles through the translucent curtains, causing me to blink against the brightness, the sleepy fog engulfing my mind lifting as my heart thumps heavily in my chest. I had that dream again, and while I know it's not real, the vividness of it makes it feel as if it is. Selena's tarot reading must have somehow triggered the dream. What are the odds of me having it twice? I have a feeling the solar eclipse, the fire, and the mysterious man are all connected. Solar eclipses foreshadow powerful events and I remember reading somewhere that some cultures believe that the unity of the sun and moon is a sign of a time of extraordinary transformation.
Is my dream warning me of such an event happening? The dark night of my soul? I was on my way to see Selena in the dream, but the eclipse prevented me from meeting her. Could something separate us? How does someone consecrate their ground? Stop it, you are doing it again. You are overthinking. It's a dream, it means nothing, Anastacia. I pick up my cell to check the time. Shit, it's nine o'clock. I'm usually up before my alarm goes off. I'm meeting a new client at ten thirty and I hate being late. Tumbling out of bed, I dash straight to the shower, the hot, steamy water feeling divine on my aching muscles. My mind drifts to the strange dream again, but I don't have time to think about it or enjoy the scorching water for too long. Jumping out of the shower, I quickly dry myself, and throw on a pair of jeans and T-shirt. When I walk into the kitchen, I find croissants, freshly brewed coffee, and a note from Selena.
I had a feeling you were going to be late. Have a good day. See you later, bestie xoxo.
I'm done for today. The small garden is in terrible shape, covered in overgrown perennial weeds, brambles, and nettles. The wooden fence is rickety and discolored, but it's going to look stunning when it's finished. My client inherited the house from her elderly grandmother, who was ill for a long time and couldn't tend to her garden. My cell phone vibrates in the back pocket of my jeans with a message from Callie asking me to meet her for an early dinner at her place, making my stomach grumble in response. I shoot her a quick message, telling her I'll see her shortly, then head off to my car. When I arrive, the mouth-watering aromatic smell of home-cooked vegetable curry drifts through the air, making me salivate like a hungry puppy. Callie's an amazing cook, and this is one of my favorite dishes. A warm smile dances on her lips as she sits opposite me.
"Are you feeling any better, Peanut?" she probes, her voice laced with concern. My breath catches sharply in my throat.
"I don't know. I have a gaping wound inside of my chest, a deep void that nothing or no one can fill except the love and acceptance of my biological mother. She didn't want me, Callie." She reaches out across the table, sadness clouding her face. Despite her genuine concern for me, I keep my hand tucked under the table.
"I've worked with mothers who felt that they had made the right choice by placing their child up for adoption. Trust me, they too live with an unimaginable sense of loss, pain, and sadness. They are in a state of perpetual grief that never gets resolved unless the child, or the mother, reaches out to reconcile. Your mother placed you into adoption to protect you, not because she did not want you."
"I'd probably feel the same if I gave my child away. Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. I've got exciting news. I've signed a record deal with Midnight Records, so that's something positive, right?"
Callie's golden eyes sparkle with excitement. "That is amazing, Ana. I'm so happy for you, and so proud of you."
I take a sip of my water to cool my burning mouth. "Thank you, Callie. I'll support established artists for a while though, which is good to build up my confidence, I guess," I answer before shoving in another mouthful of this delicious meal.
Callie leans back in her chair, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Absolutely, I agree. It will take the pressure off you. I'd love to come and see you sing on the big stage."
I place my fork on the table and clear my throat. "That would be awesome. Erm, I wanted to tell you something." My stomach tightens painfully, threatening to expel the food that I have just eaten. I don't know how to bring this subject up, but I need to talk to someone about Haiden other than with Selena. Callie scrunches up her beautifully arched eyebrows thoughtfully.
"Is everything okay, Peanut?"
"Several months ago, I met someone, and ever since, I can't stop thinking about him. There is this connection between us I can't explain or rationalize. We spent one night together, but I didn't get involved with him because I wasn't in the right place. I'm feeling better now, so I thought…" my voice trails off. Why am I so nervous? It's Callie. She has always been there for me. I rake my eyes over her oval face, desperately trying to find a hint of disapproval or some sort of emotion, but I find nothing.
Callie leans forward, tilting her head slightly. "What about Jae-ik? You were planning to get married before he left. He still loves you and supports you unconditionally."
I shrug off her comment, throwing my chin up in defiance. What is happening with Callie? She is usually super supportive and encouraging, but is instead acting like Enrika.
"I know he still loves me. He will always have a place in my heart but I'm not in love with him anymore." I shift in my chair, wishing we can change this subject. Callie juts her chin forward, giving me a curt nod.
"Yes, I understand, but the more important question is, why hasn't the other guy tried to find you? He’s had months to do so, yet did not. It looks like he just wanted a one-night stand." Her harsh comment cuts through me like a knife through butter.
"It's my fault. I let myself down," I mutter furiously under my breath. Maybe Enrika was right. You can’t trust men, they only want one thing.
"You have done nothing wrong, Ana. He is not worth you getting upset over him. It's his loss, after all."
After my confession, we have a coffee and talk about the garden I'm designing. As soon as I'm finished with the coffee, I make my excuses and leave. I need to speak to Selena. The traffic is light, so I get home quickly. She lays sprawled on the couch with a book in her hands and Lucie asleep on top of her. As I approach her, she raises her head. My face must have said it all because she throws the book on the coffee table, places Lucie on the floor, and jumps off the couch saying, "Sorry, Lucie, BFF duty calls." A frown darkens her face.
"What's wrong, babe? Did anyone harm you? Tell me who and they are dead." My heart swells with warmth. Only she knows how to make me smile, even though my heart is breaking. She is my rock, the safe shore I can crash on, the sister I always wanted growing up.
"I had dinner with Callie and she said some things that gave me a reality check." Selena draws her eyebrows together in obvious concern, then places her arm on my back, leading me to the kitchen.
"What things? Come, let's make some calming tea and you can tell me all about it."
She leans on the kitchen island with her mouth pursed slightly. Her hands twirl the tea bag around her mug while I update her on the conversation I had with Callie. She focuses her emerald green eyes so intently on my face, it’s as if she's piercing through my soul. Selena lets me talk without interrupting. When I'm done, she exhales deeply and takes a sip of her tea.
"I understand her logic. However, Haiden couldn't find you because you only gave him your first name. He didn't know who I was, and he never saw me leave with Gabriel because he was already at the bar when we talked, remember? Plus, he only had eyes for you that night," she teases.
I bury my face in my hands, feeling deflated. I should have stood my ground against Callie's cruel words.
"She made me feel stupid and ashamed, and I let my emotions overpower me again. I know he didn't use then abandon me."
"Of course not, babe. Technically, you used him and then disappeared like Cinderella, except you didn't leave your shoe behind." A wry smile quirks her mouth.
I can't help but agree with her. I ran off without leaving my number or a note, and I have no right to blame Haiden for my actions.
Chapter 13
SELENA
I glance at Ana as we ride in the elevator. She closes her eyes, breathing heavily through her nose. I squeeze her hand in a silent support. I’d be jittery too if my life is about to change. Finally, she is signing a record contract with Midnight Records. She needs this break. Since discovering that she was adopted several months ago, at every turn she’s faced obstacles, leading to more questions than answers. It feels as if the Fates are conspiring against her, preventing her from finding the answers she is so desperately seeking. While the intense pain and loss overwhelmed her, consumed her every waking hour, she threw herself into making this record. The Sound of the Celestial Spheres is rich, elegant, and hauntingly beautiful, living up to its name that Anastacia picked for her debut record.
No wonder within a minute of listening to Anastacia's first song, Hermes's eyes blazed with feverish excitement, mumbling to himself, "She is a goddess. The Muses must have inspired her to create such perfection." My panties got wet and my ovaries were ready to combust when he started barking orders to his legal team to have Ana's record contract ready by the end of the working day. I had to stop myself from jumping his bones right then and there, because all ladies should show manners in the company of gentlemen, right? Luckily, I'm no lady and he is no gentleman but a hungry tiger that ravaged me in his lavish office bathroom. An embarrassed flush creep across my cheeks, as I remember all the passionate sex, we had that afternoon. Damn, my panties are wet again, and I don't have a spare pair in my bag.
Hermes's middle-aged secretary ushers us into his office, directing us towards the informal seating area. Secretly, I'm exceedingly happy with his choice of secretary. I'm not good at sharing. I glance around his office that looks like a work of art with marble floors, circular ring chandeliers, slanted stainless steel and glass panoramic semi-circular windows.
"Please, help yourselves to drinks and food. Mr. Alexis will be with you shortly."
Her head bobs to the freshly brewed coffee, various pastries, bottles of mineral water, strawberries, and champagne all neatly arranged on the long coffee table. We thank her in unison, then relax into the plush couch. I steal a glance at Ana. The corners of her mouth quirk up, her leaf green eyes widening in incredulity.
"What have you done to poor Gabriel? This is a feast worthy of a queen."
"What can I say, I have mad skills in the bedroom," I brag shamelessly, cracking a smug grin.
"I can definitely vouch for her mad skills in the bedroom, Ana," Hermes teases, taking us off guard.
"He-Gabriel!" I exclaim, biting my lower lip seductively. Gosh, I almost said Hermes. I need to be more careful.
"Did you expect someone else, gorgeous?"
His eyes light with mischief, giving me a hungry, sweeping gaze. Raw, wild need passes between us. I lower my head, my hand smoothing an invisible crease on my skirt. He drops on the couch, leisurely crossing one leg over the other. I focus my gaze intently on the black liquor cabinet opposite me. But damn, his sculpted face is in my line of sight. A soft chuckle slips past his lips as he playfully tilts his head at me. What's happening to you? Every time I see him his absurdly gorgeous face melts my insides like snow in the rain.
"Hey Gabriel," she greets him in a strained voice. He runs his fingers through his thick hair.
"Don't be nervous, Ana. You have done an amazing job on the album." His voice is low but authoritative. My heart speeds up, smoldering heat spreading through my body. He's so delectable. Stop it. You are here to support Anastacia, not jump on your sexy boyfriend. I mentally slap myself to dispel my impure thoughts.
"I can't help myself, knowing as soon as the album is out people will judge my music."
He leans towards the coffee table and pours champagne into the crystal champagne flutes, offering one to Anastacia. It's midday, but when in Rome, do what Romans do, right? He moves his lithe body closer to mine, his full lips spread into a sexy smirk before he hands me the champagne. His fresh, ocean pine scent tickles my nostrils and I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with it. My hands tingle with the primal need to bury my fingers into his wild hair, pull him closer and devour his full, succulent lips. Hermes's eyes sparkle with amusement as if he can hear what I'm thinking, but I keep my mind closed, which I know will drive him mad.
His long, elegant fingers deliberately graze over mine before moving away. My hand trembles as I lift the crystal flute to my mouth. I take a long sip, our eyes locked together. His indigo blue eyes are as deep as the ocean, pulling me into their depths. The longer I gaze into them, the deeper and deeper I fall…until there is no other option but to let myself drown in him. He's the yang to my yin and the light to my dark. We are two sides of the same coin. An eternity ago, he was my first love and hopefully the last. After Persephone disappeared, I shut myself off from everyone, letting my grief consume me. It must have been the Fates’s will for us to cross paths again.
Ana clears her throat, breaking the connection. Thank you, Ana. Hermes picks up the flute from the table, his eyes darting over to her. A playful smile dances on the corner of his lips.
"Ana, the contract is ready for you to sign. Has your lawyer checked it before we seal the deal?" She twirls the flute in her hands, giving away that she's still feeling nervous.
"Yes, it all looks good, so I'm good to go."
"Before we go into the boring stuff, I'd like to say how excited and honored I'm that you are joining us. Midnight Records doesn't have any artists like you. I've been in this business for a long time, and I can tell you with certainty that I've never worked with such a unique and talented artist."
"Thank you, Gabriel." Ana's cheeks grow redder and her lower lip quivers.
Her aura dulls into a murky yellow with an overlay of washed-out blue. She's feeling uncomfortable because she's not used to being praised, yet she should have been because she's the most kind-hearted, compassionate, and amiable soul that I've ever known. I place my hand over hers and squeeze it, letting her know that I'm here for her. She locks her eyes with mine, her face radiant with gratitude. We spend the next hour discussing plans for a country-wide tour to promote her debut album. My heart swells with pride. In the darkest of hours, she worked hard on conquering her fear of singing in front of crowds of people. She started with small local clubs, then weddings, and now she's getting ready to take the ultimate test and sing in front of enormous crowds. Hermes explained she will support larger bands to help her gain fans and make a name for herself.
Ana sits with her legs curled on the couch, coffee cup in one hand and a book in the other. Uplifting and euphoric vocal trance music plays in the background. The melody is joyful, beautiful. I feel like I'm soaring through the clouds, gliding on air, my heart full of joy. Lucie follows me to the kitchen, rubbing her head on my legs, demanding attention. I pick her up, gently stroking the silky fur behind her ears. She releases a deep affirmative purr, then nuzzles my face. Love you too, Lucie. I stroll over to my bestie, planting my ass on the couch opposite her and place Lucie on my knees. She raises her head, placing the book on her lap. Something is on her mind, but I can see she doesn't know how to ask me. She widens her eyes, looking like a frightened deer caught in the headlights.
"Whatever it is, just say it, babe."
"I watched you and Gabriel today, feeling like a creepy voyeur. The air was so thick with sexual tension, I almost choked on it. It made me wonder…what if I hadn't run away from Haiden? Deep in my heart, I know it was more than a one-night stand, Leenie."
"Gosh, I'm sorry if we made you feel uncomfortable. As for Haiden, you made a decision based on what you felt at the time. I might not agree with your reasons, but I’ll always support you. It’s done now, please try not to be hard on yourself, Ana." She lowers her gaze, her throat bobbing as she swallows. I don’t understand why she can’t see her inner and outer beauty, but growing up with a self-obsessed mother like Enrika destroyed her self-esteem.
When she doesn't answer, I continue, "If you want to see him, Gabriel and I could set up a double date soon. That way, if you feel like running again, I can take you home." She rubs the book cover absentmindedly while her eyebrows furrow in concentration. Her bright aura pulsates with vivid orange and yellow. She's excited at the prospect of seeing Hades again. My heart swells with happiness. Go Ana.
"How about a tarot reading? Are you up for it? I really want to know if I should get involved with him." Her voice shakes, betraying her genuine feelings. It must have been on her mind for a long time. I'd have offered to read the cards earlier, but I didn't think she was in the right headspace for a reading.
"Of course, babes. You don't need to ask." I lift Lucie from my lap. She releases a long, plaintive meow, informing me she's annoyed with me for disturbing her sleep. Lucie stretches, then jumps over to Anastacia. I get my cards from my bedroom, then clear the coffee table. Ana's eyes sparkle with excitement, despite trying hard to hide it by gently stroking Lucie's head. I hand her the cards.
"Clear your mind as you shuffle the cards, and visualize what you want to know. Ask the cards to give you the likely outcome of your question." A line appears between her arched, light eyebrows. She closes her eyes, slowly shuffling the cards. After a moment, she stops and hands them back to me.
I lay down three cards from the top pile, then turn them one by one. High Priestess, Wheel of Fortune, and Justice. Hmm, what an interesting combination. The question is, how much and what information do I give her? I swallow twice to dislodge the lump in the back of my throat. Like with any other divination methods, tarot cards show the present situation and probable outcomes. The person who asks has free will and can always influence the outcome. However, when the person needs to learn a particular karmic lesson, then it's harder for them to exert control over the predicted events. She deserves to know what she will get herself into if she pursues this relationship.
