* * * *
Lance rushed into the diner with Chuck right behind.
“You’re early. Very good.” Carlotta wore a white turban on her head and a red silk scarf around her neck. She sat at a table with a crystal ball in front of her.
“We need to talk.”
“Yes, vee do, but not yet.” She pointed to the dozen vases of roses on the counter and shook her finger. “Sit and be quiet.”
Lance hoped to explain the mix-up about his and Chuck’s financial situation. “But—”
“Quiet. Da spirits are here, and I don’t vant dhem to be disturbed. I vill read you now. Sit.” She closed her eyes and ran her hands around the crystal ball, never quite touching it.
As she began to hum, he and Chuck sat down. They looked at each other and shrugged. The explanations would have to wait.
“Your hearts are so big, young men. I know you like sveet Danielle, but to use all your tip money for dhese roses vas so foolish.”
Lance realized Carlotta believed that was how two supposed homeless men had purchased the flowers. “About that—”
“No talking, please. The vibrations are very sensitive at the moment.” The sweet woman opened her eyes and stared into the crystal ball. “Ah. Da spirits tell me dhat you belong vith her.” Her gaze lifted to them. “A single rose vould’ve sufficed.”
Lance knew it was way past time to let her know about his and Chuck’s fortune, but before he could, Carlotta’s attention returned to the ball. Her eyes widened. “This is very odd.”
Lance was completely intrigued. “What? What do you see?”
“I see you and Chuck sitting on piles of gold.” She smiled, covering the crystal with her silk scarf. “Boys, you might consider buying a lottery ticket. Dis must be your lucky day.”
Danielle rushed in, looking so beautiful. Her face was flushed. Behind her came a man.
“Brandon, take a seat over dhere. I need to talk privately vith Danielle and dhese men.”
He nodded, sliding into one of the booths.
Lance wondered who the guy was and why he was with Danielle. He spotted a wedding ring on Brandon’s finger, putting him at ease.
Before he or Chuck could speak, Danielle started talking so rapidly, her words were running together. “Carlotta, this is my fault. They aren’t but Michael is friends and they are, too.”
“Slow down, child.” Carlotta grinned. “Take a breath.”
“I spilled tea on them and they started to help me.”
The more she rambled, the more he wanted to sweep her up in his arms and kiss her.
“Another breath, young lady.”
“And they don’t need this job. Not one bit. Don’t you see, Carlotta?”
They all laughed.
Carlotta took off her turban. “I don’t understand a dhing, Danielle, you’ve said. Da spirits speak more clearly dhan you do, my dear.”
“Let me explain.” Lance told Carlotta how the mix-up happened.
“So you agreed to come vork for me so you could be close to Danielle? Is dhat da real reason?”
Danielle smiled, which pleased him very much.
“We didn’t lie, Carlotta.” Chuck was trying to worm his way out of this mess. “Plus, you’re a tough negotiator. You’d made up your mind we were going to work for you, and it was hard to tell you no. I would love to have you on my side of the table the next time I buy a company.”