Chapter Text
- I think it'd be fun, cmon
Armie hesitates and thanks the heavens he is giving her back to her and she cannot see his face full of horror and hopelessness
- The kids wanna go see that animal farm Todd told us about
- That can wait
Of course it can, everything not-you-related can
- Do we even believe in tarot readings? This is the first time I hear you are interested in them
- I think it'd be fun, c'mon. - Elizabeth repeats herself
- I don't feel comfortable with a stranger learning our business - He tries
- I wanna know if Harper's sister is gonna happen - she replies matter-of-factly
You don't need a tarot reading for that, you need to get me shitfaced or preferably roofied
- What if they have cameras and sell the story? - He is really trying
- More clients for Bird Bakery! Everybody wins
And by everybody you mean you… your obnoxiousness is costing me jobs
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- Hi, my name is Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, this is my husband, we want a Reading
Armie is mortified by her wife's entitlement and rudeness. He takes a deep breath, smiles as he learnt to do in these situations and addresses the receptionist, a kind- looking 20 something who is trying really hard to hide the first impression his wife has left on him.
- Hi, Im Armie, we see you guys are quite crowded but we were wondering if you maybe take walk-ins? - He goes for his perfect smile/head-tilt combo and the young guy smiles back, appreciative of his manners.
- Hi Armie, I'm Matteo, welcome! Actually all these people here are waiting for our Healers; our readers are mostly available…
- Great, couples Reading...would you agree on a discount for a tag in an insta story?
The sign behind the open-jawed poor fella reads 25 pounds.
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Mrs. Helga Brown is writing the voucher for the couple in front of her -newlyweds looking to know if her job offer is worth spending 12 months apart -when the young man from the reception signs she has new clients. She winks a confirmation and hands the piece of paper to the smiling husband.
- Tania and Joseph…
- What? the husband and wife look at her confused
- Their names…. give it a year, a year and a half… -she winks and waits a moment for the news to sink in
- OH MY GOD REALLY!?!?!
- Good luck and if you come back to London with them, come see me and I will bless them, free of charge, of course.
When Elizabeth sees the 2 leaving the room she was told their Reader was in, she gets up immediately and starts walking in its direction. Armie sighs for the nth time and -doesn't know why- looks at Matteo with pleading eyes
- Ma'am….our readers always take a few minutes between readings to clean the energy of the room , she will come get you when she is ready - as I told you before…
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When Helga walks out to greet her new clients, she is bombarded by a feeling that reminds her of her ex-husband, followed by the smell of freshly baked cookies and the warmth of her children's hugs after a long day apart.
- Helgs!!!, this is Armie and Elizabeth, they would like a couple's Reading - Matteo smiles at Helga and points at them. Armie gets up, smiles a thanks to him and turns to Helga with his hand out for a handshake
- Hello Helga, thank you for seeing us without an appointment. - Helga looks at the both of them and fakes a cough
- Hello, - shaking Armie's hand - no worries, walk-ins are always welcome...couple's Reading you say?
- Yes, we already told the receptionist we are going together - Elizabeth interrupts and flashes her bright smile. She doesn't actually greets Helga.
- Yes, Matteo even added us to your weekly praying circle, he said the first 10 couples get a place for free! - Armie says, making sure to wink at Matteo who winks back thanking him for remembering his name
-Yes!... the praying circle...for happy couples! - Helga smiles, somehow it reaches her eyes.
- That's us!! - Elizabeth smiles even brighter, if possible, grabs Armie's arm and rests her head on his shoulder. She winks several times.
- Uhmm, Elizabeth, right? Can I...can I take a look at your hand for a second? - Helga extends her hands for her to take, she offers one hand and keeps the other encircled around his biceps. Helga looks intently and smiles - … ooooh darling...I think I have a special message for you - Elizabeth'eyes widen, obviously thinking this is about a new addition to the family.
- Is it a new baby? We both wanna know! - Elizabeth starts giggling and looks up at Armie whose eyes go between Helga and Matteo as if they were playing the Grand Slam.
- Oh darling, it is better if i see you alone but dont worry, it is only good news… - She lets go of Elizabeth's hand and looks at Armie fondly. - Armie, do not feel sad, I will see you too, you won't leave empty-handed
- But… we paid…- Elizabeth starts protesting
- Oh right! Matteo dear, please make sure to refund them fully. - Helga turns to Matteo , who nods and opens the register.
- You got it Helgs - He replies to her but keeps his eyes on Armie
- In cases like this - she starts explaining - when the Masters have a different plan for the Readings, we don't charge you...it is a good thing we only take cash, isn't it? it makes everything easier when this happens - she finishes with a smile
- But we came as a couple, we want a couples Reading, we wanna know about the future of our family - Elizabeth continues
A couple of people in the small waiting room start moving uncomfortably on their seats, Helga hates this part. Matteo turns up the volume of whatever spiritual music he is playing from the computer. She smiles again.
And Armie knows she is making the whole thing up.
- And you will!!! you will darling, now please if you follow me? - Helga walks a few steps and turns around to a dumbfounded Elizabeth and amused Armie and Matteo.
- Shall we?