Mel looked at Madam Olga. A scarf covered her head and a shawl her stooped shoulders. They sat at opposite sides of a small table, draped with a carpet remnant. He was interested in learning about the future but didn’t want to be scammed.
“May I ask something?”
“What’s your name again?”
“Mel. Why do you ask?”
“Just checking. Sometimes, people give false names. What’s the question?”
“This is legit? You really can tell the future by looking at my palm or reading cards?”
It was a late Tuesday afternoon. Trying to avoid traffic, taking a different route home, he’d gotten lost. He pulled to the side of a narrow street after passing a pawn shop, a small pizza parlor, and a costume jewelry store that also offered check-cashing. What were the chances he’d park before MADAM OLGA–FORTUNES TOLD?
“The crystal ball’s the way to go. It’s $15 for a palm, $25 for the cards, and $37.50 for the ball. But I’ll take $35 for cash.”
“You really can tell the future?”
Her dull yellow eyes focused on his neck. How often did she have to answer that?
“I can tell the past, too, Mel. You asked that twice.”
“Could I get just a little sample before I pay?”
Mel had never bargained with a medium before. He tried to remember if he had any cash. She figured him for not having enough.
“How about your immediate future?”
“Okay, that’ll be good.”
“Well, in about 35 seconds, I’ll know exactly what you’ll be thinking.”
“What’d you mean?”
She paused, perhaps for dramatic effect.
“It’s about 20 seconds now.”
“Tell me.”
“You’ll be wondering whether to come up with $37.50, as I’ll ask, or else leave, as I’ll demand…”