Reluctant Adept: Book Three of A Clairvoyant's Complicated Life Read Online Free PDF Page A

stirred my hunger. A growl issued from my stomach almost loud enough to be heard over a boisterous cheer. Behind me, Kieran slipped inside, and I watched him take in our surroundings, fascination crinkling the delicate skin at the outer corners of his eyes.
    While I hung up my jacket and gently repositioned my purse at my hip, so as not to disturb Red, I surveyed the large shop for the source of the raucous cheers. A small group of six or seven had gathered near a vintage Ms. Pac-Man arcade game, no doubt watching Julie's brother compete with whoever he'd suckered into going head-to-head with him, a challenge that no doubt involved shots of tequila for the loser. Tom was a lot like his sister, he approached everything he did with an infectious joie de vivre that even a toga-wearing frat boy would envy. Although, when the morning-after hit, maybe not so much.
    My mouth watered at the piquant fragrance of pickled jalapeños, onions, and cheese. I'd dig ditches through hardpan for a plate of Julie's nachos.
    Dozens of friendly eyes met mine as I searched the familiar crowd in search of my good friend. Clusters of people peppered the spacious coffee shop, some sitting at tables or in the padded chairs surrounding the in-the-round fireplace, others standing in small groups, chatting over their drinks and plates of food. A mob hung out at the back counter where Julie usually set up the refreshments. Here and there I caught a few new faces.
    The loiterers hovering near the counter parted and Julie bounded toward me. I waved at people I knew, responding to variations of 'Hey, Lire!' until my friend of seven years halted practically in my face, hands on her hips, sleek brown ponytail swinging.
    "You're never late! I thought you forgot!" she exclaimed. Her attention wandered to Kieran. She blinked long, her eyebrows pursuing her hairline, as her gaze flitted from his face down to his toes and then reversed course. "Never mind. I forgive you."
    She shook herself and turned to me, her grin wide and a little sloppy. Someone was tipsy. "Holy crap, Li-Li, you weren't kidding. Get out the Dustbuster. Worth every crumb," she gushed, admiring Kieran and nodding her head gravely. "Monday through Saturday and twice on Sunday. Your eyes do not lie, girlfriend. I'll never doubt you again. Swear." She held up her hand, pinkie waving.
    I gazed heavenward. "God save me from drunken best friends," I grumbled, cheeks heating, and then narrowed my eyes at her. "I've got three words for you: The Lucky Caldron. Behave, or a certain someone's going to learn all about the bachelorette party gone wrong."
    She rolled her eyes. "Please. That secret's following us to the grave and you know it. Pinkie swears are absolute."
    I pursed my lips to hide my grin and leaned closer. "Remind me to stop confiding in you." Straightening, I said, "Kieran, this is Julie, my soon-to-be ex -best friend." I shot her a warning glare, knowing it was a lost cause but unable to help myself. "Jules, this is Kieran."
    She stuck out her hand and Kieran shook it, his lips quirked by an amused smile. After they exchanged good-to-meet-yous, Kieran looked at her askance. "Dustbuster? I imagine there's a hidden meaning at work here," he observed, glancing at me before his eyes narrowed and turned conspiratorial.
    I leveled a finger at Julie. "Don't even think about it," I said, voice pitched low, but she just snickered.
    Ignoring me, she took Kieran by the elbow. "Kieran, hon, I'm so glad you asked." Smug grin firmly in place, she guided him toward the refreshments. "It's a private joke Lire and I cooked up after a night of one too many drinks. You ever hear the saying, 'I'd let him eat crackers in my bed any day?'"
    He chuckled. "No, I can't say I have."
    She stopped to peer up at him, unsteady in her stance as she cocked her hip. Her chain-link belt, which perched low on her hips, clanked softly. "I don't need to explain it, do I?"
    "Crumbs in one's sheets are a terrible business," he