A Change in Fortune

The girls giggled when Madame Leroi read Ella’s cards, her eyes glowing theatrically in the dim light.

“Beware! A man you’ll meet, with dark hair and large feet! Look for a smart green coat and keys to a boat, a sign from above that you’ll find true love!”

Janice elbowed Ella in the ribs, chuckling, “You’re going to fall in love with a tall rich guy!”

Ella didn’t believe any of this hullaballoo. The stuffy shop filled with odd trinkets, the woman dressed in layered skirts and oversized jewelry that tinkled and jangled as she waved her hands wildly in the air, it was all for show, but she laughed along with her girlfriends anyway. It was entertaining at the least.

**

Ella had forgotten about that night with the fortune teller. It had been well over a year, and the tall rich man was far from her mind. She was late for work and in desperate need of coffee. She rounded the corner of Broad Street hoping that the line wouldn’t be too long at her favorite coffee shop. She was half running, half walking and digging in her purse for her chapstick at the same time when a man, his eyes glued to his phone, ran right into her, knocking her off her feet and spewing the contents of her purse all over the street. She choked back tears, holding her scraped hand against her chest.

“Ouch!”

“Watch where you’re going!” The man scoffed and walked off without a single look back, stomping his big foot over Ella’s wallet as he left.

Ella turned to yell at him and noticed his dark hair, his nicely tailored green coat, and a keychain peeking from his back pocket, the foam kind that floats in water. That was the man the fortune teller told her about! He was everything she had described, except that he was a total prick. Dejected, Ella turned back to grab her things before they were kicked about by the passing pedestrians.

“Hey, I saw that guy run into you! What an asshole! Do you need help?”

Ella looked up and met the most beautiful green eyes she’d ever seen, clear like the sea on a cloudless day. They were set in a cherub-like freckled face framed by a halo of bright red curly hair. The girl began to help Ella gather her things.

“Wow, thanks! Um, yeah I…”

“I’m Fiona, by the way,” and the girl stuck out her hand to help Ella up off the street.

“Ella. Thanks for helping me. Um, can I get you a coffee?”

Ella would definitely be late to work now, but something told her, it would be worth it.