Page 179 of In Somnis

“Fine.” Jasper’s mouth twitches. He holds the crystal still again, lets it settle, then asks, “Does Lennon like my brother romantically?”

The pendulum swings so hard from YES to YES, it nearly clips the paper.

“Wow,” Jasper chuckles. “It’s really going now.”

“It’s broken.”

“It’s not broken.”

“The chain is probably just⁠—”

“Lenny.” He looks up at me with enormous patience. “It’s a crystal on a chain. There’s nothing to break.”

I press my lips together. The pendulum, unbothered, keeps going.

I should have stayed at the inn. In the kitchen. With knives.

He holds the crystal still again and looks up at me. “You know you can tell me to mind my business.”

“I did. Several times.”

“And yet the universe won’t let this one slide.” He tilts his head. “It wants you to consider my brother.”

“You want me to consider your brother.”

“The universe is speaking through me.”

“That’s very convenient for you.” I pull my knees up. “Jasper. Think about it. He’s eight years younger than me.”

“Age is only a number. And believe me, I would know. My soul is experienced.”

I stare at him. “What does that mean?”

“Past life stuff.” He waves his hand. “I’ve been here before. Multiple times, actually, my guides are very clear on that. Point is, the number on your driver’s license is basically irrelevant.”

“Jasp.”

“I’m just saying.”

I look at the ceiling for a breath. “He’s into Sydney.”

It comes out flatter than I mean it to.

Concern crosses Jasper’s face when my eyes find his again. “Right.”

“Right,” I agree.

He starts winding the chain around his fingers, then unwinds it. “I may or may not…” He’s not quite looking at me. “Have done a reading on you two. A proper compatibility spread. Not just one card.”

“Jasper…” I sigh.

“And I’m not going to tell you what the cards said exactly because that feels like overstepping⁠—”

“Oh, now you’re worried about overstepping.”

He has the grace to look briefly sheepish. “But I will say the amount of overlap in your charts was…” he searches for the word, “… not subtle.”

I don’t say anything. It’s something I’m getting quite good at with him.