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she’s also borderline cuckoo.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Gil asked as they drove along the coastal road.
    â€œYou’ll see,” said Prescott.
    When they crossed a stone bridge over the Waspanoag River and arrived at the gate to Lenore’s house, there was a sign posted out front with purple and green lettering.
    PSYCHIC YOGA
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
FORTUNE-TELLING
WANT TO KNOW YOUR FUTURE
OR YOUR PAST?
JUST ASK LENORE!
    Gil and his grandfather exchanged a glance as they drove up to the house, in front of which stood an old station wagon covered in more rust than paint. Gil didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as he met Lenore, he liked her. She was only a couple of years younger than Prescott, and her white hair was cut shorter than Gil’s. Her glasses seemed to always be slipping down her nose, and she had a natural smile, with lots of tanned wrinkles on her face. Lenore led them through the house to a glassed-in porch facing the ocean. From here they had a view of the beach and could see the Carville lighthouse in the distance.
    â€œI know your grandfather is going to have iced tea, but I’m sure you’d like something else to drink,” she said.
    Gil shrugged politely.
    â€œRoot beer or ginger ale?”
    â€œGinger ale, please,” said Gil.
    Lenore smiled again. “I’ve got a grandson named Martin who lives in New Mexico. He’s about your age. Every time I see him, he’s grown another inch.”
    As they sat down, Gil caught sight of a huge Persian cat stepping through the door that opened onto the porch. The furry animal looked like an angora sweater come to life. Lenore snapped her fingers.
    â€œHis name is Xerxes,” she said as the cat sauntered over to where they sat, tail raised like an ostrich plume. “He’s the main reason your grandfather and I can’t live together.”
    Gil looked across at Prescott, who frowned.
    â€œHe’s got a dog. I’ve got a cat,” Lenore continued. “We tried to introduce them once. Nearly killed each other!”
    â€œCats and postmen,” said Prescott. “The two things Kip can’t stand.”
    Lenore stroked Xerxes’ head as he nuzzled her leg.
    â€œDo you have a girlfriend, Gil?” she asked.
    The question took him by surprise, and he swallowed his ginger ale quickly before it came out his nose. Then he shook his head.
    â€œToo bad,” said Lenore. “We’ll have to find someone for you.”
    â€œNow, don’t get started,” Prescott warned. “Leave the poor guy alone. He’s got a friend named Nargis.”
    â€œNargis?” said Lenore.
    â€œShe’s not my girlfriend,” said Gil, trying to stop blushing.
    Xerxes ambled across and let him scratch behind one ear. The cat’s fur felt like brushed silk.
    A short while later, just as the sun was setting over the bay, Lenore served dinner—baked cod with green beans, scalloped potatoes and sweet corn. For dessert they had apple pie and ice cream.
    â€œI hope the food’s all right,” said Lenore. “I don’t know what your grandfather has been feeding you.”
    â€œIt tastes great,” said Gil. Then after chewing a bite he asked, “Can you really tell a person’s future?”
    Lenore laughed. “Of course I can.”
    â€œOr so she says …,” Prescott added with a wink.
    â€œYour grandfather is the biggest skeptic in the world,” said Lenore. “He doesn’t believe in anything that lies beyond the end of his nose. I’ve tried to read his fortune several times, but he refuses. Maybe he’s just scared to find out the truth.”
    â€œOr maybe I’m just sensible,” said Prescott, leaning back in his chair.
    â€œHow can you tell someone’s fortune?” Gil asked, feeling curious and cautious at the same time.
    â€œMostly, I look at the lines on the palm of a person’s hand, or I