He quickly got back to her, and for the next couple of months, the two were e-mailing and chatting like star struck lovers.
What Mark did not see coming was that his obsession with finding love and joy would bring about a devious plan, which would wipe him out financially and leave him emotionally destroyed? Moreover, if the community was lacking in gossip, it was about to be hit with the biggest scandal that would leave folks buzzing like bees making honey.
Just about every other day, Mark and Misty were talking on the telephone. She was planning to purchase a spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico and needed help in deciding if investing in such an endeavor would be a wise move.
The asking price for the health spa was eight hundred thousand dollars and came with all the equipment and supplies to get started.
The location was ideal because it was a great tourist attraction.
She wanted to purchase the business right out rather than take on a mortgage. Having most of the money, she would borrow the rest.
Mark had no experience with this type of enterprise but thought the idea was brilliant.
Wondering if relocating to New Mexico was the answer, he invited her to come to New York. They would discuss the undertaking and come up with a plan.
She promptly accepted his invitation.
He purchased an open-ended plane ticket for her, and in two weeks, she would be in New York.
Mark was getting the house ready for Misty's arrival. He went to the store to stock up on food and other items. For the very first time, he did not feel unfilled or alone. When he got back home, there was a flyer in his door, which read:
Astrology Reading by Grace - Consults and advises on all matters, such as love, marriage, and business. All readings are private and confidential.
What a coincidence, he thought. After all, he was about to take on a new love interest, a major business undertaking, and a possible marriage.
Is this a sign that my life is finally going in the right direction? he asked himself.
Suddenly he became excited, and the next day he paid the woman a visit.
When Mark entered Grace's establishment, an elderly and cordial woman greeted and escorted him into a tiny room in the back of the storefront.
Her specialty was palm, tarot, and psychic readings and examining numerology, crystal, and astrology charts.
Since this was his first time visiting this type of venue, he was baffled as to which reading to have.
Grace asked, "What matters are of interest to you?"