I cared what she thought, so when she dared me I knew I was in trouble. I never believed in going to psychics, but I was desperate. My relationship with Travis was going nowhere. I needed some guidance, so I called Madame Muska. She has a proven track record with the lovelorn. Taking a risk, I gave her a call.

"Madame Muska's Psychic Hotline."

"Hi, my name is Susan, and I need some love advice."

"Sure, honey. You came to the right place."

"I've never done this before."

"That's OK, Susan. Just let me do the reading. I can feel your aura."

"My aura?"

"Yes, I can feel it over the phone lines. Now, you have a boyfriend."

"Yes! How did you know that?"

"Madame Muska knows everything, honey. Your Travis is not meeting your needs."

"You know his name, too! I haven't even told you my problem and already..."

"Shush, honey. Let me get a vision here."

"OK."

"Travis has yet to ask you to marry him. After ten years, you're still holding on to this loser? Honey, I can tell you this."

"What?"

"Take the high road, Susan. Travis is not the man for you. Dump him. I know it's hard, but in the end you'll find a man worthy of you."

"Well, I've been thinking of doing just that. I still love him but can't hold out for him to make a commitment."

"Susan, he doesn't love you. I can feel it. Dump him and move on with your life. The cards say this man will do nothing but make you miserable."

"OK, if that's your advice."

"Honey, I'm never wrong about these things."

"But what about later? What's in the future for me?"

"I see a tall blond man entering your life. He's dashing, sophisticated, and fabulously wealthy. He will treat you like a queen."

"Oh, so if I dump Travis, I will meet this dream man? When? How?"

"I see a place...a store...a department store. You will meet him there. You will fall for each other at once."

"Oh, so all I need to do is go shopping and I'll meet him."

"Yes, but I caution you: Don't try to find this man on your own. Let him come to you."

"OK, I trust your judgement. I'll dump Travis right away."

I met my dream man all right. Now, seven years and three kids later, I'm in the middle of a nasty divorce and custody suit.

And what happened to Travis after I told him to hit the road?

I read this announcement in the paper today:

"Renowned TV psychic Marta Muska and her husband, Internet tycoon Travis Taylor, signed another multimillion dollar deal today with Viacom..."

Copyright©2003 by P.R. Parker