Keith, single and in his thirties, is given a paid tarot reading session with a top psychic for his birthday. Unexpectedly, after the Lovers card is drawn, the reading produces four nines in a row, which the psychic says is a strong message from the universe. To find love, Keith must keep his eyes open for occurrences of nine.<br><br>On his way to meet up with his friend George, Keith meets George’s friend Zvika, someone he has always found unnerving. As Keith also gets to know Zvika, though, he finds himself drawn to the enigmatic man. But they are unalike, and while opposites might attract, can they live happily ever after? Is the persistent number nine a problem or a solution?

The Fool

But just then, as the music played, Zvika stepped into the middle of the room, and began to dance. Immediately it was entrancing. He moved slowly around, taking a step and dipping with his knees slightly as he turned, holding his arms out sideways, the forearms vertically up. It was magical.


I found myself wanting to join in, but at the same time not wanting to appear silly. Then I looked at the restrained faces of my friends, and thought: Why not?


I moved to next to Zvika, and began to imitate his movements. They were slow, but repetitive, and gradually I began to get the idea. Zvika caught my eye and nodded encouragingly. Then I noticed Anne of all people joining us, and that made me feel less self-conscious.


Chapter 16