Thats where I come in, he says, voice quiet, subdued, eyes seeking mine. She wants me to be our go-between since she cant speak directly to youat least not outside of your dreams. Though she wants you to know she can always hear you.
I look at him, skepticism taking over again. Our go-between? Would Riley really want that? Does that mean she trusts him? And if so, why? Does she know about our past? And whats that about our dreamslast time she appeared in my dream it was more like a nightmare. A riddle-filled nightmare that didnt make any sense.
I look at Jude again, wondering if I can trust himif hes somehow making this up? Maybe the twins told himmaybe he Googled the accident and
Shes leaving, he says, nodding as he smiles and waves good-bye at my supposedly invisible sister. Would you like to say anything before she goes?
I grip the sides of my seat, gazing down at the desk as I struggle to breathe. The space feeling suddenly cramped, confined, as though the ceiling is dropping as the walls cave in. Having no idea if I can trust him, if Riley is here, if any of this is even real.
All I know is that I need to get out of here.
Get some air.
His voice calling after me as I spring from the desk and bolt for the doorhaving no idea where Im headed, but hoping its vast, open, far from him.
CHAPTER 37
I run out the door and head for the beach, heart racing, mind spinning, forgetting to slow down to a more normal speed until Im already there. Toes tipped toward the water, a cloud of sand and bewildered people left in my wake. Each of them squinting and shaking their heads, telling themselves they imagined it, couldnt possibly be. No one can run that fast.
No one who appears as normal as me.
I abandon my flip-flops and wade farther in, at first stopping to roll the hem of my jeans, then deciding not to care when a wave comes and wets them to my knees. Just wanting to feel somethingsomething tangible, physicala problem with an obvious fix. Unlike the kind Ive been wrestling with.
And though Im no stranger to loneliness, Ive never felt quite as lonely as this. Ive always had someone to go to. SabineRileyDamenmy friendsbut now with my entire family gone, Sabine busy with Munoz, my boyfriend on a break, and friends I cant confide inwhats the point?
Whats the point of having these powers, the ability to manipulate energy and manifest things, if I cant manifest the one thing I really want?
Whats the point of seeing ghosts when I cant see the ones who actually mean something to me?
Whats the point of living forever if Im forced to live it like this?
I go deeper, til Im up to mid-thigh, never having felt so alone on such an overcrowded beach, so helpless on such a bright and sunny day. Refusing to budge when he comes up from behind, grasping my shoulder and trying to pull me away from the waves. Enjoying the slam of water as it wets my skin, the ceaseless push and pull, luring me in.
Hey. His eyes narrowed against the sun as he studies me closely, refusing to loosen his grip til hes sure Im okay. What do you say we head back inside? Voice calm, careful, as though Im fragile, delicate, capable of doing just about anything.
I swallow hard and hold my ground, gaze fixed on the horizon when I say, If you were jokingif you were in any way playing me I shake my head, unable to finish, but the threat is implied.
Never. He squeezes tighter, holding me steady, pulling me up and over a small oncoming wave. You read me, Ever. That very first day. You know what I can dowhat I can see. I take a deep breath, about to speak when he adds, And just so you know, shes been with you several times since. Not every time, but most of them. Though this is the first time she spoke.
And why is that? I turn, gaze meeting his. Having no real reason not to believe, but needing to be as sure as I can.
I guess she wanted to build a little trust. He shrugs. Not unlike you.
I look at him, gaze into those sea green eyes, the truth laid open, bared for me to see. Hes not lying, not at all playing, certainly not making it up. He really does see Riley, and his only agenda is to help.
I think this is why we found each other. He nods, voice lowered to almost a whisper. I wonder if Riley arranged this?
Riley orsomething elsesomething greater than us? I stare at the ocean, wondering if he recognizes me like I recognize him. If he feels the ping in the gut, the prickle of skin, the strange yet familiar pullthe same things I feel? And if so, what does it mean? Do we really have unfinished businesskarma that must be addressed?
Is there really no such thing as coincidence?
I can teach you, he says, gaze like a promise he wants to fulfill. Theres no guaranteebut I can try.
I remove myself from his grip and wade farther in, not caring that my bottom halfs soaking while the rest of mes dry.
Everyone has the ability. Just like everyones psychicor at the very least intuitive. Its just a matter of how open one is, how willing to let go and learn. But with your giftstheres no reason why you cant learn to see her too.
I glance at him, but only briefly, somethings caught my attentionsomething that
The trick is to raise your vibrationgetting it to a level where
We dont see the wave until its already cresting, leaving us no time to duck dive or at the very least run. The only thing keeping me from a complete and total wipeout are Judes incredibly fast reflexes and the strength of his arms.
You okay? he asks, gaze boring into mine.
But my attentions elsewhere, drawn to that warm wonderful pull, the familiar loving essence that only belongs to one persononly belongs to him
Watching as Damen cuts through the water, board tucked under his arm, body so sculpted, so bronzed, Rembrandt would weep. Water sluicing behind him like a hot knife through butter, cleanly, fluidly, as though parting the sea.
My lips part, desperate to speak, to call out his name and bring him back to me. But just as Im about to, my eyes meet his and I see what he sees: mehair tangled and wetclothes twisted and clingingfrolicking in the ocean on a hot sunny day with Judes tanned strong arms still wrapped around me.
I release myself from Judes grip, but its too late. Damens already seen me.
Already moved on.
Leaving me hollow, breathless, as I watch him retreat.
No tulips, no telepathic message, just a sad, empty void left behind in his place.
CHAPTER 38
Jude follows me out of the water and halfway down the beach, calling after me, trying to keep up, finally surrendering when I cross the street and head toward the store where Haven works.
I need to talk to someone, confide in a friend. Put it all out there and unburden myself, no matter the cost.
Immune to the weight of my soaking wet jeans, the slap of fabric, my clinging, damp teenot even thinking about manifesting something dry to wear until I get to the door and find Roman there.
Sorry, no shoes, no shirt, no service. He smiles. Though I must say, I am enjoying the view.
I follow his gaze all the way down to my chest, covering it with my arms when I see how my top has gone pretty much see-thru.
I need to talk to Haven. I start to push past him only to be blocked once again.
Ever, please. This is a classy establishment. Maybe you should come back when youre a little morepulled together.
I peer over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of a fairly large space so opulent, so packed with stuff, its like the inside of Genies bottle. Crystal chandeliers hanging from the rafters, iron sconces and framed oil paintings marking the walls, while the floors are covered with colorful, woven, overlapping rugs as antique furnishings butt up against rack after rack of vintage clothing and tall glass display cases filled with trinkets and jewelry.
Just tell me if shes here. I glare, patience running thin as he looks me over and smirks. Trying to tune into her energy and assuming hes blocking me when I dont get very far.
Maybe yesmaybe no. Whos to say? He reaches into his pocket and retrieves a pack of cigarettes, offering one to me. But I just roll my eyes and make a face, seeing him squint as he brings his lighter to the tip, inhaling deeply then exhaling as he says, Fer chrissakes, Ever, live a little! Immortality is wasted on you!
I frown, making a show of waving the smoke out of my face when I say, Who owns this place? Realizing Ive never noticed it before and wondering what his connection could be.
He takes a long drag, eyes narrowed, catlike, as he looks me over from my head to my feet. You think Im joking but Im not. No self-respecting immortal would ever be seen looking like that. He wags a finger at me. And yetand yetfeel free to keep the topjust be sure to change all the rest. He leers, grinning at me in the most predatory way.
Who owns this place? I repeat, peering inside again, an idea beginning to form. This isnt just any old vintage store. These are Romans own personal goods. The stuff hes hoarded through the last six hundred years, doling them out diligently, selling at just the right timea dealer of antiquities.
He squints, exhaling in a series of smoke rings as he says, A friend owns it. Its of no concern of yours.
I narrow my gaze, knowing better. This is his store. Hes Havens boss, the one who signs her checks. But not wanting to let on I just say, So youve made a friend. How sad for them.
Oh, Ive made plenty. He grins, taking another deep pull before tossing the butt and stomping it out with his shoe. Unlike you, I dont alienate people. I dont hoard my gifts so to speak. Im a populist, Ever. I give the people what they want.
And whats that? I ask, part of me wondering why Im still here, dripping water onto the sidewalk, shivering in my wet jeans and see-thru tee only to engage in this useless, go-nowhere banter, while the other parts stuck, unable to move.
He smiles, deep blue eyes boring into mine as he says, Well, they want what they want now, dont they? His deep guttural laugh, almost like a growl, sending chills over my skin. Its not too hard to decipher. Perhaps youd like to venture a guess?
I peer over his shoulder, sure I saw something move. Hoping its Haven but finding the same girl I saw at his house that nightthe night I was foolish enough to stop by. Her eyes meeting mine as she makes her way around the counter and approaches the door where we standall raven black hair, coal black eyes, and smooth dark skina beauty so exotic it robs me of breath.
While its been nice chatting with you, Ever, Im afraid its time for you to move along. No offense, darlin, but youre looking a bitunkempt. Bad for business to have you loitering here. Might drive away all the customers, you understand? Though if its bus change you need He fishes around in his pocket, coming up with a handful of quarters arranged on his palm. Ive no idea how much these things costhavent had to ride one since
Since six hundred years ago, I say, narrowing my gaze. Watching the girl stop and turn the second Roman wiggles his fingers, a signal for her to back away. A gesture someone else mightve missed, but not me. Seeing her stop and head into a back room I cant see.
I turn, knowing Ive no business here. Romans voice calling out from behind me as I make my way down the street, shouting, There were no buses six hundred years ago! Youd know that if youd quit ditching history!
But I just continue, refusing to play, almost to the corner when he reaches out and grips me with his mind: Hey, Everwhat do the people want? You might want to ponder that one, could be the clue that leads you to the antidote.
I stumble, hands seeking the wall, fighting to steady myself as the sound of Romans voice crowds my head. His lilting accent singing:
Were not so different you and I. Were very much the same. And it wont be long now, darlin, til youll get the chance to prove it. Wont be long now til you finally pay the price.
Laughing heartily as he releases me and sends me on my way.
CHAPTER 39
The next day I head to work as though nothing happened, determined to get past that awkward embrace on the beach, not to mention a shared past that Jude not only has no recollection of, but that never came to fruition for a reason.
A reason named Damen.
But even though I rushed, Miles and Haven still managed to beat me, as they both lean on the counter, flirting with Jude.
Whatre you doing? I ask, struggling to keep the panic to a minimum while glancing between the three of thema triumphant Haven, a gleaming-eyed Miles, and a more than a little amused Jude.
Spilling your secrets, exaggerating your flaws, oh, and inviting Jude here to my going away partyyou know, in case you forget to. Miles laughs.
I glance at Jude, cheeks flaming, unsure what to say. Still gazing at him when Haven adds, And as luck would have it, hes free that day!
I make my way around the counter as though thats perfectly fine, as though I couldnt care less that the guy Ive apparently spent the past several centuries hooking up withthe same guy my soul mate is convinced I have unfinished business withwill be partying in my living room in just a few days.
Haven picks up the flyer advertising Judes Psychic Development class and waves it in front of my face. And how come you never mentioned this? She frowns. This kind of thing is right up my alley. You know how Im totally into this stuff. She turns to smile at Jude.
Sorry, but I really didnt. I shrug, dropping my bag under the counter and grabbing the stool next to Jude. Refusing to go along with something thats not even remotely true, and wondering just how soon I can convince them to leave.
Well, I am. Have been for a while now. She lifts her brow, looking at me in a way that dares me to refute it, but I refuse to bite. Luckily, Jude said hed try to squeeze me in, she adds with a smirk.
I shoot him a look, a quick, hard, fleeting look, watching as his shoulders pull in ever so slightly as he shrugs and heads for the back room. Returning a moment later with his board hitched under his arm, waving at the three of us as he heads out the door.