“Damn, you really are an angel, huh? I’m not just seeing things.” I reverse out of the parking lot, heading to Aged Emporium, speeding the entire way. I’m still feeling lightheaded, but the sooner I can get to Aged Emporium and rid myself of his company, the better.
“Again, I don’t love the use of that word, but yeah… I guess I do ‘angelic’ things to keep Iris safe.” He rolls the window down, resting his arm on the window frame. “Man, I’ve missed sitting shotgun. Iris avoids driving; she walks nearly everywhere. Itdrivesme crazy.” He winks.
This guy is a trip.
I consider what he said, connecting the dots. When I gave Iris a ride, she seemed unsettled. “Have you ever actually prevented her from harm?” I can’t help but ask and hope the answer is no.
“Yes,” Kai says somberly. He pauses, leaning his head back on the headrest while staring off. “Just earlier this week, Iris slid on black ice while walking across the street. She was wearing shoes with zero grip, so she managed to slip two other times while attempting to stand back up. On her third try, I saw a car fast approaching, so as she stood, I lifted her up the rest of the way and made sure she could stay balanced before letting her go.”
That damn black ice.We need to set down more salt on the roads after dark. “I see. Does Iris get into situations like that often?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He grins. He has a point. Why did I even ask that?
“So, who were you to Iris?”
Kai stares off, evidently contemplating before speaking. “No one. What matters is I’m her guardian now—until I complete my mission.”
“Which is?”
“To help Iris embrace her emotions and find the peace she deserves.”
I haven’t known Iris long, but she exudes an extremely upbeat, positive energy in every environment I’ve encountered her in thus far. “So, is that why you are her guardian? Does every human have one?”
“I signed up to be a guardian after my death. When I died, I was given the choice between being a guardian or immediately ascending. Yes, she needs a guardian to help carry her through this turmoil. No, not every human has a guardian. Contrary to what many humans believe, guardians are not lifelong companions for their assignments. Guardians are not meant to be permanent fixes—they serve a purpose for a specific period of that person’s life.” I pull into Aged Emporium’s little parking lot. “Let’s say someone is struggling with addiction. They may be provided with a guardian to help them conquer their inner demons instead of turning to the substance they crave. Other people receive guardians during hard times when they need help healing physical, mental, or emotional wounds. People can receive guardians for plenty of reasons.”
“So, why does Iris have a guardian, then?”
“That isn’t my story to share.” Feeling puzzled, I open my car door and approach Aged Emporium’s doors. After walking in, I set my keys down and step behind the front counter. Kai follows, taking in the many wonders of Aged Emporium. He glances at the grandfather clock first, then his eyes wander over to a glass doll in a little rocking chair, lingering on her. “Side note: that doll’s energy isn’t great. I’d consider rehoming her.”
“Uh, yeah, that’s kind of the point of her—it—being here at the shop.” I roll my eyes. “Anyway, you said I’m the only human who’s ever seen you. Why?”
“You tell me. I imagine it has something to do with Iris.” He pauses, turning to face me directly. “You have to understand: I am here to help Iris feel whole. I want her to feel happy, safe, andfreeagain. Now, I’m not expecting you to swoop in and mend her. The amount of progress Iris has made up until this point is no small feat, but it will continue to take time and effort for her to heal. If anything, you having the ability to see me might be the secret sauce I’ve been needing.”
“Okay, you had me all the way up until the ‘secret sauce.’” I scoff.
“Look, I’m her guardian, so I’m not asking you to protect her; I’ve got that handled. But maybe, out of the little kindness in your heart, could you be there for her if she calls? She can’t see or hear me the way she can communicate with you. I think Iris needs more friends in her life who she can open up to.”Friends. Right. “It wouldn’t hurt for me to have someone to bounce ideas off of from time to time, too.”
Just before he steps outside, he eyes the jewelry in the glass display case. I follow his gaze to the shiny silver, gold, and rose gold jewelry boxes. He abruptly puts his hands in his pockets, then turns to look at me, all humor in his expression gone. “Jasper, it’s imperative you donottell Iris she has a guardian. All the growth she’s done will vanquish if she finds out. Please, do not tell her.”
Nearly tangible, the vulnerability in his eyes catches me off-guard. I’m definitely missing something here. I nod a single time, and he lets out a sigh of relief then smiles warmly at me. “Thank you, Jasper. As for everything else—no rush. Just think about it. I don’t want to force you to be friends with her. She would hate that. In the meantime, I’ll be around.” He turns to walk away, seeming to fade into mid-air.
Screw it. Instead of flipping the Open sign, I whip out the Closed For Today sign. I haven’t been drinking much lately, but a drink is warranted and entirely necessary right now.
Angels are real. Angels are real.Angels are real.
What an unprecedented situation. Numbers and facts have always been my friends. I worked closely with numbers throughout my schooling—this simple statement defies all logic I’ve stored in my mind up until now. I stop at the town bar after my run-in with Kai, and even the bartender looks surprised to see me at this time of day.You and me both, dude.While sittingalone, I spend an obscene amount of time thinking about what the hell just happened and, more importantly, what happens next.
Nine
Iris
Iset my phone down atop my desk after checking my inbox for the hundredth time since Friday, determining hyper-fixating on this has led to unwelcome anxiety. A crucial part of event planning consists of successfully pitching events and building relationships. I thought I did a decent job on Friday, but it’s been seventy-two hours, and the crickets have grown insufferable.
Typically, if we don’t hear from the prospect within forty-eight hours of the pitch, the sale is a fail, as Lena always says. Mr. Alcott seemed interested, but I suppose I could have read him wrong. Or maybe he was just being polite, when really, he wasn’tinterested at all. I can’t blame him. I know that feeling all too well—feeling the need to please the other party at all costs, even if it costs you a piece of yourself in the process.
Tucking my anxiety back into bed, I glance at the time and head to the lobby. Joy should walk in at any moment. I don’t think I’ll ever live up to the high standard Lena set as my predecessor, but I do want to provide Joy with all the support she needs to succeed as an Event Planner. Right on cue, Joy walks into the lobby, grinning from ear-to-ear. I remember the jitters I felt on my first day at Soi—that girl had no idea what her future had in store for her, which is probably a good thing.
Pen greets her first, asking her if she’d like some coffee and complimenting her lipstick. Joy is wearing a maroon blazer, a flowy blouse, and trousers. She undoubtedly dresses to impress. I step out of my office to welcome Joy, shaking her hand. “We’re so happy to have you here, Joy! Today, we will start with some basic onboarding.”
