“You know what, I bet that realm is itching to recruit your ex-lover-friend-hater, Stephen.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “He has some of the most refined acting skills I’ve ever seen. The term ‘Drama King’ has to have been coined just for him.”
Cleo stops dead in her tracks and bends over, clutching her stomach tightly, shaking.
“Whoa, are you okay?” I step in front of her. She slowly lifts her eyes to meet mine andhonkslike a goose with the broadest grin on her face. Her hands quickly rise to cover her mouth, but it’s no use—she’s laughing so hard her eyes are watering. Then she proceeds tohonkagain. She shakes her head and attempts to rein in her laugh as mortification takes over her features.
“Please, for the love of everything, forget you ever heard that atrocious sound escaping my lips.”
I break into a grin, my chest rumbling with laughter.
“Too late now. Thatatrocious soundhas permanently taken up residency right here.” I gesture to my head.
We fall back into step with each other, walking downtown and eyeing fully-lit shops as we pass them. New York City lives up to its title. It truly is the citythat never sleeps.
But after the last several days I’ve had, nothing sounds nicer than some rest.
“Have you ever visited upstate? I’ve been wanting to check out the mountains and cabins there but haven’t had the chance to. What do you say? We head there tonight for a change of scenery?” I offer.
She hesitates, then nods her head. “Why upstate? Why don’t we head back to Chrysocolla Cove?”
“I’ve heard upstate is pretty.Andit’s closer.”
“It is beautiful.”
“Ah, so youhavevisited there before? Perfect, then you can teleport us there.”
“I suppose your wish is my command, Kai Greene.”
“Don’t tease me, Cleo.” I peer into her brown eyes with a crooked smile. “You know that’s a fantasy of mine.”
She scoffs and grabs on to my waist, burying her head into my chest. “Hold on tight.”
As we teleport upstate, I release a breath of relief. Maybe she’ll be more comfortable opening up to me in a less chaotic area. It’s killing me not knowing what’s going on in that gorgeous head of hers. I just want to help.
Although I’m still convinced her afterlife would be remarkably brighter without me in it, I’d give anything to just be there for her. Anything.
Twenty-Three
Cleo
Athick sheet of sparkling snow covers the ground surrounding where we land. On either side of us lies a line of frosted trees, leading us down a moonlit path. I sniff the air and catch a whiff of pine and something unmistakably earthy. I gaze up at the sky, seeing a cluster of dark clouds rolling in over us, threatening to envelop our only means of light. The only light out here is granted from the moon itself.
“Holy shit. Did we land in Narnia?” Kai chimes while taking in the snow, chuckling. I smile gently, continuing to trek down the narrow, well-kept path when I suddenly feel something wet collide with my forehead. The cool droplet streams down my cheek. I raise my hand to my cheek, and my lips part as I exhale a long sigh of relief.
Nearly five decades have passed.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
I could’ve never anticipated this surge of emotion from a mere drop of rain. “It’s been a while since my last rainstorm,” he whispers.
You have no idea.
“Oh, I don’t?” He raises an eyebrow. “Tell me more.”
I sigh, looking up at the sky and rolling my eyes. My mental shields have been seriously lacking since this man walked into my life.
“It’s been decades since I’ve felt a drop of rain,” I admit quietly as we continue walking, light rain falling more steadily with each step we take. “I’ve always enjoyed rainy weather more than blue skies and sunshine. Something about a light rain on a cloudy day soothes my soul.”
“You prefer rain over sunshine?No.” His eyes widen while his jaw drops—dramatically, I might add. “Never would’ve guessed.”
