Joy cleared her throat. “Holly. Holly?”
Finally,Holly turned toward her. “Yes?”
“Malcolm asked if you’re ready to begin your journey?”
Holly looked back at Malcolm then returned her gaze to her. “Absolutely.” She rose from the chair.
“Wonderful.” Joy waited as Holly’s gaze flitted back toward Malcolm before finally returning to her. She didn’t really blame her. His dark good looks took some getting used to. “This visit is a little differentbecause we’re the Spirits of Christmas Future, which means that you’ll see things no one else will know for years.”
“And I must promise to not reveal anything I see, right?”
Malcolm nodded. “Aye. If you don’t think you can keep these secrets, we’ll have to skip the visit.”
Holly scowled at him and crossed her arms. “Excuse me. I didn’t reveal a single thing I learned from Coco and Ian’s visit.I’m sure I can keep secret whatever you choose to show me.”
“You must be sure.”
Holly gave an exasperated sigh. “I promise.”
The cat took that moment to meow loudly.
Holly turned back. “What, Mac? You have plenty of food and your litter box is clean. What else could you want? I’ll only be gone minutes your time, if that.”
Joy watched in fascination as the cat seemed to accept Holly’s answerand proceeded to jump onto the seat of the chair Holly had just vacated and lay down.
“Really, Mac?” Holly turned to face them. “He demanded that he take my chair over there, forcing me to use Cam’s. Now suddenly, he wants Cam’s chair back?”
Joy shook her head. “Usually animals can’t see us. He’s a very special cat.”
“Believe me, I know. Even Cam doesn’t know why he can pet Mac.”
Joy froze.That was impossible. She glanced over at Malcolm, who was looking at her as well. Somehow, she knew he agreed that something was afoot. They’d have to talk about it on their first break.
Turning back to Holly, she gave her a smile. “I understand you enjoy flying.”
“I do. I mean, when I’m phased. I’m not big on airplanes. Do you want to phase me now?”
“I’d be happy too.” Joy laid her hand onHolly’s shoulder and phased her. The living couldn’t see those who were phased. The only reason clients could see spirit guides was because Cameron made it possible before they officially visited.
Holly floated around in a circle, her smile showing exactly how much she enjoyed flying. She finally stopped in front of them. “I don’t know why Cam said he hoped I wouldn’t be able to fly after I die.”
Again, Joy glanced at Malcolm to find him also frowning at Holly’s statement. Maybe Cam hoped that Holly would serve in a different capacity after she joined him.
Now that she thought about it though, all the spirit guides were single, every one. There were definitely sexual goings-on, but no actual couples. She’d never even thought of it before. Maybe couples went somewhere else in the afterlife.
Malcolm held out his hand. “Come. It’s time for your first visit.”
“My pleasure.” Holly slipped her hand into Malcolm’s.
Joy felt a little jealousy that she was on the other side of Holly. She’d much prefer touching Malcolm, but then again, if she wanted to keep her composure, she was better off right where she was.
He looked at her as if to ask if she was ready, so she nodded, and he flewthem through the high-ceiling of Holly’s house on Main Street, Deervale then toward Glasgow.
Holly’s smile proved her love of flying. When Erskine Cancer Center came into sight, she turned serious. “Are we going to visit Thea?”
She squeezed Holly’s hand. “Yes, we are.”
“I hope the bone marrow transplant went well. The poor girl spent last Christmas here.”
