Rubbing at my temples, I bring myself back to center. It was the last thing I expected Lanie to say, but the more it settles over me, the more intrigued I am.
“Speaking with the dead? Is that a real thing?”
Nina and Lanie share an uneasy glance, likely debating whether to answer at all.
“Umm... yes?” Lanie drones.
“Yes or no? You don’t sound so sure,” I press, my whole body leaning forward.
She blows out a breath. “Madame Corinne claims she can tap into the spirit world.Ibelieve her.”
I consider this for several minutes. Do I believe that’s possible?
I’ve never given it too much thought because I’ve never personally experienced anything otherworldly. I’ve been known to watch shows about hauntings, and I never question the people who give their accounts. If they say it happened, who am I to say differently? I’ve even had my tarot cards read in the past. But is a lack ofskepticism enough to warrant shelling out money for a medium who claims to speak to the dead?
“It was just something new to do,” Nina jumps in, sounding almost frantic. “You know I think that stuff is all a hoax. Just phony men and women trying to bamboozle people out of their hard-earned money.”
Lanie’s nose scrunches up as though she’s smelled something foul. “Bamboozle? Who’s the forty-year-old in this room?”
Nina shoots her an irritated scowl. “You know what I mean.” She turns her head back to me. “That stuff isn’t real. It’s all in good fun.”
My eyes meet hers and I offer a smile, but I don’t miss Lanie stewing out of the corner of my eye. Her arms are crossed over her chest, and the glare she has aimed at the side of Nina’s head could burn a hole right through if she stares long enough.
These two unlikely friends couldn’t be more different. Their stances on woo-woo aside, they rarely agree on anything. Nina’s the practical—bordering on cynical, analytical, show me proof or I won’t believe—girl. Meanwhile, Lanie feels the wind blow and believes it’s the universe sending her signs that the vision board she spent weeks creating is manifesting well.
Me? I’m of the belief that there are unexplainable things all around us. Is it the universe speaking to us? Or is it something that science will one day be able to explain? I don’t know, and truthfully, I don’t care at the moment. I’m just ready to bust out of my comfort zone for a few hours and forget that I’ve climbed that dreaded hill and I’m teetering on the decline down the other, less preferred, side.
“We should do it. Tonight.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Nina says, raising her open hands. “That isn’t a good idea.” She looks to Lanie for support. “Shemight not even have availability on such short notice. Besides, nothing is guaranteed, Ally.”
I scoff. “You won’t know unless you try, right?”
Nina reaches across the table, grabbing my hand in hers.
“I’m just not sure that trying to communicate with the dead will be helpful right now... considering...” Her words trail off and my head swivels between my friends.
“Considering what?”
Lanie bats her eyelashes, glancing at Nina, likely hoping she’ll finish her thought and spare her from the task. When Nina doesn’t jump to it, Lanie sighs. “Considering I foundseveralempty ice cream cartons in your trash, I’m not sure you’re in the right head space to conjure spirits.”
I shrug, unwilling to make excuses for my dairy binge. “Why not? It’s all in good fun. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Lanie and Nina share another look.
“Come on, guys. If—and that’s a very bigif—this medium is actually legit, maybe I can summon Garrett.”
Nina’s eyes close. “And therein lies the problem.” When her lids lift, her crystalline eyes are filled with tears. “I don’t want you to think that’s going to happen. If you don’t make contact with him, where will you be then?”
She’s chewing on her bottom lip as her chin quivers. She’s scared that this will set me back, and I don’t blame her. We’ve done this dance. One step forward, four steps back, several times. It’s been two years, and I’m ready to try to get back to living. So, I mentally roll up my sleeves and put on the most contrived optimism I can manage.
“Please,” I scoff, making a point to roll my eyes while grinning playfully. “Garrett will obviously be waiting at whatever portal he needs to in order to connect with this Madame Cora. If that’s even possible, of course.”
“Corinne,” Lanie corrects, and Nina shoots her a glare that practically screamsShut your trap. “What?” Lanie scrunches her nose. “She’s very particular. Wouldn’t appreciate anyone confusing her with her competitor; Cora has been stealing Corinne’s clients for years.”
I tilt my head to the side, pursing my lips. “What?”
“Ignore her,” Nina bites, and Lanie’s mouth snaps shut. “This isn’t a good idea.”
