Page 34 of Don’t Open Your Eyes

“Some sort of holistic practice doing Reiki, acupuncture, that kind of thing. She has weekend retreats to help people realize their goals in life and self-actualize, or something.” Anita waved her hands. “I’m not sure about all of it, but it’s in Westport, and from what I gather, she does very well. Anyhow, I thought they’d make an interesting addition to our group.”

“Are they here?”

“Right over there.” She pointed.

Annabelle looked across the yard to see an attractive couple walking toward them. They both looked to be in their early forties. He was tall with blond hair and she was a redhead, who, as she got closer, Annabelle saw was stunning.

Anita introduced them. “Juliana, Kenton, this is my dear friend Annabelle. She’s three houses down, at seven.”

“Nice to meet you, and welcome to the neighborhood,” Annabelle said.

They made small talk for a while, then moved in to join everyone else. Annabelle headed to the pool house and poured herself a glass of pinot noir. Still annoyed, she held it up in a silent salute to James, who was watching her from across the pool. She was about to go sit with some friends by one of the firepits when Juliana appeared in front of her.

“Anita tells me that you’re a social media genius.”

Annabelle laughed. “I wouldn’t say genius, but I know a thing or two about it.”

“I’m looking for help growing my business. I’d love your card.”

Annabelle pulled out her phone and navigated to her dot card. “Have your phone?”

“Um, yeah.” Juliana dug in her purse and brought it out.

Annabelle brought up her digital card and held the phone next to Juliana’s. “Voilà.”

Juliana looked at her in surprise. “Very cool. Love this. I just save and it goes to my contacts?”

“That’s it.”

Juliana put her phone away then poured herself a glass of white wine. “I already see that I can learn a lot from you.”

“Tell me about your center. Anita said it recently opened?”

Juliana held her gaze for a long moment. “You should come by. I’ll give you the tour. We’re traveling for the next few weeks but will be back by the first of next month. We have all sorts of healing modalities: meditation, energy healing, craniosacral therapy.” She took a sip of her wine. “But I think you’re interested in something else.”

Suddenly Annabelle felt uncomfortable. Juliana’s gaze was searing. She felt as though the woman could see into her very soul.

“You’ve had great loss in your life. You’re still mourning someone very deeply,” Juliana added.

Annabelle felt her eyes tear up. She blinked, trying to keep them from spilling over. “Everyone’s had loss.”

Juliana nodded. “Yes. But there’s unfinished business waiting for you.”

Annabelle took a step back. She didn’t want to hear any more. “I’m going to go find my husband.” She began to walk away.

“Annabelle?”

She turned back around. “Yes?”

“They’re real.”

“Pardon me?”

“Your dreams. They’re real.”

Scarlett

“Come on, you promised you’d play cards with me,” Olivia whined. She nudged Scarlett, who was in the middle of texting Ben. Scarlett was beginning to regret her proclamation that they no longer needed a sitter. At least Olivia wouldn’t be bugging her every five minutes if Gram was here. She swatted her sister’s hand.