Page 148

“Don’t ‘how you doing, Miss Veda me.’ You know what time it is?”

“I do,” I confirmed with a nod.

“Then you better have a good reason for disturbing me.”

“I need a favor.”

“Of course you do.”

“A big one.”

She folded her arms. “Last time you needed my help, you had me giving you enough strength to speak through that poor woman while your son was nowhere near this house.”

“And you did an excellent job.”

“Caspian.”

“Aight. Listen.” I looked toward Lakelyn, who was sleeping. “I want one night with her.”

Miss Veda followed my focus on Lakelyn, then slowly looked back at me. “One night?”

“Yeah.”

“Doing what?”

I gave her a knowing look.

She closed her eyes. “Lord, give me strength.”

I laughed. “Come on, Miss Veda.”

“You done called on the spirits because you’re horny?”

“That ain’t the only reason.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I'm serious.” I moved closer. “Look, I just want to hold my woman. I want her to see me… feel me. I want to be able to touch her without worrying about my hand passing through her.” I paused, my voice dropping. “I know I can’t have a regular life right now. I know what happened to me, but I’m asking you for one night where I don’t have to feel like a fuckin’ shadow in my own house. And I believe Lakelyn is starting to believe I’m actually here. So can you help me or not? Well, I know you can, but will you?”

Miss Veda looked toward Lakelyn, then back at me with a sigh. “I’ll give you a temporary living form.”

My entire body went still. “How temporary?”

“Two hours.”

I frowned. “Two?”

“That’s what I said.”

“Shit, I need at least—”

She pointed at me. “Take it or leave it.”

“I’ma take it, but I feel like you being a lil’ sheisty.”

“A little shiesty?” Her eyebrows lifted. “I assume that means stingy.”

“Close enough.”