My mouth watered at the thought of the tart, lime drink. I could taste it, feel the cool drink going down my throat. Underlying these thoughts was the question of why I was doing this.
“Focus, Keira.”
Okay, okay. The glass, not its contents. I emptied my mind of everything but the glass. It pulsed and the outside became sharp in my mind.
“Picture the glass sliding across the table toward me.” Her voice was soft and I could feel her gaze boring through me.
The glass. Moving slowly across the polished surface. I could feel my hands tighten together as I willed the glass to move.
“Relax your body. There is only the glass. It wants to move. Go with it. There is energy pushing on it. You just need to focus more pressure.” Her words were barely a whisper.
It seemed like minutes had transpired before she spoke in a normal voice. “Open your eyes, Keira.”
I jerked back when I saw where the glass was. It was halfway across the table! I looked over at GM. Had she tricked me and moved it?
“I didn’t move it, Keira. You did.” Her gaze was soft and dreamy but her chin drooped lower. The fine lines crosshatching her cheeks were more pronounced the way she held her head.
“Are you sure? C’mon! I did that? Just by willing it to move?” I stared at the glass and for a moment my legs felt like strands of spaghetti... total mush, not even al dente. This was unbelievable. I sat back and blinked a few times, my brain totally fried.
“Yes. You willed the glass to move, capturing its energy and the energy around it with your mind.” She looked over at me and smiled. “Not bad for your first time.” She huffed a sigh. “My first time, the glass only moved an inch. I wasn’t even sure it had moved.”
My head turned and I looked at her wide-eyed. “You do this? I got this ability from you.” It was a statement not a question. “Show me what you can do.” I jerked my head indicating the chair across from us. “Can you move that chair?” I’d be seriously impressed if she could do that.
“Certainly. But I’m not going to.” She leaned forward and handed me my drink. “You’ve earned it. Go ahead.”
There was a pause and I swallowed half the glass in one gulp, waiting for her to continue. It tasted even better, knowing what I’d done!
She glanced over at me and then she spoke, “This isn’t parlor games, Keira. I only practice telekinesis when I need to. For you... well, you’re learning at this stage. It’s my job to guide you. Practice on small objects and you’ll become stronger. But be respectful of this power. Don’t use it against people and don’t use it frivolously, to show off.”
I giggled. “Me? Show off? I’m taking this on the road, GM. I’ll give David Copperfield a run for his money!”
She shook her head from side to side and sighed loudly. “What am I going to do with you, child? You are my Karma.” She picked up her drink and took a long sip.
“Of course, you mean that in a good way, right?” Even I couldn’t keep a straight face when I said that.
“Get me another drink. I need it with you around.” But her eyes laughed when she looked at me, extending her glass.
I polished my gimlet off and licked my lips before popping up out of the chair. I spun around and looked at her. “Wait. Maybe I’ll will the pitcher over here and get it to pour for us.”
She reached out and her hand gave me a swat on the behind. “Get on with you, smart-ass!”
As I walked over, carrying our glasses, I pictured the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, the teapot flying around and the dancing candelabras. I was living the dream. This was a talent I could have fun with, despite GM’s warning.
***
When we took our seats at the table and Lawrence stood at the sideboard slicing the horrid ham, I was sorely tempted. Just a slight nudge at the back of his knees to make him falter... not fall, but just have to step quickly to keep his balance.
“Keira!” GM’s mouth was set in a straight line and she glowered at me.
Damn! That was another trick I wanted to learn. Her ability to read minds. I spied the linen napkin next to my plate and closed my eyes. Picturing it lifting and settling on my lap. I sat there quietly concentrating for a minute before one eyelid crept open to peek. Only the corner of it had lifted and now rested on my plate.
“Patience. At this stage, having a clear mind is essential. I’m afraid the gin isn’t helping your cause.” GM chuckled. By itself, her own napkin lifted, snapped with a flourish and then gently spread itself on her lap. She looked over at me and there was a twinkle in her eye.
I stuck out my tongue. “Show-off.”
Still grinning, she shrugged. “Tomorrow, we’ll do more exercises. After you get back from town and take me for a ride in your new car.”
Lawrence was about to set the platter of ham garnished with golden pineapple on the table but he paused and his eyes were wide, staring at GM
“I hope that’s okay with you, dear. I told Keira you’d take her to town and get her a car. I tried to talk her into purchasing one but she seems bent on renting.” Her smile was sweet and innocent when she gazed up at him. “Oh, and she’ll need to stop at the bank to get her card and do all that sort of thing.”
“Pamela. Are you sure about this?” His eyes darted to me before looking back at her.
“Of course. Even if she decides to leave at some point, she’ll need money and transportation. I know the Caddy is your baby.” She cleared her throat and took the platter from his hand, effectively ending any argument on his part.
I could picture it now... .a red Miata or a Ferrari. I could get used to this.
FIFTEEN
AFTER GM WENT TO BED, I tried my luck a few times at the telekinesis trick and failed miserably. I decided to get caught up on email and social media. For once, there was no ghostly activity and I didn’t know whether to be happy about that or irritated. I had to pick up my own clothes and tidy up my room.
I sighed as I bent over to grab the blouse I wore last night and stopped cold. Wait a minute. I stood up and gave my head a shake. What the hell? Just a few days ago I was freaking out because of Molly’s picking up after me. Molly? What the hell? A freaking ghost had been in my room! Of course I would freak out!
But now, standing there, holding the blouse I was irked because she’s falling down on the job? What. The. Hell? In just a few days I had gone from a perfectly normal twenty-three-year-old to some weirdo who’s comfortable with ghosts flitting in and out of her bedroom.
I couldn’t help but laugh at myself as I tidied up.
I sent Mom a quick email, but got bored with everything else. Honestly, Facebook, Snapchat and all the other stuff online paled in comparison to keeping the universe safe, you know?
I shut off my computer and phone and climbed into bed. I cuddled under the covers and said out loud, “Good night Molly. Good night Sam.”
It was the most peaceful night’s sleep I had in quite some time.
***
The next morning I chose a short flared skirt and loose silk top for my trip into town to get the car and banking squared away. When I went down to the kitchen to rustle up some breakfast, Lawrence was sitting at the small table with his laptop open. I poured a glass of milk and popped a couple slices of bread into the toaster before turning to look over at him. I wasn’t looking forward to the drive, alone in the car with the old goat but hopefully, I’d have my own wheels on the ride home.
“Hey Lawrence. What time do you want to go into town?” I leaned back against the counter and forced a smile.
For once, he managed to smile when he looked up. “Keira. Sometimes your grandmother forgets how simple life can be. I’ve called the bank manager and the car rental agency.” He shifted the screen of the computer away from him and extended his hand. “All you need to do is pick out the car you want and I’ll let them know which one to bring out. “ He glanced at his watch. “The bank representative will be here with the paperwork and your card in fifteen minutes.�
�
Holy cow! I almost choked on the milk I’d just taken a sip of. Lawrence was good. I could see why GM had kept him around so long. And better yet, we both avoided being in the Caddie together. I stepped over to the computer to see the selection of cars. There were sedans, four by fours and trucks. I scrolled down and then my eyes lit up.
“That’s the one.” I pointed to a fire-engine-red Miata.
He leaned over to see what I’d selected. “Are you sure about that? I mean you could have a sporty jeep or something just a little sturdier. That one’s a tin can for God’s sake.”
“Nope. That’s the one.” I spun around and tried to keep from skipping across the kitchen floor. The fact that he hated it; well, that just sealed the deal. My toast popped up and I busied myself buttering it and spreading marmalade, all the while eavesdropping as he placed the call.
I picked up the milk and the plate of toast and left the room. GM was probably in the sunroom waiting for me. When I entered, she looked up from the book she was reading and plucked the glasses from the end of her nose.
“Well, don’t you look nice today!” Her gaze took in the princess-heeled sandals and up my bare legs, to my neckline. “I remember wearing skirts that short. Those were the days.” She smiled and her fingers tugged the high collar of her blouse even higher on her crepe neck.
“Thanks. I dressed thinking I was going into town. But Lawrence has it all covered.” I sat down and arranged the plate and milk before me. Again, the delicate aroma of roses seasoned the air in the room. GM must be wearing a scent, because I only notice that aroma when she’s nearby.
She cut me off before I could ask her what brand of perfume she used. “He’s such a wonder, that man! What would I ever do without him?” Her gaze became unfocused as she looked into her yesterdays and a small smile played across her lips.
I looked at her as I munched on the piece of toast. Although I couldn’t share her affection for the old coot, he did something wonderful for GM. Had they ever... uh, done it? No. Erase that image right off my retinas. GM and Lawrence? No way. The toast was a lump going down my throat. Got to get my mind out of the gutter before I choked to death.
“What’s on my training schedule for today, GM? Do you have a new way to scare the hell out of me or am I going to work on making dinner napkins float?” I blinked as coyly as I could. Which was, to be honest, pretty good. I had lots of practice with Dad. He always fell in line when I played the coy card.
“The coy card doesn’t work on women, Keira; you know that.” She winked at me and then her chin rose high, barely able to keep the corners of her lips from twitching.
I jerked forward. “That! I want to know how you do that GM! How do you know what I’m thinking? Now that’s a skill I’d like.” This could be seriously handy. I could go to the casino with Gwen and her dad and play poker. I’d clean out the table for sure. I’d give them the winnings since I didn’t have any money worries... not anymore.
I paused and it hit me. That’s a complete turnaround from hitchhiking back to New York. Was I seriously considering taking my grandmother’s place now? I huffed a sigh. I was. Oh boy...
“It’s a gift, not a skill, Keira. It develops in stages.”
“What’s the first stage then?”
She put her finger over her mouth considering for a moment. Then with a quick nod, said, “I suppose there’s no time like the present.” Leaning toward me, she said, “I’d like to see how you do with the banker and the car rental guy. When they arrive, I’ll be at your side. It’s common courtesy to shake hands and we’ll both have the opportunity to do that. I’d like you to sense something personal about them.”
“Okay! Is there some trick to this? Do I have to say some magic words or something?”
“No magic words nor spells, Keira. What you will need to do is clear your mind. With a clear mind you’ll be more receptive to their thoughts. If you have the gift, their thoughts... well, at least their feelings, will come to you.” She held up a finger. “But... especially at the beginning, you need to have a clear mind.”
I blinked a few times hard, staring at her. “But I’ll be too excited to clear my mind. With a new car and money of my own, how can I not think of that? Can we find someone else to do this with?” It wasn’t fair. She knew how excited I was about the car.
“Relax. It’s just the first attempt. And a car is just a car. You’ll own many over your lifetime. The important thing is you must begin to take your role seriously; and that begins with training.” She leaned forward and covered my hand with hers. I could feel a pulsing sensation, a warm energy from her touch. As she held my eyes, she said with an intensity I never saw before, “I won’t be here forever, Keira. You must learn now, while there’s time.”
It hit me like a wall. My eyes smarted and my throat grew tight. In one more second I’d be crying. “Don’t talk like that, GM.”
“Keira, it’s the truth... I’m a very, very old woman. And this is important work.”
“I know! I know! But... you’re not... really, really sick, are you? I mean... you’re not dying now, are you?” I was shocked at myself at how big a part of my heart this woman already occupied. I couldn’t call her Nana out loud just yet... but the idea of her being gone...the very idea of such a loss hit me like a wall.
She made a half-assed attempt at a smile, and said, “No. I’m not dying.”
I huffed out a burst of air. “Whew! You scared the hell out of me there, GM. More than Molly and Sam put together!” I tried to laugh lightly, and it came out like a cough. “Look, promise no more talk of you not being here and I’ll work on clearing my mind, okay?” I mustered up a weak smile. “Hell, when we take the car out for a spin, I’ll even go the speed limit, alright?”
She chuckled and sat back, letting go of my hand. “Let’s not go too crazy. Of course you’ll go fast. The faster the better.” Her hand rose and she tucked a stray lock of hair back into place. “One of my...” she cleared her throat, “...ahem, friends... used to say, ‘If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up space.’“
I cocked an eyebrow at her. “A friend, huh?”
She gave me a coy smile. Coy. Her coy put my coy to shame. “A good friend, Keira. A very good and very handsome friend.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. This woman! “Okay. What do you want me to do to get ready for this?”
“Finish your milk and then sit back. You need to think of yourself as that empty glass. Nature hates a vacuum. When you’ve calmed yourself and feel that void, the energy of the next person you touch will spill into you.” Her eyes were glazed and a little out of focus as she spoke. It was kind of like she was settling into the state of mind she’d described.
I set the glass down and then eased deeper into the chair’s cushions, keeping my eye on the glass. I took a slow, deep breath and then closed my eyes, the glass still focal in my mind. As I exhaled I willed any thought or impulse out with the breath of air. I did this for the next eight breaths when the ringing doorbell broke my concentration.
My eyes popped open and I stared at GM She smiled and nodded her head. “It’ll have to do, my dear. Lawrence will bring the bank person here.”
I sat perfectly still, only slightly aware of the door closing and the muted sound of voices. As the footsteps neared, a woman’s nasal voice became louder.
Lawrence appeared in the doorway and stood to the side, “Mrs. York, Edith Graham from your bank is here.” He turned and as a blonde woman in her late thirties appeared, he continued, “This is Miss Swanson, who is the account holder.”
The woman’s gray eyes flitted to me and then settled on GM, moving sharply over with her manicured hand extended. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. York.”
GM gripped her hand lightly and nodded. She held the grasp for just a beat before glancing over to me.
Right on cue, the woman turned to me, bending slightly as she held her hand out before me. “Miss Swanson. So nice to meet you.”
GM’s voice broke the silence. “Please have a seat, Mrs. Graham.”
Lawrence moved to clear my dishes and the bank lady took a seat. She put a brown briefcase on the table and the next half hour was taken up with signatures and setting up the P.I.N. for my checking account.
When she finally left, GM turned to me. “Well?”
“She has a teenage daughter she’s worried about.” I couldn’t get the words out fast enough. I’d done it! I knew I’d read it right. This was freaking amazing!
“Good work!” GM leaned forward and patted my arm. “She’s right to be worried. That kid is hanging out with the wrong crowd. She’s cutting classes and she’s pregnant with some punk’s kid. Poor Edith, consoles herself with a bottle of wine every night, which isn’t helping the cause. She’s trying, all on her own since that lazy husband left her. He doesn’t even provide child support.”
My mouth fell open, the wind totally out of my sail now. “How did you pick all that up?”
Haunted By The Succubus Page 29
