“It’s not as glamorous as it sounds.” I shrug. “He’s very self-conscious about it.”
“Damn.”
“But this is between us girls. If he… I mean… I’d get fired in a heartbeat.”
She waves away my concerns and lies back in the seat. Her legs shift, rubbing against each other.
“Here.” I pour her another drink.
“It’s not fair.” She takes it and throws it back in two gulps. “Those good looks and being hung like a horse.”
“I know. It’s a curse for him but I think he makes up for it in other ways.”
“Oh?” Her cheeks are flushed.
“Yeah. I’ve heard the girls he brings around the sets. To his trailers. They’re loud and grateful.”
“Oh lord.” A flush creeps up her neck and she fans her face.
“I think because he knows he can’t, you know, fuck them.” Her gaze never leaves my mouth as I enunciate clearly. “He uses other skills to get them off.”
“Wow.” She fans herself ferociously. “That’s got to be hard for him.”
“Oh, I’m sure it’s very hard.” I’m shameless. She can’t sit still. “Are you okay? Do you need another drink?”
“Just hot.” Her eyes focus far away. She seems to notice me and sits up a little. “I’m a little tired. I think I’ll call it a night.” She stumbles as she gets up.
“Let me help you to your room.”
“No. No, I’m okay.” She straightens, trying and failing to compose herself. “I just need some sleep.”
She climbs the stairs messily and I sit still with my drink, casually watching her leave. My limbs are tingling with adrenaline. On the inside I’m panicking. Hurry, hurry. It’s already been a half hour at least. I need to get to the guys and quick.
* * *
Roe
Maggie has a plan.She always has a backup plan. I remind myself of this as Zebulund and the others sit staring at me, waiting for ghosts to show up like fashionably late party guests. I got nothing. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and keep myself confident and casual.
“Let’s start simple,” I say. “Keep in mind, I’ve never actively sought a spirit out. Typically, they just show up.”
Everyone gathers around the table. It’s like the poker game with less smoke and booze. The atmosphere is heavy. Whether or not the other guys buy what’s happening, they certainly aren’t excited about it. I can’t say that I blame them.
“My assistant already got all the candles and stuff ready. I guess, maybe we should start with this.” I gesture to the board in front of us.
I’ve never seen a Ouija board in person, only in the movies. Numbers and letters in a freaky font. Options for Yes and No and a Good Bye at the bottom. This one has drawings of the night sky and sun and moon around the edges.
"You gotta be kidding me," Viktor says. He's lounging back, trying to look cool but fidgeting with a Zippo lighter. He smelled of booze when he walked in and has since downed a whole drink.
Zebulund shoots him a warning look. Zebulund’s smile is terrifying. Like a shark grinning at you.
“I’m just saying.” Viktor pops each knuckle on both hands as he talks. “What if this is a terrible idea? She wasn’t exactly being nice to us last time. What if we piss her off?”
“That’s not our intention here. We just want answers and then Marty can ask her to leave,” I make up on the fly.
Because Maggie is pissed. I’ve never met anybody so set on a purpose. She’s like the main character in a superhero movie.
“We don’t know what we’re messing with here,” Viktor says. “I felt something last weekend. Something that was angry; and this is a really fucked-up idea in my opinion. Not that anybody asked.”
