Okay... I did. I totally thought there’d be something kitschy.
“Are you done perusing?” A bored, sensual voice pulls my eyes to where Corinne sits at the head of the table, looking far too normal to be a genuine medium. I was expecting a red robe and bedazzled flapper headband, staples of every tarot reader I’ve ever encountered. Each tried harder than the next to look authentic, and they missed the mark every time.
Her dark brown hair is piled on top of her head in a messy bun, and her green eyes glow with irritation. She’s slouched back, looking much younger than me and my friends, which sparks a bit of jealousy.
Here I am on my fortieth birthday, getting a stare down from a wrinkle-free diva with cheekbones to die for. Not fair.
Her eyes seem to narrow further, likely from my staring, but I don’t take it upon myself to stop. She’s wearing a red sweatshirt with white letters that spell outI hate peopleacross her chest.
Lovely.
“You’re the medium?” I ask, not even attempting to keep my skepticism out of the question.
“Duh,” she says, unaffected by my doubt. “Take a seat,” she orders, sweeping one hand out and motioning to the empty chairs. “We need to get started, since you’re a last-minute addition to my schedule. Communication with the spirit world can take time.”
“We’re just here for readings,” Nina says, looking to me with wide eyes.
“You’re not. Lanie specifically asked for communication with the spirit world.” She drums her fingers on top of the table.
“I don’t think that’s such a great idea,” Nina presses. “We shouldn’t...”
“I’m well aware of the events and I’m more than capable of protecting her.” Corinne’s eyes meet mine and I wonder what exactly she knows.
“What were you t—”
Corinne raises her hand, cutting Nina off. “Never mind that. The channel has been changed, and I was tipped off about your circumstances.”
My head snaps to Lanie, who is already sitting in the chair directly across from Corinne, head bowed as she appears to meditate. I turn to Nina, who offers her signature shrug, but sits slowly into her own chair, to Lanie’s left. This leaves me to sit between Lanie and Corinne.
I have questions.Somany questions. But Corinne dives right in, leaving me no choice but to go along with whatever is about to happen.
“Join hands,” Corinne commands.
I eye her outstretched palm for a moment, wondering if I’m making a huge mistake. I jumped feet first into this with the expectation of letting loose and having fun. Now that we’re here, my stomach is in knots.
I’m not sure whether my unease is due to this place, Corinne’s less-than-friendly demeanor, or the thought of actually connecting to spirits.
Corinne clears her throat, and without another thought, I place my hand in hers.
When my palm connects with Corinne’s, electricity stronger than any static I’ve ever experienced jolts through me, and my eyes slam shut.
Visions ofthatnight assault me.
Bright lights.
A flash of red streaking past.
Garrett hovering over my supine body, smoothing my blood-soaked hair from my face.
The scene disappears, and I rip my hand from Corinne’s grasp.
“What the hell was that?” I pant, blood pumping in my ears.
Corinne’s pink lips are agape as she stares into my eyes, looking equal parts shocked and awed.
“Did you feel that too?” I ask her. Her brows draw together, and she continues to gawk at me, seemingly stupefied.
That vision, though.
