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“Right there is fine,” says Maria, indicating the counter. I set the shot glass down.
“You don’t have anything to eat, do you?” she says. “Something sweet.”
Kasabian takes a Donut Universe bag from under the counter, removes an éclair, and sets it next to the shot.
I watch as Maria unfolds a black plastic clamshell. An old-fashioned makeup compact.
“If we’re doing dead-people makeovers, the guy in the storeroom can use one.”
“Give it a rest, man,” says Kasabian. “Show an artist a little respect.”
Maria sets the open compact on the counter with the mirror facing the glass and donut. She blows on the mirror and draws a symbol I don’t recognize on the misted glass.
“Are you home, Dash?” she says.
Nothing happens.
But then the mist fades, and a face drifts into view behind the drink and donut. I can’t get a good look at him. A lot of his face is hidden behind the food. He’s a kid, maybe sixteen, with messy blond hair streaked with bright red. He closes his eyes and sniffs. He’s getting high off the food offerings.
“Dash, this is Stark,” says Maria. She moves her hand, letting me know I need to get closer to the mirror so the kid can see me. I don’t really want to get too close. I don’t trust ghosts.
I lean over, but stay on the far side of the food.
“Hey, kid. Thanks for the movie. You have good taste.”
Dash mouths something, but I can’t hear him.
Maria, standing behind me, has been watching the whole thing.
“He says you’re welcome and he hopes to bring more with him next time you meet.”
Next time. Great.
“You read lips,” I say.
Maria nods.
“I learned when I was a girl. Like Dash, some ghosts are shy and will only appear through a looking glass.”
Kasabian shoulders me out of the way and practically sticks his mug in the mirror.
“Hey, Dash. How’s it going?”
The kid’s grin widens. They’ve talked before.
“You working on getting us Dune?”
Dash nods and gives a thumbs-up.
“Swell. Do it and next time you come by I’ll have a steak dinner waiting.”
Dash shakes his head.
“He’s vegetarian,” says Maria.
“Okay,” says Kasabian. “How about a big salad with croutons and edible flowers?”
Dash nods.
