“What’s this?” she pulls out a chair next to me.
“Money for lunch,” I say, checking to see which bag is mine.
She smirks. “Girl,” her hand slides the ten back to me, “if I can’t afford a couple of Taco Bell orders every now and then, I really do need to find a new job.”
“It’s on me, I insist,” I push it back.
Tammy ignores it. “Two crunchy tacos, right?” she hands me the bag I haven’t looked in yet.
“Yep, thanks,” I smile, not the least bit hungry. I twist the cap to the water bottle and take three long gulps.
“How’s Camilla?”
Tammy blinks and her mouth twists slightly. “Oh, she’s all right I guess,” she takes bite of her taco salad. “Although, she’s gotten in the habit of wanting me to lay down with her at bedtime.”
“Awe, that’s sweet.”
“I don’t think it’s for that reason,” she sets down her fork. “I think she’s afraid her father is going to find us again.”
I pull in a breath. “Oh? Why do you think…”
“Because he found a way to message her on her game device,” she interrupts.
“Oh shit,” I whisper. “That’s why you were hoping I could see what he is up to.”
She nods. “Exactly, and now,” she takes a drink of her soda, “it’s possible he might know our location.”
“Oh no, what are you going to do?”
“Buy a gun for starters.”
My eyes go wide. “Are you sure…”
Tammy’s face gets serious. “Of all the things you already know about me, this is what surprises you? You know what my ex is capable of,” she leans back in her chair. “And this time, I’m gonna make damn sure I’m ready for him.”
“I get it, I really do. But before you go off and buy an expensive gun, let me talk to someone who might be able to help.”
She tilts her head, brows pushing together. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve met someone,” I blurt out, instantly pissed at myself for even mentioning my relationship with Ascot. But it feels good to tell someone.
“Oh really?” she smiles at me like a Cheshire cat. “Please tell me he’s a hit man in the mob or something.”
I laugh out loud. “God, no, but he’s really smart and discreet. He might have another solution if you’ll let me ask.”
Tammy stares at me for a long moment, contemplating and slowly nods. “As long as he’s not some undercover detective Kevin has hired to find us.”
“Oh, I promise, he’s not.”
“So, who is he? Where’d you meet him?”
“His name is Ascot. I met him briefly after I moved into my apartment, but only recently, have we been…”
“Dating?” she singsongs, cutting me off.
“Well, sort of,” I sigh. “I mean, it started off a little weird when his aquarium leaked into my bedroom,” I explain and she looks confused. “Oh,” I shake my head, “he lives in the apartment above me.”
“Wait, that’s the same guy?”
“Uh, huh,” I nod, giving her a smile. “He’s pretty amazing.”
“I like his name; it sounds so aristocratic. What does he do? Tell me everything.”
“He’s actually a surgeon and owns the apartment building,” I admit, keeping the rest of what he is to myself. She’d never believe it anyway.
“Holy shit, he’s a doctor? How old is he?”
I swallow, trying to remember the age he told me. “He’s thirty-one.”
“If he’s good looking, too, please tell me he has a brother,” she laughs and I chuckle under my breath.
If you only knew…
“I’ll be seeing him tonight,” I unwrap one of my tacos. “I’ll tell him what’s going on.”
“Okay, thanks Elise,” she takes another bite of her salad and covers her mouth. “Maybe you shouldn’t give him our real names.”
“It’s up to you, but I wouldn’t worry about that, he tries to keep a low profile himself.”
“Oh? How come?” Tammy asks, tilting her head.
Crap, be careful…
“I think he’s somewhat of an introvert, I mean, he hardly sees his family.”
“That’s too bad,” she whispers. “Kevin has harassed everyone in mine, I can’t see them either.”
Chapter Twelve
After work I arrive home to a peaceful yet empty apartment. No Sylvia, no spirits, just deafening silence and it’s a little odd but not terrible. As far back as I can remember I’ve never been alone, not like this. Even on my worst days when I’m exhausted or not feeling well, and block myself from spirits, I can still sense their presence, they never go away completely. But now, the apartment feels deserted and unfamiliar.
Liv and Becca aren’t here either. I can finally breathe…
Gone is the constant white noise of whispering voices in my head, and being pulled from one spirit to another as they yearn and compete for my attention. The dead are no longer attracted to me. They only see me the way they see themselves, deceased.
This is a new kind of freedom, a new beginning and I’m suddenly grateful. The essence of my entire being has changed and now, I can see spirits whenever I choose, not the other way around.
I have a new life.
I have a new view.
I smile and rush to the bathroom, setting my phone on the counter and grab a hair tie, pulling my long brown hair into a messy top bun.
No more ghosts trying to get my attention, watching me, waiting for me.
I can finally take a long soak in a tub…
I turn the faucet and squeeze in a few drops of body wash, then undress and slowly sink myself in the warm water. It feels glorious and I close my eyes, enjoying the subtle weightlessness of my body, loosening up, relaxing. Several minutes later I turn off the faucet and lie back in silence, clearing my mind while tiny bubbles crackle and pop all around. Finally, I can unwind and let my thoughts go.
A single ding interrupts the quiet and I jerk, glancing up at the counter. I reach for a towel, dry my hands and grab my phone.
Ascot: Been in surgery all day, you want to come up?
He got my text, asking for a favor. Hopefully, he can help Tammy.
Me: Yes, be up in 30.
Ascot: Okay, I’ll grab a shower.
Me: See ya in a few.
Placing the phone down, I lean back into the warm suds, happy to have someone I can count on. Somehow, I know Ascot will be there for me, no matter what, no matter how. I just want to help Tammy. She and Camilla deserve happiness.
Out of nowhere an epiphany hits and my eyes flash open. Maybe becoming immortal has deeper meaning? Maybe I’m being refined in a way. Could this be the start of helping the living as well? My new friend and her sweet daughter just might be the gateway to my future.
***
“Hey,” Ascot flashes me a smile, hair slightly damp and handsome as ever.
“Hi, it’s good to see you,” I smile back, stepping past him as he shuts the door.
“You too,” he moves closer, pulling me into a hug. God, he smells so good. He lets go and leans down, kissing my cheek. “Everything okay?”