Free All Things Lost by Josh Aterovis Page B

   “That's because it's just incredible. This is exactly what I had in mind, and as an added bonus it has its own ghost.”
         “You know most people wouldn't consider that a bonus. You don't really buy this whole ghost thing do you?”
         “Killian, you of all people should know that there are things beyond our understanding.”
         I frowned, “What is that supposed to mean?”
         “You're the one who told us all about Asher's Aunt Judy and her psychic powers of perception. Why is that such a big jump to believing in ghosts?”
         “She's not psychic…exactly. Are we really having this conversation?”
         “Think about it, Killian! How often do you get the chance to communicate with someone who's been dead for over a century?”
         “Not that often I would imagine.”
         “I've wanted to do this ever since I was a kid and read my first book by Poe. I'm buying this house. I can't tell you how excited I am.”
         He didn't have to; enthusiasm practically beamed from him like rays of light from a lighthouse. I was having trouble reconciling the always calm and rational Steve, the voice of reason for our family, with this animated man standing here now babbling about talking to dead people.
    He spun around to face me, let's go home. I want to tell Adam all about it and contact
Victoria
to see how much they'll come down on the price. Maybe we can be in here before summer is over.”
    Steve nattered on about ghosts and famous haunted houses all the way home. I wondered how I had lived with this guy for almost two years and missed this odd obsession. The more I thought about it though, the more clues I realized I had missed. His favorite movie was The Sixth Sense, he had a whole library of “true” ghost stories and famous hauntings , and he was fascinated by that psychic woman who was always on the daytime talk shows.   
    My crash course in the paranormal ended when we pulled into our driveway. I followed Steve into the kitchen where we found Adam stirring what looked like the makings of a pastry crust in a large mixing bowl. I knew right away that something must be bothering him. He only made pastry when he was upset.
    For once Steve didn't seem to notice as he launched into an excited blow-by-blow. Adam cut him off quickly.
    “Killian, Asher's upstairs in your room,” he said, “He's been here all morning. I think he's upset.”
    I wondered what I had done now. With a sigh I went upstairs. I found Asher lying on his stomach on my bed. Kane was tapping away contentedly at the computer, but as soon as I came in he hopped up and left the room. I didn't think that was a good sign. I was right.
    “Where were you?” Asher demanded as he rolled over and jumped to his feet.
    “I was with Steve,” I said as evenly as I could manage. Despite my earlier nap I could feel my sleepless night starting to catch up with me. I had a feeling this could get ugly. I hoped I was wrong.
    “Why didn't you let me know?”
    “I didn't know I needed your permission.”
    “What is that supposed to mean? I thought we were a couple, we're supposed to tell each other when we're doing things.”
    “We're not married, Asher. We're not even living together yet. It never even crossed my mind to call you. Look, I didn't sleep well last night so I'm really not in the mood for this right now, ok?”
    “No, it's not ok. What's going on with us? I feel like we're drifting apart.”
    “Then maybe we need a break.” I spoke without thinking and I regretted it as soon as the words left my mouth. Asher reacted as if I'd delivered a physical blow. He crumpled onto the edge of the bed and his face flushed bright red.
    “What?” he whispered.
    “I…I…”
    “You're breaking up with me?”
    “No! I didn't say that. Adam just suggested that maybe we need some time apart.”
    “Adam thinks we should break up?”
     “We're not breaking up. Just forget I said anything. It's