Free Antique Mirror by D.F. Jones Page A

the other side, giving her a view of the back of the farm.
    The cabin had superb trim work and also had recessed lighting, a feature Tori loved. The main living area had cedar bookshelves. Tori was glad the cabin was all on one floor because she hated climbing stairs. The current homeowners had built a new addition to the cabin that held a sitting room and a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and black granite countertops. This place was a steal at $160k.
    “I’m interested, but I need a PDF sent to my email with a house inspection. I’ll offer $145k in cash if the house is sound. What about the barn? May I see it?” Tori looked at the Realtor’s eyes and knew he was salivating for a sale.
    “The barn was renovated for horses. It has electricity, running water, and a bathroom. Do you ride?” Andy smiled at Tori.
    The barn sealed the deal. The opening in the back of the barn overlooked a hollow and a pond. She could hire a contractor to turn the barn into her studio if the seller took her offer. “Well, my offer stands, Andy.”
    “Miss Frost, I’ll present your offer to the homeowners, but I think you may have a deal.”
    ***
    Two weeks later, Tori had moved all of her belongings into the cabin. She also adopted a full-grown black Labrador she named Jett because her mom had been a huge fan of Joan Jett. Tori had adopted Jett to stave off her loneliness because she missed her parents so much. They had died nearly five years ago in a massive flood that had hit Nashville. Terry and Sarah were in their car on the interstate when the flash flood had swept them away into a steep ravine. Tori still couldn’t believe they were gone. Her parents had left her well-off, but that was her rainy day money. It was her insurance policy in case her art didn’t work out.
    Tori’s cell rang, startling her. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked at her reflection in the antique mirror. “Yello. Tori Frost, speaking.”
    Max, who was also a good friend, was on the line. He said excitedly, “Tori, darling, your smaller pieces have sold for a small fortune. You have a gift, girl, and now New York has noticed. The Columbus Art Gallery wants you to do a show. This could be it, beloved.” It was nice to have Max looking out for her.
    “Maxey, darling, I just moved. It’ll be at least two months before my studio is ready. I’ve set up a makeshift studio in my breezeway. Please see if they will book me for next summer, maybe late July.” Tori walked over and sat down on the plush chaise that reminded her of a favorite teddy bear she had, growing up. It was dark brown and very soft. “And hey, when are you coming to see my new place?”
    Max sighed and then replied, “Now, don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m planning to drive out Halloween and spend the night. We’ll tell ghost stories and drink merlot—and lots of it.”
    “I can’t wait to see you. You know I love you more than my liver.” She giggled and then glanced up at the antique mirror hanging over the fireplace in her bedroom. Tori rubbed her eyes and blinked several times. A man was staring down at her from the other side of the mirror. Jett nudged her hand, and she briefly looked down at her dog. When she looked back up at the mirror, the man was gone.
    “Tori, Tori, are you still there? I’m talking to you. Hello?” Maxey sounded hysterical.
    “Maxey? Do you believe in ghosts?” Tori’s tongue was so dry it stuck to the roof of her mouth and the room became quite chilly. She grabbed the quilt off the back of the chaise and draped it around her shoulders.
    Tori heard the panic in Max’s voice. “What the hell is going on, Tori? You’re scaring the crap out of me.”
    Tori shivered as she stared at the mirror. “I guess I’m going batshit crazy because I swear a well-built, handsome man was just looking at me from the other side of my mirror. I need a dirty martini, extra dirty.”
    “Handsome man? Oh now, that’s right down