Free Trance by Tabitha Levin Page B

manage.”
    “Yes, I know, of course you can.” She curled a strand of my red hair behind my ear. “Do you know where he is taking you?”
    “No idea.”
    “Exciting.” I could tell she was studying me for my reaction as she returned to the sink, peeling potatoes for her and granddad’s dinner.
    “Whether it’s exciting or boring, I’m going to have a good time. I’ve decided to make my own fun, whether he wants it or not.”
    I saw her furrow her brow. “Do whatever makes you happy.”
    “Don’t you think I’ll have a good time with him?”
    “Of course I do.” She patted me on the arm like she did when I was a child.
    The front door burst open with a clang. Lacey rushed into the kitchen and held two white shopping bags with her store logo on the side. She held them up to me. “Your stylist has arrived, m’dear.” She dragged me into my bedroom to get changed.
     

NINE
     
    Jason pulled up outside in a pale blue car which had a sleek extended bonnet that curved downward in classic fashion. I wasn’t sure what kind it was, but I could tell it was something special.
    “Cool car,” said my grandfather, as he and my grandmother peered out from the side of the curtain. “Looks like a late 60’s Maserati. It’s in mint condition. He must have paid a fortune for it.”
    I had no idea about cars, but it did look cool. Not what I expected him to drive at all. My heart jumped into my throat as he opened the car door and got out looking over at the house. I quickly jumped back from the window and pressed my back against the wall so he wouldn’t see me peering out at him. Everyone else did the same. I was sure he’d think we were freaks if he saw us all staring.
    “He looks different than I expected him to look,” said my grandfather.
    “What did you think he’d look like?” I asked.
    “Like that other stage hypnotist. The one that wears dark eyeliner. This guy is normal looking.”
    He didn’t look normal to me, he looked amazing. His shoulder length dark hair had been brushed neatly back and he wore a deep blue shirt and dark pants. My outfit matched perfectly with his. It was almost as if Lacey knew what he was going to wear. Did she dress him too? While I doubted it, I wouldn’t put it past her. She’d left ten minutes ago, leaving me to pace the house until Jason arrived which is just as well, since she’d make me feel even more nervous than I already was.
    The doorbell rang and I raced to answer it before my grandfather could, otherwise who knows what he’d say? I placed my hand on the doorknob, took a breath, and opened it.
    “Wow, you look amazing,” he said.
    “You look pretty spectacular yourself,” I replied.
    My grandfather arrived at the door and I mentally prepared myself for whatever embarrassing thing he would say. “Shall we invite a hypnotist into the house, Rose?” he yelled to my grandmother who had remained politely out of sight. “Maybe he’ll bewitch us all, and we’ll be lost to do his bidding.” He winked at me. I cringed.
    Jason held out his hand. “Thomas Tinks, you don’t know what a pleasure it is to meet you. I’ve seen dozens of your shows. You are a phenomenal talent, sir.”
    My grandfather took his hand and shook it. He smiled. “Well it looks like you have good taste after all. Come in, come in, and meet my wife.” He led him indoors. “Jason Green, this is my wife, the extraordinary Rose Tinks.”
    “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” he said.
    She smiled and nodded her head. “Likewise.”
    They liked him. I could tell. Which was just as well because I didn’t know what I would do if they didn’t. Even though I was an adult, I still respected their advice.
    “Shall we?” Jason held his arm out for me, bent at the elbow. I grinned and linked mine in his. The same spark of excitement tickled through me, just like I remembered the first time we touched in the mirror maze. We said our goodbye’s and he led me toward his car.
    I knew full well