Free Vision of Shadows by Vincent Morrone Page B

get some of what was going on. He hadn’t told me that part yet, but let’s just say I sensed something. I was just…misinterpreting things.”
    Maggie nodded. “Ok ay, I’ll leave it at that, but listen. Blackburns and McKnights have a long history, and it’s not a good one. Be careful. Call me tonight and tell me what happened. Okay?”
    I nodded. “Ok ay.”
    “Really , Bristol,” Maggie said. “Call me. Tell me.”
    I could tell she wasn’t looking for gossip. She was just trying to be a good friend.
    Looking her straight in the eye , I said, “I promise to call. As for telling you, if it’s private, I may not be able to give you details. But I’ll do my best.”
    “Ok ay, good,” she said as she headed for the door. “But if today ends with any kind of kissing that involve two sets of lips, I want details! No excuses.”
    S he wiggled her eyebrows one last time and ran out the door. 
     
    * * * *
     
    “I don’t like it.”
    I was in my room, getting ready for my rendezvous with Payne. Obviously, I wasn’t alone.
    “Really, Jay, I’m sure everything is going to be all right,” I said while I tried to decide what to wear. I needed something a bit more comfortable to move in while with Payne. And I guess I wanted to try to look nice for him at the same time. I don’t know why, since there was absolutely no chance of anything romantic happening between us. Guys like Payne didn’t kiss girls like me.
    “Bristol, are you listening?” Jay asked. “I don’t want you to go.”
    Jay had heard me telling Maggie about my scheduled meeting with Payne and was worried. He waited until we were alone to approach me. 
    “I’m listening,” I said . “And I think you’re sweet for caring, but I’m sure everything will be fine. Besides, Maggie knows where we’re going, so if I should suddenly disappear…”
    “ If you should suddenly disappear…” Jay interjected while lying on my bed. “Are you listening to yourself, darling? There would be a very excellent chance the good sheriff will be able to arrest Payne for your murder, but you’ll still be dead.”
    I stopped brushing in mid stroke and met his eyes in the mirror. “Yeah, I get that but…I’ll be fine.”
    “Then why are you worried about being alone with Payne?” Jay asked. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
    “There’s nothing to tell,” I insisted. “Look, you’re worrying for nothing. I’ll be fine.”
    Jay looked unconvinced. “No, darling, I don’t think you should go. Stay with me.”
    “I promised Payn e I’d meet him.” I sighed. “Now turn around.”
    “What for?”
    “I want to change my top,” I said, pulling out a soft pink blouse that showed off my attributes a little without being overly obvious. “C’mon now, turn.”
    “Is that really necessary considering the circumstances?” Jay asked as he passed a hand through the wall near him. “It’s only me, darling.”
    “I don’t care that you’re a ghost,” I said as I twirled my finger. “I am not letting you watch me get changed. Now turn or disappear.”
    With a heavy sigh, Jay closed his eyes and turned away. I quickly changed tops, keeping an eye on him. He might be dead, but he was still a guy.
    When I was done, I moved over to the table where I kept my makeup. I didn’t really wear much on a regular basis, but for special occasions I put a little on. Did meeting a smoking hot guy, who may or may not murder you, to try to talk to the ghost of his cousin count as special enough for eyeliner or lipstick?
    “I don’t know why you’re bothering with that stuff, darling,” Jay said.
    “I guess you’re right. A little lipstick isn’t going to help, is it?”
    Jay came to stand before me. He was so close I would have felt his body ’s heat, if he had a body. He looked me in the eyes and something deep within my heart twitched. 
    “That’s not what I meant, darling,” he said. “You just don’t need it. You have no idea