by Idella Breen
Angela kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry Eliza.”
“Where did she go? Is there any way we can reach her?” May asked.
I shook my head. “She’s practically in another world.”
May nodded. “I sorry too, Eliza. The first is always the hardest especially when it was so deep.”
“Well.” Peter stood up. “How about we get smashed. I have Crown in a cupboard around here somewhere. I also hid a bottle of birthday cake vodka under the couch.”
I laughed. “I like the sound of that.”
We all laughed before Angela turned to me. “Just remember Eliza, you’re never alone. We’ve always got your back.”
“Thank you. I won’t forget again.”
Angela smiled. “Good because you don’t want me to go crazy best friend on you if you do. Because you know I’m still pissed I didn’t hear about this June girl before. I could have brought over pints of chocolate ice cream, and we could have hit the chick flicks.”
I laughed. “I know, Angela. I’ll make sure you’re in the loop next time.”
“You better.”
“Okay, enough heart to heart. I say we blast some emo rock loud enough to wake the grandparents. Let’s get smashed!”
May turned him around to meet her gaze. “Peter! We are not going to do that.”
He frowned. “We’re not?”
“No. We are going to play some emo rock softly in the background so that we don’t wake anyone up because my mom is sleeping upstairs in the guest room. Do you remember what happened last time you woke her up in the middle of the night?”
“Um, it’s a bit blurry.”
She nodded solemnly. “Yes, I feared it would be. You don’t remember, but she pushed you down the stairs. It was bloody. I thought I lost you for a moment. It was touch and go at the hospital for a while.”
“Really?”
“Yes, so how about you go and find that vodka and Crown and us girls will set up the music?”
He nodded with a confused look on his face. “Yeah, sure. Are you sure that’s what happened? I think I would remember something like that.”
“No honey, you hit your head pretty hard. The doctor said you might not remember it.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll get the drinks and be back in a minute.”
“Thanks, sweetie.”
Peter walked away, and May stood motioning for us to follow her. She led us over to the kitchenette where her cell phone and small Bluetooth speakers were.
“Did that really happen?” I asked.
May smirked but shook her head. “No. It was worse. He came home pissed drunk after a night out on the town with his brothers and woke up my mom who was visiting at the time. She doesn’t think too clearly when she’s woken up in the middle of the night. It has to do with the sleeping pills she takes. You know how older people get insomnia.”
I nodded and watched as she flicked through her playlist. “And?”
“Well, she came down the stairs screaming bloody murder, practically butt naked. She thought he was a burglar. She chased him out of the house with a lamp. We found him the next morning in the park practically frozen. It was sometime in December.”
“Damn, May. Are all the woman crazy in your family?” Angela asked.
May looked up at her and frowned. “What are you saying?”
“Nothing. I was saying nothing!” Angela held up her hands in surrender.
May smiled and laughed. “Just kidding!”
She turned back to the speaker and indie rock music played softly in the background. I gave Angela a look and giggled at the pure terror on her face. She always did say the short one were the ones you had to watch out for.
***
The blaring sound of rock music was like a drill in my head as it broke the silence of the morning.
“Oh my God! Someone turn it off!” Angela’s voice called out into the darkness of the basement.
I crawled over to where I had dropped my purse the night before and dug through it pulling out my cell phone. I didn’t even have the mind to check my caller ID before I answered it.
“Hello?” My voice cracked and was scratching causing me to cough.
“Eliza! I have wonderful news!”
“Henry?” Oh God! Did I miss a meeting?
“Yes, of course, dear. Are you not quite awake yet? That’s alright; I’ll just talk and you listen.”
“Okay,” I whispered and moved to sit up off of the floor. I shivered as the sleeping bag fell down and quickly pulled it back up. The basement didn’t get good heating.
“I’ve spoken with several of our patrons, and it has been decided upon that we have a teaser of your artwork this week after the holiday has ended. They want to see what you have to offer and it will give us a great chance to stir some excitement for your future show next year. I’m thinking the day after Black Friday. What do you think?”
“Saturday?”
“Yes, dear. You must have had a rough night. In case you didn't know, today is Friday. So, I was speaking about tomorrow.”
“Yeah, okay. We can do whatever you want Henry.”
“Great! This is great news. I will be expecting to see you early tomorrow to work out the details, say about seven in the morning?”
I swallowed thickly. Shit, what was I supposed to say? My head throbbed. Thinking was not a good idea right now. “Sure.”
“This is going to be wondrous! I’ll see you tomorrow. Please, don’t be late. We have much to accomplish before the show later that evening.”
“Okay.” I was already beginning to fall asleep again as my hangover overloaded my brain. I don’t know if I hung up or if he did, but it was only seconds later that I was back into the warm abyss of the dream world.
Chapter 14
“Remind me again why I let you two talk me into shopping on Black Friday, the craziest day of the year,” I asked as I dropped two aspirin into my hand and took them with a swig of water from my bottle.
“Because we are awesome and wonderful and you love us, so you will do anything to make us happy,” Angela said.
I shook my head. “More like because you threatened to withhold my Christmas presents if I didn’t come with you.” I groaned. I was still nursing a hangover.
May looped her arm through mine and smiled. “That too.”
“Where to first ladies? Momma wants a new pair of high heels!”
“Oh God! She’s calling herself names again. That is never a good sign.” I moaned, and May giggled beside me.
“I still need to buy Peter his gift.” May said and began dragging me towards Best Buy.
“You haven’t bought one yet?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?”
“No, not yet. I’ve been busy lately and haven’t really gotten the chance to do much.” Even as I spoke memories from the past few days flitted through my mind. I really have had a last few eventful days. From fighting angels to making deals with demons, how was one supposed to find time to Christmas shop? I sighed. Well, I guess I had all the time in the world now that I was free from it all. Or at least the few weeks until the holiday. May interrupted my thoughts.
“What are your plans for Christmas and New Years?”
I shrugged. “Nothing yet. Why?”
She smiled at me. “I just wanted to make sure you knew that you were welcome to spend it with Peter and I. I don’t know what Angela has planned yet but she is also invited. We were thinking about going to some New Years parties this time. Peter has a few colleagues that are throwing some that are supposed to be a bit crazy.”
I smiled. “Thanks, May. I think I might take you up on that offer. It would suck to bring in the New Year alone.”
She nodded. “It’s bad luck too.”
I chuckled just as Angela ran to catch up with us once she figured out we weren’t following her anymore. “Jeez, guys! Just walk away without me why don’t you?”
May s
mirked. “We didn’t want to interrupt you shoe fantasies.”
I opened my mouth to give her another dig when a masculine voice interrupted whatever I was about to say. “Eliza? Eliza Trust, is that you?”
I spun around only to come face to face with George Crane, my old boss. “Mr. Crane?”
His face lit up with a grin. “It is you! What a coincidence.”
“Yeah…” I trailed off. What should I even say in a situation like this and why the hell does he look so happy to see me?
“This is great!”
I frowned. “Yeah, it’s nice to see you again Mr. Crane.”
He walked closer so we could speak without yelling. “I was just thinking about you.”
“You were?”
He held out his hand. “Mrs. Trust, you have no idea how we've missed you at the company.”
“You have?” Now I was confused.
“I admit that I may have overreacted when I fired you so quickly. So, I would like to personally offer you your old position in the company back. Jacob has been a nightmare and hasn’t lived up to even one-third of my expectations. He just can’t keep up with the work you could produce when you were there. Jacob has left the company since. I would be overjoyed if you would come work for us again.”
I looked down at the offered hand then looked up to meet the smiling face of my old boss. Taking a deep breath, I answered in my most polite of tones. “You know, Mr. Crane, had you asked me a month ago I would have jumped at the opportunity, but the truth is that I’ve since moved on. I have a show coming up at Philo’s.”
“The gallery?” He asked. A little bit of awe had entered his voice.
“Yes, sir. It’s a great opportunity, and I’ve decided to pursue a career in the Arts. I’ve had some success, and I plan to continue moving forward with that career choice. So, I’m sorry to say that I will have to decline your offer for my old position, but I would like to invite you to come to my show next year. I would even call it an eye-opening experience.”
His face fell slightly. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I might just take you up on your offer, though. My wife is a regular at Philo’s. She dabbles with sculpting and the such. Well, then I wish you the best with your endeavors and with your holiday shopping. Good day ladies.” He nodded to both May and Angela before walking away.
“Oh my gosh!” Angela yelled and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. “You were amazing!”
“Angela! You’re choking me.”
She let go. “Oh, sorry. I’m just so proud of you! Did you see his face? He was speechless! How many people tell him no after he offers them a job? You were badass!”
I laughed. “You could say that I’ve learned my value.”
Angela pulled me into another hug. “It’s about damn time you did.”
I smiled. “Yeah, it really is.”
“So, shopping?” May interrupted.
I smirked at her and nodded. “Sure. But I’m getting ice cream before I go home.”
She frowned. “But it’s November?”
“That doesn’t mean anything. Ice cream is a year around snack. It’s like chocolate or alcohol or weed-“
I slapped my hand over Angela’s mouth. “We get it, Angela. Ice cream is great, and I want some tonight, so I’m going to buy some on my way home, and that's final.”
I pulled my hand away to reveal a wide smile. I got a sinking feeling just as she opened her mouth and yelled. “Girl party!”
I groaned as May tried to quiet her down. We were getting strange looks from the people around us, and Angela began to do her victory dance. I shouldn’t have said anything! There goes my quiet night to mope by myself. The Asian woman was going to want to shop all day then party all night. She might even make us do a marathon of Friends. I shuddered at the thought.
***
After the brief meeting with Henry in the morning and a mad dash with Angela trying to get all my artwork safely transported to Philo’s for the show in the evening, I was reaching my limit of ass kissing for the day. Philo’s was packed with VIP’s and the odd reporter or two that was going to help with the promotion for the show next year by beginning the hype now. I was both excited and terrified for the future, but mostly, I was just exhausted.
Henry had allowed for me to invite a few of my friends and of course they all said they would show up sometime throughout the day. Angela had help me set up earlier and said she would come back during the show so she could try and, ‘snag herself some rich man candy.’ Her words not mine. I was desperately searching for a server to grab a glass of wine from when the sound of someone clearing their throat drew my attention.
I turned around only to see Gabriel holding out a glass filled with white wine. I hesitated a moment, and he smiled before pushing it into my hand. “Don’t worry. I don’t bite.”
“Gabe, why are you here?” I sipped at my drink trying to still my racing heartbeat.
He shrugged. “I’m a patron here.”
I frowned. “I thought that was your cover.”
He nodded. “It was.”
When he didn’t continue, I felt my panic start to build. “So, why are you here?”
Gabriel looked around before meeting my gaze. His baby blues were clear as a summer’s day, but his face held a graveness that unsettled me. “Eliza, I’m here for you.”
I took a step back. “I thought-“
He shook his head. “Not for that reason.”
“Then why? I don’t want any more of your games Gabe. Why are you here?”
He nodded and took a step forward. “I know things. And some of the things I have come to learn have unsettled me a great deal.”
I whispered, “What things?”
He frowned. “That you are important.”
“I’m finished with all of that. Death said-“
Gabriel shook his head. “Death can’t be trusted.”
My heart began to race. “What are you saying?”
Finally, he smiled and took a step back. “I just want you to know that even if you can’t trust Death, you can trust me. When the time comes, I hope that you seek me out for help. I’m not your enemy.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying Gabe. Why would I need your help?”
“Because, Eliza. One day, you’re going to find yourself in a situation where you have no one left to turn to. At that moment, I want you to remember me and know that I am willing to help you.”
“At what cost? What will I have to give for that help?” I demanded.
He frowned. “Nothing. You won’t have to give me anything.”
“Why-“
He shook his head, and I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around only to see Angela, May, and Peter all dressed in their best evening gowns and suit. “Eliza! This is wonderful!” May pulled me into a hug.
“Hey, guys. I’m glad you could make it. Can you just hold on one second, though? I’m talking to someone.” I pulled back and turned back to Gabe. He was gone.
“Who were you speaking with?” Angela asked when I turned back them.
I shook my head and frowned. “No one, I guess. Sorry.”
Angela perked up and pulled me into a hug as well. “So, how does it feel to be famous?”
I chuckled, still trying to shake off the horrible feeling Gabriel left me with. What did he mean when he said I would need his help? I thought it was all over?
“Eliza?”
I shook my head to clear it and smiled. “I’m not famous yet.”
“You practically are! So, point me in the direction of the richest bachelor so I can work my magic.” Angela gushed.
“Have you no shame woman?” Peter whispered.
Angela smirked. “I’m hot. What do I have to be ashamed about.”
He shook his head, and I laughed before leading them around and introducing them to a few people. We split up after a while. Angela was chatting up a handsome six-foot bachelor while Peter and May were checking out some of the other r
ooms. I strolled around idly until I came to a stop in front of a painting. Looking up I was once again caught in the gunmetal grays of my Grim Reaper. But this time instead of the mysterious feeling they usually invoked all that I felt was a constant ache in my chest as my heart clenched in longing. Would I ever look upon the real person again? Or would I have to wait until the end of eternity? I felt a presence come up beside me and I looked to my left to see Jessica, Henry’s assistant. She didn’t meet my gaze but smirked at the painting of June.
“Jess, right?” I sniffed. I didn’t realize I was so close to crying again.
She turned to me. “Eliza.”
“Are you looking for Henry? I think I saw him walk that way.” I pointed to my right.
She shook her head. “Actually, I was looking for you.”
“For me?”
She nodded and turned back to the painting. “My name…”
“What?”
Jessica smirked. “June never told you the name of the person that told her about your opportunity all those centuries ago. Your one chance.”
“What are you talking about?” Now, I was confused. This woman always had a way of catching me off guard.
She shrugged. “It’s no matter. I just wanted to pay my respects and give you some advice before I’m gone. We won't be meeting again for a long while.”
I frowned. “I don’t-”
She cut me off. “It’s funny isn’t it?”
“What is?”
Jessica met my gaze, and I gasped. Her eyes sparkled like a summer night's sky. It was like looking into a constellation.
I gasped. “What are you?
She smirked and held out her hand. “Jessica, third sister to The Fate. A pleasure.”
I hesitated, remembering what happened the last time we shook hands. She chuckled. “I see you’ve learned your lesson.”
“What do you want? I’m free from my fate as the Lamb of Essence. What business do you have with me?”
Jessica shook her head smiling. “Like I said, I just wanted to say goodbye. I’m leaving and only you will remember me as Henry’s assistant. I have served my purpose to my sister.”
I frowned. “What does she want with me?”
She shrugged. “I’m but a part of the whole. Only The Fate is all knowing. As her sister, I merely do her bidding.”