“I’m a witness.” Connor collapsed in his chair as if there were nowhere else he needed to be. “Joey and Bryan, too.”
“Alright.” I came to the first form with a signature line at the bottom and gave them my word to be an employee of Theia Productions, LLC for the span of twenty-two episodes. There would be even more if this ridiculous idea took off.
I should have been excited. Anyone else would have been if they were in my place. Instead, I felt the knot in my stomach tighten as if it were the Devil in front of me instead of a well-versed Hollywood producer; asking for my soul in exchange for more time with Elliot.
I signed my name as fast as I could.
a
Elliot’s phone rang the moment we stepped into the hallway, so I didn’t get the chance to ask him how he felt the meeting went. I couldn’t make out much from his side of his conversation, but he didn’t seem happy. In fact, he didn’t seem much like Elliot at all. When we reached the car, he pressed a button on his phone and fished the keys out of his pocket.
“You alright?”
Elliot nodded in my direction. I slid into the car with my own phone in hand. My mom had sent me no less than twenty-five texts while I was in the meeting. I knew she was dying to hear how everything went. I ran my thumb over the screen to unlock it and reply back to her when Elliot’s voice broke through the silence between us.
“That was my dad. He’s going to meet us at the condo.”
“Really?” I dropped the phone in my purse, my mother temporarily forgotten. “I didn’t think I’d be meeting him.”
“Yeah.” Elliot fiddled with the keys for a minute before he put them in the ignition. “He wants us to check out our new place then take us out to lunch to celebrate.”
“That’s very sweet of him.” I shifted in my seat. “But do we have to do it today? One massive meeting is enough for one day. I don’t know if I can handle another one.”
“Yeah.” Elliot shrugged as he turned out of the parking garage and back out into the street. “He’s already there waiting on us.”
“Great.” I tried to sound enthusiastic, but I couldn’t muster up the strength. This was my first trip to California and I was exhausted. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into the massive bed waiting back at the hotel. But I couldn’t turn down this invitation. “So, details. What should I expect?”
“From my dad? Or the apartment?” Elliot was concentrating on traffic. At least, I hope he was. The little convertible we were in was flying down the freeway.
“Let’s go with your dad.” I shrugged. “You don’t really talk about him.”
“I don’t have a reason to.” Elliot sighed, letting his foot off the gas and switching lanes. “Look, Eva, I don’t like to talk about him.”
“I know.” I felt my purse vibrate against the side of my leg but I ignored it. “I’m not asking you to divulge any juicy family drama. Just give me an idea.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Elliot began tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. “He’s conservative and strict. This is exactly why he’s managed to make Theia as successful as it is.”
“That’s it?” I frowned. “Conservative and strict? Eli, every dad can be described as ‘conservative and strict’.”
“Like I said, I don’t know how to describe him. He wasn’t around much when I was a kid. I fled to Georgia as soon as I could.”
“Why Georgia?”
I’d asked him this same question plenty of times over the past few years but Elliot had deflected me every time. Now, he was stuck in L.A. traffic in a very small car. He wasn’t going to get away so easily.
“Why not?” Elliot threw me a small smile. “I got to meet you, didn’t I?”
“Flattering, but that’s not the answer I was looking for. Come on,” I huffed in frustration. “I’ve known you for four years and just flew out to California to be with you. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know you at all.”
“Did you really?” Elliot tilted his head towards me. “Did you come out here just to be with me?”
“No.” I felt the blush rising in my cheeks. “I needed a job, remember?”
“A boring one, if I recall. Yet here you are in L.A., signed up to do a television show.” Elliot chuckled. “You missed the mark, doll. ‘Boring’ was not in the job description.”
“You’re deflecting me again.” I crossed my arms and looked out the window. After a few minutes of tense silence, Elliot started talking.
“Fine. I decided on UGA because my mom’s family is from Atlanta.” Elliot shrugged. “I thought I could get to know them if I came here.”
“Did you?” I tilted my head, wondering just how much I actually knew about my best friend. “Get to know them, that is.”
“No. They all died a long time ago.”
“Aunts or uncles?”
“No.” He shook his head. “She was the only child.”
“But you stayed at UGA anyway.”
“Yeah.” Elliot pulled into another garage. “That’s in the past, Eva. It doesn’t matter. We’re here about our future. Aren’t you the least bit curious about your new place?”
I dropped the subject in a heartbeat, looking around the parking garage he’d pulled into as if I’d never seen one before.
“This is it?”
Elliot laughed. “Yeah. We’re on the tenth floor, so you’re going to be glad when Connor is arranging a moving company for us. I couldn’t imagine trying to carry your stuff all the way up there.”
“Oh, please.” I grabbed my purse and hopped out of the car. “I know you. You would have hired movers anyway.”
“True. Hey, Eva,” Elliot grabbed my hand to keep me from going too far ahead of him. “You sure you’re ok with all this? I mean, this really is a huge change for you.”
“I’ve already signed the contract. I don’t think I have too much of a choice now.” I squeezed his hand. “I may not act like it, but I am grateful to you for this opportunity.”
“I know you are.” Elliot looked at the elevator ahead of us. “Come on. Let’s go meet my old man and get this over with.”
a
I was speechless when Elliot opened the door labeled 1013 and our new place was exposed. This wasn’t like my little one bedroom place back in Georgia. The foyer was small, but it opened up to a great room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The furniture was modern; a mixture of greens and blues that worked well to make the space seem inviting. I looked to Elliot who grinned as he gestured for me to go explore my new surroundings.
I ran from room to room as if I were a kid instead of a college graduate. The kitchen was just as modern as the great room with appliances that gleamed beneath the recessed lighting. There was a half bath fully stocked and three bedrooms off the hallway. I was exploring the master bedroom when I heard voices filtering down the hallway.
“Eva’s in here somewhere, Dad. I thought she should take a look around first.”
“Indeed. I heard the meeting went well this morning.”
“It did. We’re both signed up and ready to go.”
I could hear footsteps against the wood floors so I checked myself in the mirror. Hair was still in place. Face was still put together. I took a breath, smiled, and stepped out into the hallway. They were standing by the television and I could see the family resemblance immediately. Both were tall. Both dark and brooding. The only real difference I could see between them was stature. Joseph Lancaster wore his power like a cloak. Elliot was more casual, slouching despite the expensive suit that fit him so well.
“Hello.” I smiled and extended my hand. “Eva McRayne. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lancaster.”
“Same.” Joseph Lancaster clasped my hand in both of his and smiled. “I’ve heard much about you from my son. I’m sure the two of you will do quite well at this little project of yours.”
“It’s not a project, Dad.” Elliot frowned as his father released my hand. “We’re going to be doing serious research for t
he show.”
“Of course.” Joseph extended his arm for me to take. “I hope to hear all about your meeting with Connor. And you let me know if there is anything you need. My son is quite independent, so I’m counting on you to contact me, Ms. McRayne.”
I looked back to Elliot as we left the condo and noted how dark his features had become as Joseph led us out of the building. I wanted to ask him what was wrong. I had questions about why he was so different when his father was around. But I couldn’t ask them. Not here. Not now.
Instead, I let myself get swept up by Joseph Lancaster as he talked about the television business. Life in Los Angeles. Everything but the son who sat quietly in the background.
***
Our lunch date with Joseph went surprisingly well. We made small talk through most of it, giving Joseph all the details of the meeting. It wasn’t until Elliot excused himself to go to the bathroom that Joseph asked me the question no one else had bothered to concern themselves with.
“Eva, surely you don’t believe in this nonsense. Elliot has always been,” He paused long enough to sip on his wine. “Curious about the afterlife.”
“No.” I tilted my head to the side as I kept an eye out for Elliot’s return. “I don’t believe in ghosts and ghouls. Never have.”
“Then why are you here? Fame and fortune?”
“I don’t want to be famous. But the fortune? I don’t expect to make a mint, Mr. Lancaster. But the money did factor into my decision.”
Joseph chuckled. “It always does. Tell me, have you considered how your life is going to change if this project takes off? You’ll be hounded by the paparazzi at every step. Your life will no longer be your own.”
“I believe this will be a success because Elliot believes in it.” I folded up my napkin and put it beside my plate. “My reasons for being here are my own, sir. I believe in Elliot just as he believes in the paranormal. I want to see him happy. I can deal with hiding from the paparazzi if he’s happy.”
“Between the two of us, I never would have approved a show like this. If it were anyone but Elliot, I wouldn’t have done it now.” Joseph stabbed at something on his plate. “I want to see my son happy as well. If this is what it takes, then so be it.”
I started to respond, but Joseph wasn’t finished. He took a bite of his food then leaned across the table.
“I was serious when I said I am counting on you to keep my son grounded. He has a dislike for me which is unfounded, so he so won’t listen to my advice.”
“Mr. Lancaster…”
“And I hear you are going to New York for a conference in a few weeks.”
“Yes. Connor said it would help us sound like we know what we are doing.” I shrugged. “I’m not so sure if a few days talking with the so-called experts are going to help though.”
Joseph nodded. “This is all part and parcel of the magic of television, Eva. The audience must believe the lie you present to them. Otherwise, all your hard work is for naught. But perhaps, you will learn more than you could ever imagine.”
“Ah, but enough to pull off the illusion of being a ghost hunter?” I smiled, trying to make light of a conversation which suddenly felt very heavy. “I am not an actress, Mr. Lancaster. I won’t pretend to be something I’m not.”
“We shall see.” Joseph returned my smile, shifting his gaze up to the spot behind my shoulder. “Welcome back.”
“What did I miss?” Elliot squeezed my shoulder as he came up behind me. “You two looked as if you’re discussing the fate of the civilized world over here.”
“Nothing so frivolous, son.” Joseph signaled for the waitress who appeared beside him in less than a second. He handed her several bills, then shooed her away. “I am afraid I must be getting back to the office.”
Joseph stood and we joined him. He shook Elliot’s hand then mine. “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Eva. I’ll be seeing you around the office.”
“See you later.” Elliot pushed his seat in as his father disappeared from view. “So what were you two talking about?”
“Ghosts and ghouls.” I snagged my purse from its spot on the back of my chair. “Seriously? Your dad seems nice, Eli.”
“Everyone says that.” Elliot turned away from me towards the direction his father went. “Too bad I can’t see it.”
“Do you want to see his good side?” I took his hand and squeezed it. “Or are you determined not to?”
Elliot gave me a sad smile in return. “One conversation about me is enough for the day. What did you think about the condo?”
“It’s perfect. I can’t believe we’re actually going to be living there.”
“It is nice.” He admitted. “I will confess, it’ll be better to pass out in my own bed than on your tiny couch when we’re out too late, McRayne.”
“What’s wrong with my couch?” I grumbled as we left the restaurant. “You’ve slept on it plenty of times.”
“My point exactly.” Elliot’s good spirits were restored as he linked his arm with mine and led us to the car. “We’ll head back over to the hotel to get our stuff to take it over to the condo. No time like the present to get started on our move.”
Our move. I still couldn’t believe I was actually going to be leaving Athens. But as Elliot helped me into the car, I was relieved. Relieved my job search was finally over. Relieved I wouldn’t have to return home to my parents to hear my dad boast about how right he was. Most of all? I was relieved I would be able to stay with Elliot a little longer.
Chapter Four
I will forever remember the two weeks following our meeting with Connor Garrison as a blur. Elliot was right when he said Connor had set up movers to ship my stuff across the country. All I was responsible for was selling the things I didn’t want to take with me and packing the necessities I would need for the two days I would be without my belongings.
Once we arrived back in Los Angeles, my days were filled with appointments with studio stylists. I was pampered and petted to the point where it had become annoying. When I wasn’t being transformed, Elliot and I were in training sessions. I learned how to block a scene, where to stand for the best lighting, and how to raise my voice so that the microphones could pick up my words without me shouting.
I was exhausted by the time we landed in New York to attend Paracon. Even Elliot, who thrived on deadlines and crammed schedules, had dark circles under his eyes. Thankfully, Theia Productions put us up in the same hotel so we didn’t have to drive through New York traffic to get here on time.
“Are you sure we have to go?” I tugged at Elliot’s sleeve as we entered into the area of the hotel where the conference was being held. “We can just make something up. I’ll pretend I’m sick or something. You know as well as I do that I’m really good at coming up with excuses.”
Elliot chuckled as we approached the sign in table. “Maybe we could skip out early this afternoon. Be tourists for awhile. But only if you behave. No laughing out loud at the psychics.”
“You know I can’t make any promises.” I shuffled up to the table and managed to smile at the older woman handing out the name badges. “Eva McRayne.”
“Welcome, Ms. McRayne.” She handed me a manila envelope filled to the brim with papers and pamphlets. “Your name badge is inside as well as the schedule of events. I hope you enjoy yourself.”
I nodded then stepped aside so Elliot could repeat the process I just went through. We stepped through a pair of glass doors when he had his envelope in hand and I could have sworn I’d fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole. Although it was only nine in the morning, the place was swarming with people. Most were in groups, going from table to table with banners proclaiming the names of ghost hunting societies and psychics willing to sell the answers to all of your questions. Other tables were filled to their edges with merchandise of all kinds.
I suppose such crowds were normal at a convention. It was the patrons who gave me reason to feel so disoriented. For every one person dress
ed in jeans, there were three more dressed as witches or demons. There were more than a few girls dressed in fairy wings and angel costumes. Elliot had to raise his voice so that I could hear him over the crescendo of voices around us.
“Well? What do you think?”
“I think I’m overdressed.” I waved off a man in a silver alien costume handing out flyers as he started to approach me. “You didn’t say I needed to visit a Halloween store before we left L.A.”
He placed his hand on my lower back and led me towards an area where the organizers had set up benches for the conference goers to rest on.
“Come on. I want to take a look at this schedule. It’s packed.”
I opened the folder and pulled out the papers the moment we sat down. Connor had emailed this same document to us several days before but neither of us had taken the time to look it over. Elliot was right. For every time slot, there were three to four classes being offered. Everything from how to sell your spells to spirit photography was listed. At night, there was a promise of parties. Each night had an event lined up so the convention goers could get drunk and socialize with those of their own kind.
“So how long are we here for again?”
Elliot stopped marking on his paper but he didn’t look away from it. “Three days.”
“Alright. And what do you suggest we go to?” I had decided from the moment we stepped off the plane to let Elliot take the lead on this one. I knew if I didn’t, there would be no way I could trust myself to take any of this seriously. Even now, I wasn’t sure if I could. “Chose wisely. I swear, I will punch you if you say you want to go to the session about flying through the astral plane.”
“Today it’ll be the history of spirit photography, then video.” Elliot was back to making those marks on his paper. “And scrying. The presentation is led by Kathy Carter. It should be a very interesting day.”
“Scrying?” I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “Sounds like a good way to clean your stove.”
“Hardy har.” Elliot smiled. “Look, Eva, I know you don’t believe in this. But maybe something here will change your mind.”
The Oracle Series: Volumes 1-3 Page 3