Page 16 of Devotion

7

Layla

A long bath, followed by an even longer nap, did the trick. I took my meds right before my head hit the pillow, and woke up feeling like me again.

The last twenty-four hours have been a wakeup call, though, a reminder that it’s time I start taking better care of myself. And as I pop another cheese puff into my mouth, then reach for the open can of soda beside the bag, I can admit that this concept will take a bit of mental reprogramming.

I adjust my headset and brush a crumb off the crystal ball on my shirt as another episode ofThe Dick Van Dyke Showstarts. I glance down at my bare legs, taking full advantage of working remotely by pairing my tee and fortune teller hat with nothing but underwear from the waist down.

A beep in my ear means my third call for the night is coming through, so I sit straighter. But it’s a different beep than usual. It’s one I’ve only heard a few times before, indicating that, for an additional fee, the caller requested that they be put through to my line specifically.

My interest is piqued, but maybe I’ve gotten so good at this that I’m starting to attract regulars. I wouldn’t be mad at that.

“Good evening, fellow seeker. I’m Madam Divina Dreamweaver, your guide through the spirit realm. How can I help?”

“Good evening. Thanks for taking my call.”

My head tilts at the sound coming through my headset. The voice is smooth, impossibly deep. I consider the caller’s tone for a moment, adding another attribute to the sound of it.

Pleasant.

“Of course,” I respond politely, but my eyes narrow with curiosity. “The system notifies me when a caller has requested me personally. Have we spoken before?”

His quiet laughter fills my senses and goosebumps prickle my limbs at the sound of it.

“We have not,” he answers.

“Then… how did you know to ask for me?”

It dawns on me that I’m coming across a little accusatory, but I’m too curious to care.

“You came highly recommended,” the stranger says back, but I don’t respond right away. Then, I close my eyes and take a breath, deciding that sounds likely enough to be true.

“Ok, awesome! How can I help you tonight?”

“I could use some sound advice, and from what I’m told, you’re the woman to see for that.”

I smile. “Well, I’m here for you. Talk to me.”

He sighs, and my head tilts, anticipating what sort of advice he’s seeking.

“I’d like for you to tell me my future.”

A laugh slips, but I reel it in quickly. “Can you be more specific?”

“I need to know if you envision me finding who I’m looking for.”

“Someone’s being vague tonight, Sir.”

He laughs again and the sound borders on wicked. Laughter isn’t usually synonymous with darkness, which is why I’m certain I’ve never heard anything quite like this. Still, sinister or not, hearing it leaves me feeling oddly breathless.

“Is something funny?” I ask.

“Not universally, no. But personally, yes, I do find something funny.”

I rock back in my seat, careful not to lose my balance. “Care to share the joke with the rest of the class?”

Despite the air his voice gives off, the conversation feels light.

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