Page 116 of Just Like That

“Okay then.” Luna nodded. “Let’s go.”

We arranged ourselves in a circle around the kitchen island. Luna took a small dish from the cupboard and filled it with water as I arranged the altar. Curious eyes stared in wonder, but the women stayed silent.

I held out my hands at each side. “Please hold hands.”

The women joined hands, completing the circle.

I closed my eyes and let the quiet surround me. In a shaky whisper, I set our intentions. “Thank you for being here. I am lost and need answers. Thank you for being sisters in support.” My hands were both squeezed in a show of sisterhood, and I smiled. There was no judgment, only soft, supportive smiles.

I looked to Luna and nodded.

She lit the candles in the center of the makeshift altar, and a gleam sparked in her eye. Her eyebrows bounced. “Let’s find some ghosts, shall we?”

Nerves tickled my belly as the soft smoke from the white sage floated toward the ceiling. Luna breathed in and out, her head drifting back until her face tilted toward the ceiling.

“This is so cool,” MJ whispered.

Beside her, Kate bumped MJ’s arm. “Focus. We’re supposed to be ... channeling or whatever.”

Small giggles rippled through the circle.

Luna grinned. “The energy feels good. You’ve chosen the right amplifiers.”

I smiled at the women who’d shown up for me.

“Close your eyes,” Luna instructed. “Tonight we seek answers from Olive Adams. We welcome only spirits with good intentions to join our circle. Make your presence known.”

I silently repeated Luna’s incantation, peeking one eye open. Everyone was holding hands and kept their eyes closed.

Luna repeated her words, then added, “If you are with us, make your presence known.”

A light gasp forced my eyes open. Kate was staring at the candles in the center. “One went out.”

A chill ran up my back.

“Keep the circle intact. Hold hands,” Luna gently instructed. “Olive Adams, if you are with us, your sister Hazel seeks your knowledge and comfort. Make your presence known.”

When the second candle flickered and sputtered out, my stomach dropped so quickly it nearly fell out of my butt. My heartbeat ticked higher.

Luna grinned. “Go on,” she whispered to me. “Ask her.”

I looked around the circle. I wasn’t prepared to drop the news that Teddy wasn’t JP’s child, so I chose my words carefully. “Olive, it’s me.” Tears burned in my nose. “I miss you.” My friends squeezed my hands, and I took a breath. “I know the truth ... at least some of it. I need your help figuring the rest out.” I looked around.

The air was eerily still, but nothing happened. “Please,” I pleaded.

One hot tear burned a path down my cheek. “Please, Olive. I don’t know what to do.”

We all gasped when a loud thud broke the silence behind us.

My head whipped around to see my purse had tumbled off the table and its contents spilled on the ground, her folded letter spinning to a stop near my foot.

“Holy fuck,” someone whispered.

“Any more questions?” Luna asked me.

I was rooted to the spot. I had about twelve billion questions, but all I could do was stare at my purse and shake my head.

“Thank you for joining us,” Luna said. “We thank you for your guidance and love. You may go in peace.” She let her hands drop and clapped her hands together.

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