Page 14 of Ghost of a Chance
“Why aren’t they permanent?You have the butterfly on your wrist.”
“None of your business,” she said.“I don’t want to be buddy-buddy with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m ticked and feeling bitchy and cornered,” she admitted.“I don’t like being forced to use my…abilities.Sort of makes me feel cheap.Like I’m doing a trick.”
“That’s okay.”
“No, it’s really not,” she said, turning away from him and stalking backstage to the greenroom.
He let her go.He had five years to get used to Paul.Even if she was used to dealing with spirits, she must not have expected this today.Maybe he should apologize or tell her to forget about it…if she’d even talk to him.
Before he could figure out what to do, he was summoned to the greenroom where Kirsty, Bri, the show’s producer Landon and Gia were assembled.
“Okay, we’ve all had a chance to talk, and Kirsty’s publisher Periwinkle Press has agreed to pay her expenses for a few weeks while she helps Paul’s spirit move on,” Bri said.“We sent them the raw footage and they agreed that it could be a huge moment for all of us.I’m going to supply the crew and Jasper, we’ll have someone cover for you while you’re filming with Kirsty.We’ve decided on a four-to-six week time frame.As soon as we have enough footage, we’ll have you back on and share it with the nation.”
Kirsty’s mouth fell open.She turned to Gia, whispering fiercely to the other woman.He had the feeling she wasn’t into this idea, but Jasper was secretly pumped.He might actually be able to help Paul move on after all.
“Thanks, Bri.This means a lot to me.”Trying to keep emotion out of his voice but failing.
“You’re welcome, kid.I can’t wait to see why Paul’s hanging on and what it takes to help him finally leave this book.He must really love physics.”
Jasper felt a hint of guilt but brushed it aside.This wasn’t the time to open old wounds.
Kirsty had her arms crossed over her chest and looked like she was seconds away from letting loose on Bri.Gia strongly gripped her shoulder, holding her back.
Gia nodded.“That’s all settled.I just need some details about where you went to school, Jasper, so Bri’s team and I can get their permission to film.Then I’ll set up an Airbnb nearby.”She turned toward Bri.“I also need the names of the crew you’re sending.”
“Landon will handle that.”Bri glanced around the room.“Our temporary lighting setup is finished so I need to get the audience back in and finish the show.Kirsty, I’ll plug your book and the follow-up segment we have planned.The audience is getting a copy.Gia mentioned you’d sign them before you leave.”
“I’m happy to,” Kirsty said, following Bri out of the greenroom.
And just like that, everything changed.
Jasper went back to work but he was distracted.Excited to see what happened next.He’d always wanted to know why Paul had lingered…
* * *
At her book signing later that day, Kirsty had all but shrugged off the incident on Bri’s morning show.For now she wanted to focus on staying in the moment.
Meeting her fans was the best part of being an author.She’d always felt like the odd one most of her life.But her readers were her people.They were funky dressers who talked to her not just about her book but about true crime which Kirsty often used as the backbone of her plots.When she was here she felt like she belonged.
She enjoyed hearing about how they loved the series and what they were excited to see next from sleuth Eva Clare.It did stir a bit of guilt since she was struggling to write the next book.Everyone was telling her how excited they were to read it.Somehow that made it worse.
Especially since the more she thought about writing it, the harder it was to actually get the words on the page.
But right now that didn’t matter.Today was about connecting with her fans and appreciating what she had.Along with signing her books, she posed for photos and handed out smaller versions of the temporary tattoos that matched the one on her chest.
Gia showed up toward the end, chatting with a few readers they’d met before.Kirsty put away her pens and swag and headed over to her friend.“So.Where are we going for this ghost disaster?”
“Burlington.You’ll love it.University town in fall.It’s just like your fictional town of Satan’s Brook.I even found an atmospheric house that’s near where Jasper was living when his roommate died.”
She grabbed Gia’s arm and pulled her outside so they wouldn’t be overheard.“Are you sure we should be doing this?You know I have no real ability.”
“I know you don’t think you do.But you have felt things before,” Gia reminded her.
“When I wanted to get out of something.Ireallydon’t feel anything spiritual or otherworldly.I’m as normal as it gets.”
