Page 12 of Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places
Surprise rippled across his face like a wave before subsiding. He smoothly transitioned back into his usual neutral interviewer expression she’d seen dozens of times. Kind of impressive to see it in real time. “I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
“No one ever does.” She gave him a rare, wistful smile. “I don’t know why or how I can do it. I just can. And I’m almost never wrong.”
Maverick glanced at the camera, purposefully displaying a concerned look. She knew he wanted to create tension for theaudience. She also knew he wanted them to know he knew what was coming and, against his better judgment, decided to share it with them.
“I would never say that I don’t believe you,” he said, measured and certain. “Is there any way you can demonstrate this ability for me? Would you be comfortable doing that?”
He was so delightfully wonderful at his job. She felt herself beginning to relax, sinking back into the chair, a contented sigh waiting to leave her lungs. This was how she felt watching his show. Something about the way he worked always set her spirit at ease.
When she didn’t answer, he pressed, “Lucky?”
She looked away, staring at the floor as if they’d rehearsed it. “I could read you. If you want.” She removed her glasses, folding and hanging them on her front pocket. “I normally don’t warn people before I do this, so if you’re game, I’m going to read you now.”
His nervous laugh didn’t sound entirely fake. “How does it work?”
“Once per person. Repeat first impressions highly unlikely. Individual experiences may vary.” Her delivery implied a joke, but it wasn’t. Especially that last point. “Really, I’ll just look at your eyes and then I’ll know.”
“Don’t look at me yet.”
She almost did, reflexively jerking toward him. “Okay?”
“Do you mind if we pause for just a second? I thought of something, and I don’t want to lose it.”
She kept her gaze down, using her hand like a shield on her forehead to block herself from accidentally looking at him. Hisnimble thumbs typed expertly fast as she leaned in closer to see…
“It’s just some notes,” he said, still going.
“I saw my name.”
“Because I’m writing about you.”
“Interview questions?”
“Nope.”
“A true-or-false personality test to see if I’m notpsychicpsychic?”
He laughed. “No, again. That’s an interesting way to phrase it. Is that what you call your gift?”
“Only when I’m being funny. I don’t vibe with words likeclairvoyantorpsychic. Formally, I’ve dubbed it a ‘first impression ability.’ Informally, I’m an ESP girlie.”
“And what made you decide to tell me about it?”
She heard the smile in his voice and relaxed that much more. “Because you believe people. Everyone always thinks I’m lying. I thought you might give me the benefit of the doubt like you do to guests on your show. Which you did, so thank you.”
His phone rang—Stephen’s picture appeared on the screen. “Ah, hold on, I have to take this. Don’t look at me yet,” he said playfully.
“I won’t.” She laughed.
“Hey, what’s up, we’re in the library— No, why would she be with me—? What do you mean she’s gone?” He stood up, speed walking toward the hall. “Lucky, I’ll be right back!”
“Okay. I’ll wait here,” she said to the empty room.
A few moments later, she heard a chorus of voices yelling outside but couldn’t make out what they were saying. From thewindow, she didn’t see anyone in the backyard. They must have been on the side or toward the front of the house. Part of her thought she should go see if they needed help. Then again, if they needed it, Maverick would’ve asked. Overstepping on her first day seemed like a bad idea.
Besides, and most importantly, sunrise had officially come and gone.
6
