Page 47 of Dreams That Bind Us
Anna grimaced. The entire scenario sounded like a nightmare. Crowds were anathema to her and something to be avoided at all costs. It was exhausting to block that amount of psychic energy for any length of time.
"I can tell from your expression that you're thrilled." Annette giggled. "I think I made the same face when Flora called me this morning. But they've handled all the arrangements, so all I have to do is sit back and let Gus pamper me."
Anna snorted, watching her aunt. "I never thought her arrival would create such a fuss."
"Oh, your aunt is very well known in Key West, more like a local celebrity. Flora mentioned that several locals still have regular video readings with her."
"Not surprising, since she grew up here." Anna released a huge sigh. She could tell tonight would be a trial for her nerves. Maybe she could fake a furniture emergency...
"What time does the party start?"
"Six o'clock." Annette glanced at her watch. "The caterers should arrive in a couple hours."
Anna grunted. She'd need to run home and change. Her stained khakis and unraveling tank top wouldn’t work for an evening of rubbing elbows with Key West society.
I wonder if I should invite James?
She’d spent some of her free time at his house over the past week, and even stayed the night a couple of times. But she was starting to crave James in a way that alarmed her. So much so,that for the last few days she had found convenient excuses to not drive into Key West.
She recognized the level of attachment she felt for James. And in her experience, it usually led to disaster. Her immediate instinct was to put distance between them.
Besides, it was better for her sanity to have a few nights away from him. Have some breathing room to think clearly, get some perspective, and let her brain make the decisions, rather than her heart.
"Who's been invited?" Anna asked absently, watching her aunt's expressive face as she guided the young woman through her reading.
"I have no idea," Annette replied as her eyes scanned the courtyard. "The ladies took care of it. They just told me half the island. Which in my experience, could mean anything."
Anna's gaze cut to Annette. Her pulse jumped at the mere thought of what the Society ladies could organize. As the crowned wild matrons of the island, it wouldn't be unheard of for them to order strippers and drag queens to celebrate. In fact, some of their best parties had provided exactly that, along with copious amounts of alcohol in the finest Key West tradition.
"There’s my beautiful niece! You're finally here," Aunt Louise called out from her perch, the space across from her now empty. She stood, arms out wide. "Come give me a hug."
Anna walked into her aunt’s embrace for a prolonged hug, enjoying the comforting embrace. Aunt Louise released her after several moments, then held Anna's arms out to the side.
"You look different, rested," she commented, her head tilting to the side as she studied Anna. A feline smile spread across her face. "I knew it. Iknewit! You finally took my advice, didn't you. You've slept with him."
Anna sputtered, but Aunt Louise waved it away with the toss of a hand. "No sense lying to me, girl. Don't even try it. Iknow.The third eye never lies." Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her gaze moving over Anna's burning face. "You're glowing and it's about time. Oh, I cannot wait to meet him."
Aunt Louise peered around Anna. "Where is he?"
"Where is who?" Anna replied, deliberately being obtuse.
Aunt Louise tsked and slapped her arm lightly. "You know exactly who I'm talking about. I want to meet your man, James. Where is he?"
"I have no idea. I drove here from my warehouse. He's probably working."
"Mmmhmmm." Aunt Louise stared at her worn and stained khakis for a moment and then the torn tank top, her nose wrinkling. "I hope you're not wearing thisoutfitto my welcome soiree this evening." Her voice dripped with disapproval.
"I thought I was coming over here for a quiet visit. I had no idea there was a welcome soiree planned. Annette just told me." Anna edged to the side. "I'll run home and clean up."
A solitary brow rose over Aunt Louise's left eye. "Just make sure you find your way back here, okay. No staying home because you're tired or you get distracted with work. Oh, and bring your man with you. I want to meet him."
"Yes, I know," Anna said with a sigh. "I haven't spoken to him today. I don't even know if he's available. He's probably not."
"He'll make time for me." Aunt Louise gave Anna a peck on the cheek. "Now you head home and clean up. And wear one of those pretty sundresses we picked up in Delray last month."
"Yes, your Majesty. Should I bring you grapes too?" Anna sassed, but inside she felt all the enthusiasm of someone walking to the executioner’s block. She knew there was no getting around this. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."
Aunt Louise sent her a batch of air kisses, then waved over her next client, who scurried forward in a flurry.
