Reunited (Secrets of the Soul, Book One)

Chapter Four

Two months later

A low din carried through the café as Stephanie prepared to go home. She put her bag on, positioning the strap across her chest. One of her co-workers slipped by her, reaching for a tea bag on the shelf lining the wall, while another stood at the register, dealing with a rude customer.

Stephanie resisted the urge to say something, deciding she'd better not do anything to get fired. She may be starting up her practice, but she still needed the money.

Better to keep my mouth shut. Anya knows how to handle people without getting fired.

Still, she couldn't help mentally giving thanks for the fact she should be out of there soon. Her mother, Fiona, was a gifted psychic who knew plenty of people who were open to more unconventional things, not to mention the friend of hers who owns a new age store. As a result, Stephanie was already fielding several e-mails from people who were interested. Some of the people she studied under and with were trading referrals, too. In fact, she'd be meeting someone later that day to talk about a session.

Just as she stepped out the door, her ring tone sounded. She dug into her pocket and pulled her cell out, swiping to accept the call. "Hello?"

"Stephanie Richards, please?"

"This is Stephanie. Who's calling?"

A pause followed. "I don't know if you remember me, but my name's Jack. You visited me in the hospital after I passed out."

Stephanie stopped cold. She glanced around for a place to sit. Spotting a bench a few feet away, she made a beeline for it. "Yes, I remember. How've you been?" She sat down, crossing her legs.

"Not so good," he replied. "Could we meet, please? As soon as possible?"

"Sure. I have some free time later today. Why? What's wrong?" She frowned as she waited for a response, wondering what the problem was.

"I'd really rather talk in person," he said hesitantly. "Actually, I know this is probably a lot to ask, but would you be able to come here instead?"

Stephanie raised an eyebrow, noting something weird in his voice. He almost sounded sick. There was also an undercurrent of embarrassment. Whatever was going on, she had the feeling she should do what he'd asked. "Yeah, I think I can do that. Do you mind me bringing someone? I can call and check right now, then call you back."

"I understand. Sure."

"All right. I'll talk to you in a bit."

Stephanie ended the call, then dialed Roxanne. Her friend answered almost right away.

"What's up?"

"I'm sorry to ask you this, but I just got a call from that guy we helped at the club. Remember him?"

"Sure," Roxanne said. "What about him?"

"I think he wants a session, but he asked if I can go to his place. I know it sounds really weird, but I've got a gut feeling here. He sounded embarrassed about it, plus sick. I think he can't go out."

"I guess so," Roxanne replied. "When?"

"Is six okay?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"Thanks a lot! I owe you another one. See you then." Stephanie ended the call, then confirmed the time with Jack. He agreed, and Stephanie rushed back to her place to get some things done before her meet. Excitement and worry both dominated her mind. She felt better knowing she had backup, but she still was a little nervous about being in a strange man's house.