Read Online Eliza's Shadow by Catherine Wittmack - Free Book Online Page A

I
stammered, reaching into my bag for a piece of paper and pen.
    “Uh, that’s ok, I know where you live.” He admitted
shyly.
    A giggle erupted from my throat. “You’re really
taking this pharos business seriously aren’t you?” I joked.
    Ren’s face dropped to the ground, and a sheepish
smile spread across his face. “I guess you could say that.” He mumbled.
    I quickly added, “Well see you tomorrow, then.”
Turning on my heel to escape, I pushed through the front door of Viva. Safely
distanced from the pulse of Ren’s existence, I waved through the glass.
    He waved back then turned to jog across the
street. I watched him strut down the sidewalk before he turned off Main St. and
disappeared into the darkness.
     
    * * *
     
    The restaurant was buzzing with activity. Most of
the tables were occupied and the wait staff bustled around the room. I noted
the staff on duty, waving to each person as I passed them on the way to the
kitchen.
    “Hi Eliza! What’s cookin’?” Frank’s voice boomed
as I pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen.
    “That’s what I was going to ask you.” I responded
giggling.
    “I’ve got salmon or a fettuccini with mushroom
ragout. What strikes your fancy tonight?” He asked.
    I pondered the choices before settling on the
salmon. It had sounded good when Jane mentioned it earlier in the day.
    “I’ll have the salmon. Have you seen Jane?” I
asked searching the room, surprised that she wasn’t helping Frank prep dishes.
    “She’s back in the office. I’ll put a plate
together for you, just come by when you’re ready.” He said.
    I wandered back to the office, a small bright room
tucked all the way at the back of the kitchen. Jane sat behind the computer at
her desk decked in her chef’s outfit typing furiously on the keyboard.
    “Hey you.” I said taking a seat in the plush chair
opposite her desk.
    Jane glanced up to look at me quickly before
continuing the rapid pounding on the keyboard.
    “Hey babe. I was just about to start worrying
about you. How was your day?” She asked glancing briefly again at me beyond the
computer screen.
    “Pretty good.” I said slowly.
    Jane was about the most trustworthy, open-minded
adult a girl could ever hope to have as a confidant. Yet, I hesitated
confessing my bizarre news not only because it made me sound crazy and she
might think I’d finally cracked but more importantly, I worried that telling
her could inadvertently place her in harm’s way. If I was in danger, maybe the
less she knew about my situation, the better. Besides, I had the feeling that
Jane was no match for the kind of danger I might attract.
    “What are you typing?” I asked quickly, changing
the subject.
    “A reporter from Boston wants to do a piece on
Viva. She sent me a list of questions to answer and I have to submit them by
tomorrow. Thought I better get them done before it gets too busy out there.”
She said sounding leery.
    I considered sharing with her just how busy it was
out in the dining room already but held my tongue.
    “While you finish up I’ll go eat, ok? We can chat
when you’re done.” I suggested.
    She looked up again, over the computer screen. Her
shoulders slumped and she smiled gratefully.
    “Thanks babe, I’m sorry I didn’t get this finished
before you got here. I’ll be done in a minute.” She said apologetically.
    “No problem, take your time.” I said.
    On the contrary, I was relieved that she was
distracted and barely noticed how late I had showed up at the restaurant. I
could use the few moments alone to craft an explanation of my new relationship
with Ren, one omitting the magic stuff. I slipped out of the office and headed
back into the kitchen. Frank had prepared dinner for me. I carried my plate
over to a little table against a wall of the kitchen where Jane and I ate.
    I had polished off more than half the salmon by
the time Jane emerged looking drained from her office. She strolled over to the
coffee