Read Online Trance by Tabitha Levin - Free Book Online Page A

of fact.”
    “You did?” She squealed in excitement. “I’m so proud of you. What are you going to wear?”
    “Wear?”
    “Come over tonight. No excuses. I have to dress you. You have to look gorgeous and hot and brilliant. With my skills, you’ll look all that and better.”
    I grinned. “Don’t make me wear those shoes though. The ones that you think are the perfect lucky date shoes. I could barely walk in them when they were stable.”
    She laughed. “I have something better in mind, anyway.”
     
    I lifted the lid to my laptop and sat up in bed, with it resting on my knees. I quickly glanced at the email subject lines to see if there was anything urgent that I needed to attend to. There was one from the theatre manager, about the cancelled show. It was sent to both Thomas and me, although Thomas rarely read his email, he preferred talking to people face to face. Generally, I did too, but email made some things easier, and as long as I limited my time and only let through emails of people I knew, I’d be okay.
    The venue had another opening in a month. Should we book it, he asked? Was Thomas going to be fit enough in four weeks?
    Oh ye of little faith - of course he was. He was moving through the house with a cane just fine. If he kept the tricks to those that required minimal movement, and relied on me to do most of the heavy stuff, he could absolutely be ready.
    I closed the lid of the laptop and headed out into the kitchen. Even though I was tempted to just say yes, right there and then, I was obligated to ask first. I’d already made enough decisions for them today, there was no point in pushing my luck.
    My grandmother was playing the piano that sat at the far end of the dining area, and my grandfather was strumming his ukulele. They were playing a Beatles song.
    I sang the lyrics as I sat down beside my grandfather. He was grinning from ear to ear. Either he was still on painkillers, or like me, he enjoyed a good sing-along. I knew exactly which it was.
    His cane, a simple wooden stick painted dark green with a handle on the end, like you’d find on the end of a spade or shovel, leaned against the wall. When the song ended, we all applauded one another.
    I told him about the booking. One month. His eyes lit up, the lights from the kitchen making them twinkle. He didn’t even need to say the words, I knew what his answer would be. He reached over and squeezed my grandmother’s hand. “Still in?” he asked.
    She nodded.
    “Then it’s agreed.” I walked over to the calendar planner that hung near the telephone, and wrote down the date. I circled it with a big red pen. “Better start thinking about our acts then. Need some help with that?”
    “I certainly will. We can make it the best darn show I’ve ever done. Everyone will remember Thomas Tinks after this.”
    I went back and placed my arm around his shoulders. “Of course, they’ll never forget. You’ll be a legend.”
    “He’s already legendary,” said my grandmother. I nodded in agreement.
    I looked at the kitchen clock. It was past five. Lacey would be home from work soon, and would expect me over, but she could wait. Besides, she would want some time to rifle through her wardrobe to plan an outfit. I’d give her as much time as she needed.
    I sat and sang two more songs with my grandparents before saying goodbye.
    “No dancing,” I said, wagging my finger at my grandfather as I slid open the back door.
    “No fair,” he responded.
     

EIGHT
     
    Lacey had a mountain of clothes on her bed. It looked like a bear had climbed underneath to hibernate for the winter. “Anything left if your wardrobe?” I asked, even though I knew even a pile this large wouldn’t have made a dent in her closet.
    She tapped her finger on her chin staring at the pile. “Nothing’s right. I don’t understand, I never have a problem picking an outfit for you.”
    “I’ll just wear this?” I picked up a random dress from the bed that turned out to