Page 3 of A Shared Mind

I had a personal code of honesty. Liars were duplicitous, obviously, or why would they lie? They were untrustworthy in all aspects of their lives, and I wouldn’t abide a liar. So, throwing my own ego aside, I nodded.

“I thought she was being overly dramatic.” Herbst hitched his thumb at Eve, who had the God-given sense to look embarrassed. He then continued. “Are you straight or gay? Do you even know? I mean, if you’re not attracted to someone, then how do you know what you are?”

I definitely wasn’t dignifying his questions with a response.

Kirk, next to me on my left side, cleared his throat. “Not everyone embraces a label, Herbst. How sad you think there’s only two versions of sexuality in your black and white world.”

I laughed at his comment. Even Madame Stella fought to suppress a smile for a moment before she continued her spiel. “Everyone, close your eyes and join hands on top of the table to form a never-ending circle.”

Come on. Who hadn’t seen this movie? It starred Whoopie Goldburg, the late Patrick Swayze, and the fabulous Demi Moore. Any minute now, the curtains would start to flutter, the candle flames would mysteriously flicker, and Madame Stella’s spotlight would go dark before her body slumped in the chair, only to snap upright and perhaps speak in tongues.

I wished I’d pulled my phone from the pocket of my cargo shorts before we were told to hold hands. The whole scene would have brought me hours of entertainment when I was feeling blue.

I opened my right eye and peeked, just as a breeze fluttered the fabric on the walls and made the candles around the room flicker.

“My spirit guide is here. Say the name of the spirit you seek.”

Why Benjamin Franklin’s name popped in my head was a mystery. My nerdiness knew no bounds. Franklin had his faults, but the guy had the distinction of being the first American celebrity.

Eve spoke up. “Ramon Blanco.”

“Let’s chant it together,” Madame Stella insisted.

Everyone joined her in the chant except me. I tried to pull my hand from Stooge One’s, but he had a pretty tight grip. Fucker.

I still had my right eye open when I saw the light go out under the table. Madame Stella stopped chanting. “He’s here. Ask your questions.”

Eve’s eyes opened and she made a gesture as though I should speak up. I had the feeling this was the end of a very beautiful friendship. I stubbornly shook my head and mouthed, no way.

“Uh, Mr. Blanco, can you give my bestie tips on how to make love? You see, he’s a virgin, and he’s really shy around people he doesn’t know well, especially outside a business setting.”

“God, let the floor open and swallow me.” Did I say that out loud?

“Mr. Blanco, do you have any tips for the young man?” Madame Stella repeated.

Suddenly, there was an electrical charge in the room. Lightning crashed outside, and the sounds of raindrops on the roof had all of us opening our eyes to glance around.

“Crap. I left the sunroof open on my truck.” It was Herbst who spoke first.

Shhh. Don’t get scared. I’m here to help you, not hurt you. I’ll help you, then you can help me.

I glanced around to see which of the brain trust had spoken, but all of them appeared spooked. I ripped my hands from my companions’ grips and stood. “Who said that?”

Everyone turned to stare at me. Finally, Eve said, “Who said what?”

“Who said, ‘Don’t be scared. I’m here to help you, not hurt you.’ Who said that?”

“I didn’t hear anyone say anything at all after that crash of lightning,” Kirk responded.

Madame Stella stared at me and smiled. “You got what you came for.” She stood and left the room.

“What the hell did that mean?” Stooge Two asked.

Eve stood. “Let’s go have some drinks to celebrate Justin’s birthday. First round’s on me.”

We all filed out of the back room and left the shop. The rain had stopped, but the sidewalks and streets were wet. A few people looked soaked to the skin, but the happy atmosphere of the French Quarter had returned.

Let the merriment begin!