A Ghost of a Chance by Evelyn Klebert Page A

Of course the truth was that it was Edward’s reality that she could never manage to get a grip on.
    She shook her head with resolution, control, control. She wouldn’t, couldn’t think about Edward tonight. Where was that glass of wine?
    What are you up to tonight Hallie?
    Nothing much, I’m trying to find this guy that I met in a dream once. But that’s not crazy is it? No indeed, it’s absolutely ludicrous .
    She slumped forward covering her face in her hands, feeling all her masterful control draining away. It seemed hopeless; she was hopeless – ridiculous and hopeless.
    And then she felt the warm pressure of a hand on her bare shoulder. Tentatively, she looked upward and found herself gazing into warm blue eyes. “I got your message. I hope I’m not late.” Her heart clutched painfully. Good Lord it was him. Here he was, smiling at her as though they were old friends.
    How weird was that?
    It hit her in a flurry. It worked. Her experiment worked. She couldn’t believe it. What did she do now? She opened her mouth to speak but like her counterpart Gabriella was struck completely dumb in the moment. Truly, she hadn’t planned this far, just as far as getting him here. He was here, but what would she do with him now? Deep down she didn’t really think that this would work that he was real on any level. Things that she wanted just didn’t come to her.
    She glanced up. Yes, he was still there. He was dressed casually but nice – white shirt with khaki pants. He seemed to be waiting, perhaps waiting for her to speak, but she hadn’t. Frankly, it was all too much. He shrugged a bit, seeming to be a little amused by her reaction. “That’s all right.” He sat in the chair next to her and deliberately pulled it closer to hers, again acting as though they were well acquainted. “I imagine this must all seem very strange.”
    Then there was the interruption, the sudden appearance of the waiter bringing her wine that further spliced into the confounding moment. “Here you are Ma’am. And what can I get for you sir?”
    “ That looks good. I’ll have the same.” He nodded and disappeared quickly. Hallie still mute just observed the transaction silently and with wide eyes. He seemed very relaxed here, this Jack person, quite comfortable in this bizarre circumstance.
    He was looking at her now, intently. Seeming — how could she say — quite pleased, as though he’d just won a lottery or something.
    Why was that? After all they didn’t really know each other, except for that kiss. Did he remember that? How exactly did this work?
    He reached over with familiarity and took her hand in his. Maybe he did remember. It was a small gesture, but the contact sent tendrils of pleasant sensations up her arm. Good grief, what was this? He too was taking his time in speaking, apparently trying to choose the right words. “You know Hallie. You haven’t said anything since I arrived.”
    “ Yes, I know that,” she managed to get that much out. Genteelly extricating her hand, she took a sip of wine. Even if it as dream wine, she needed something to help her get hold. She glanced back to him. He still seemed amused. What was so damn funny?
    “ I’ve been looking forward to spending time like this with you for a long time Hallie.” He spoke softly and gently, as though he were taking great care with her.
    She took a difficult breath. “Is that so?” And then she tacked on as an impulse, “So you spend time like this often?”
    She emphasized the word this. It was a simple question but jam packed with a million other questions just beneath. He nodded, frowning just a tad she thought. “Yes, I suppose it must seem a little, well, out of the ordinary to you.”
    “ This,” she gestured outward, “Nooo, I meet some of my favorite people dreaming about bad, Mexican restaurants.”
    He smiled, “Can I count myself in that category? I mean the favorite people part, not the bad Mexican restaurant part. That’s not