The Scryer ✔️

~Luci~

We arrived at the hotel where the firm was hosting their annual black tie Yuletide affair. John exited the SUV, leaving the engine running and trotted over to my side as an attendant opened my door for me. Seeing that I was very heavy with child, the young man opted to let my husband assist me with my exiting of the vehicle.

"When is your baby due, Ma'am," the older attendant asked curiously.

"Tomorrow," I groaned.

"Tomorrow!"

I nodded and closed my eyes as I groaned as I slid out of the front seat.

"Oh my. Perhaps the concierge should be made aware?"

I shrugged my shoulders and John nodded. "That's a good idea. The doc said she could come, that it might actually help with the labor?"

"I wouldn't know, Sir," the man replied. "But I'll make sure your vehicle is close by."

John flashed a smile. "Thank you!"

"Enjoy your evening, Sir. Madam..."

"Thank you," I whispered breathily.

John held me close to him as we walked into the grand lobby and I marveled at all the decorations. The hotel was vintage, built around the turn of the century and I fell in love with the Victorian decor.

"Like it," John cooed.

I nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful!"

"I'll buy it for ya!"

I looked into his blue-green eyes and tried to smile; I didn't like when his eyes were that color...I had come to learn that there was no "John" inhabiting that body anymore...it was Jim...and Jim wasn't John.

He slipped his arm around my waist again and pulled me to him as we entered the opulent ball room. There had to be about five hundred people in that room...only not all of them were alive as you and I know alive to be...there were lots of spirits and other things as well. Then, I realized that while the musicians were still playing, everyone stopped what they were doing to look over in our direction. Then, I heard thundering applause.

As if he were some kind of war-hero or something, men came up to him and shook his hand, and kissed mine as if we were royalty. Then I realized that there was a receiving line and people were queued up on both sides of us as we made our way to our table. Finally, there was a lone man with several women on his arm watching us with curiosity. And I realized instantly, that I recognized him from my dreams and he grinned at me and nodded his head.

I watched him out of the corner of my eye at first and then I looked directly at him; he was a handsome man, pretty even; he reminded me of an Arab Sheik, at least, that was how he was dressed, in a blue silk traditional jacket and a keffiyeh. He gestured with a silent tilt of his head and they released him and he lifted his glass, smiled and nodded in my direction...he almost seemed amused by my reactions.

John got me to our table and managed to sit finally, albeit without grace and sighed. I kicked my shoes off my feet and reached for the empty water glass, only to have a server immediately offer to fill it for me. I thanked the girl and she told us that her name was Michelle and to flag her down if we needed anything...anything at all. She smiled brightly toward John.

"Thank you," he said with a nod.

I watched as the man ventured closer and finally, he reached us.

"So Jim, this is your beautiful wife then?"

John rose from his chair proudly. "Yes, this is her."

He held out his hand for mine and I turned in my chair and raised my hand to stand as well.