turn around.
They finally did — but not because of anything I said. A red convertible in the next lane caught Mauve’s attention and she whipped around to point. “Check it out!” she shouted, “Hot guys!” While Mauve rolled her window down, I returned my attention to Eli who was saying, “—shower is way down the hall. But even if it was in the same room, what does it matter? Are you jealous?” “No way,” I lied.
“Sure about that?”
“Positive,” I retorted. “But you don’t need to stay there anymore.”
“I know, I’m coming to get you,” Eli offered. “Where are you headed?” “A condo in Venice Beach,” I told him, my gaze drifting over to Mauve, who was half-hanging out the window waving at the guys in the next lane.
“It’ll take me hours to drive that far. Wait at a rest stop or business and I’ll pick you up. Tell your friends you need to go home because of a family emergency.” “I can’t change plans now.” I dropped my voice to a whisper. “I’m supposed to follow through on your sister’s plans. And I’m safer away from the dorm, anyway.” “Safer? What are you talking about?”
“Sharayah has been getting threats, although they could be a joke.”
“Threats? What kind of mess has my sister gotten into?” Eli groaned. “Any idea who sent them?” I hesitated, thinking of the red-haired girl. “Not really.”
“Damn. Why didn’t Sharayah tell us? I feel like I’ve let her down.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“Be careful, and stick close to Shari’s friends.”
I looked over at Mauve and Sadie, who were both hanging out their separate windows as they flirted with the guys in the convertible.
“Tops up!” Mauve called over to Sadie.
“On the count of three!” Sadie giggled.
“One, two—” Mauve began.
“Three!” Sadie finished.
They flipped up their tops and flashed the guys. It happened so fast that all I caught was a flash of arms lifting and flesh. Nudity on Interstate Five!
“—don’t go anywhere alone,” Eli was saying.
“No such luck,” I said ruefully.
“It’s a good thing you left the college. You’ll be safer around my sister’s friends.” Safer — assuming my companions didn’t get arrested for indecent exposure!
Shaking my head, I turned away from the road show and assured Eli I’d be fine. “But things will be easier once I consult with my GEM.” “GEM? What’s that?”
“A Temp Lifer guidance manual.” I spoke so softly I could hardly hear myself. “If I ask the book a question, it’ll tell me stuff about my mission.” “Your grandmother gave you a manual? Great! When did you see her?”
“I didn’t actually see her.” I hesitated, wondering how much weirdness Eli could take. “The book was delivered by … you won’t believe it.” “Try me.”
I swallowed, then glanced up to make sure Mauve and Sadie couldn’t overhear (they were now whistling cat calls at the “Hot Guys”), then blurted out the famous name.
He gasped. “You talked with her?”
“It wasn’t really her. She was replaced with a Temp Lifer like me — except, well, this TL has been doing this for way longer.” “Did you get her autograph?”
“How can you even ask such a question?” I tried to sound insulted so he wouldn’t guess how close I came to doing just that. “Celebrities don’t impress me. They’re just ordinary people like us.” “Ordinary — you are definitely not.”
“Tell me about it.” I groaned as I glanced down at my borrowed body. “But at least the GEM will help.” “Shari seriously needs help. Can your book explain why she changed so much and why someone’s stalking her?” “I’ll ask,” I said, reaching for Sharayah’s purse.
Laughter erupted from the front seat. I glanced up as Mauve flung open her door and gestured toward the two guys in the red convertible. Wasn’t flashing them bad enough? Now she was inviting them over! I looked at Sadie, hoping she’d have some common sense, but she had her door open, too, and was waving eagerly at the guys.
Pure insanity! Those guys could be perverts or ex-convicts or even married. I’d never behave so irresponsibly … but what about the real Sharayah? I had a bad feeling she would have flashed, too — but not because she enjoyed being a player. Her body sent me simmering undercurrents of anger and guilt. No, she didn’t party to have a good time; she partied to punish herself.
I hoped the GEM would help me solve her crisis.
Tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder, I reached inside the purse — but didn’t feel the squared edges of a book. Puzzled, I dumped the purse out. A wallet, keys, makeup and other items fell in my lap.
My body went hot, then cold, and then scorching hot as my thoughts raced back to when I’d last seen the GEM. I was in the dorm, sick with nausea and so exhausted I couldn’t stay awake. I was positive I’d tossed the GEM into Sharayah’s purse. I’d heard a soft thud as it hit the purse. But did I check to make sure it fell inside? Um … nope.
“Amber! Are you there?” I heard Eli calling. “Say something.”
“I don’t have the GEM.” I stared dismally out a window, reeling in disappointment. That tiny book had been my only connection to the other side — and I’d lost it.
“Do you know where it is?” Eli asked.
“It must be in the dorm room.”
“I’d go look for it, except the door is locked and I doubt the R.A. will let me in again,” Eli said. “I could ask Katelyn to help—” “No! Don’t ask her!”
“What do you expect me to do?” he retorted. “Break into your room?”
“Would you?” I asked, half-seriously.
“Sure, I’ve always wanted to get arrested.”
“Well … I guess it’s not such a good idea.”
Still, I couldn’t just give up on the GEM, not when it held the answers to Sharayah’s crisis. I’d recently had some experience getting in and out of locked rooms and even a locked cemetery — but I hadn’t done it on my own. I’d had the help of friends.
This gave me an idea.
“Listen,” I told Eli in an urgent whisper. “If you’re serious about getting the book, call Dustin.” “Why?”
I was reminding him about Dustin’s locksmith expertise and his amazing collection of keys when a blur of pink hair swooped around from the front seat and snatched the phone right out of my hand.
“No more talking, Rayah!” Mauve ordered.
“Hey!” I shouted, glaring at her. “Give that back!”
“Come on! Why are you talking to
“Now you are.” Mauve snapped the phone shut. “Traffic may not be making moves, but I am. Here come the guys!”
5
Picking up guys in traffic was insane — not to mention embarrassing. I wanted to hide while Mauve and Sadie flaunted their assets. Mauve’s grin was jubilant, like finding guys was a contest and she’d won top prize. She stepped out of the car and exchanged introductions.
The big guy, Warren, towered over everyone with his linebacker shoulders and snow-blond hair. His black, short-sleeved shirt opened over a red T-shirt dripping with a fiery dragon design that matched the design on his red
