It was after five when Lilly and Regina washed their hands and headed out for a drink and supper. Sipping beer and eating a shrimp po boy, Lilly noticed soft colors filtering into her vision. The auric fields of the customers in the bar appeared. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment as she gauged the moods of those around her. Most were harmless, some were disturbed or sad, others were drunk.
Glancing at Regina, Lilly’s auric vision faded. Regina appeared to be motionless. Her long red fingernails reflected the glow of the flickering neon light on the wall. Lilly caught no trace of swirling colors or floating symbols.
She’s shielded! Lilly realized. ‘What is Regina hiding from? What or who is frightening her?’ She wondered. Curious, and ready to try her skills at reading energy, Lilly decided to explore Regina’s shield. A line from one of her magick books popped into her head, “Stay with a situation, a vision or a feeling until you gather insight or understanding.”
She looked at the beautiful young woman with dark witchy eyes and bright red lips. Closing her eyes, she opened to her feelings. She sat back in her chair as Regina’s need, frustration and thwarted desire, showed themselves to Lilly’s inner eye.
Regina suddenly shifted in her seat when she noticed how quiet Lilly had become, “What is it, Lil? Are you feeling okay? You are so quiet.”
Lilly managed a smile. “I’m fine. I think you wore me out today.”
Regina picked up her purse, “That reminds me, let me pay you for your work.” Digging through her wallet, Regina pulled out three twenty dollar bills and handed them to Lilly. “Thanks so much. I would never have been able to do it without you.”
Lilly took the money gratefully. Putting her napkin aside, Lilly decided to tease out Regina’s hidden emotions. “How about you, how are you feeling? Tired from all the work or excited to see the vision you have for your business manifesting?”
Regina thought for a moment, “Both. When Claude and I consulted the oracles, they pointed to the South. The only place in the South we both agreed on was New Orleans. I contacted my bankers in California and my parents. It was only a matter of weeks before Claude and I secured the building and decided on a name for the business.”
“What reaction did you get from your parents when you told the you were opening an occult magick shop in New Orleans? Were they supportive?”
Regina smirked and waved her hand in front of her face, banishing the idea of their support, “My family has no idea exactly what kind of business I have and they don’t care. The knowledge and practice of deep magick was lost to my family generations ago.” A wave of sadness rolled off Regina, catching Lilly by surprise. The story of her boarding school days was entertaining, recognizing the pain and loneliness she still suffered filled Lilly’s heart with compassion.
“I’m sure you and Claude will make a great success of the business. You are both lovely people. I’m happy to have you for my friends.” The corners of Regina’s mouth twitched into a brief smile. Lilly pushed her chair away from the table, walked over and gave her new friend a hug. Regina sat stiffly, raised her arm and patted Lilly briefly on the back.
Chapter 35
Poppy Seed Tea
The Inanna crystal hung in the window, catching the sunshine. Shades of violet dominated the fractured light, glowing from deep purple to softest lavender. Lilly watched the play of the violet tinted rainbows on the walls as she played her flute. An insistent buzzing interrupted her musical trance. Putting her flute down on the bed, she ran to the speaker button by the front door. “Who is it?”
“It’s Regina, can I come up?”
Hitting the buzzer to unlock the gate, Lilly opened the front door and stepped out onto the gallery to greet Regina. “Come on up, I’ll make a pot of coffee?”
As she came up the stairs, Lilly noticed how haggard Regina looked. Her usually perfect make up was missing replaced by dark circles under her eyes. She put her arm around Regina’s shoulders and lead her gently into her apartment.
“Coffee sounds great, I need it. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I realized as I lay in bed, listening to the old building creak, I have never spent a night alone. I grew up in a large house with a nannie, a maid and a cook. There was a security gate at the front entrance to the house. Our Dobermans were released onto the grounds at night. I have always travelled with someone. Since I’ve been in New Orleans, Claude has been in the apartment. I realized I am a complete coward. I have never slept in a house alone and it is freaky.”
Lilly nodded in sympathy as Regina continued, “Would you be a doll and stay with me while Claude is gone? It won’t be every night. I’m thinking of getting a dog.”
“Of course! I’ll be delighted to come stay with you,” Lilly said.
Regina finished her coffee and stood with a look of relief on her face. “I better get back to the shop and open the doors for business. Come over anytime you’re ready. I’ll cook something special for us tonight.” The two young women hugged and Regina walked towards the front door.
She stopped abruptly and stood in front of the sofa staring at the painting Lucky had gifted Lilly. The morning sun pouring through the transom window brought life to the painting. Leaning closer to the painting, Regina exclaimed,” this is lovely!”
Lilly beamed and leaned over to straighten a corner of the painting. “My friend Lucky painted it.”
“Cool,” Regina said pensively. “Who is Lucky?”
“He is a guy who lives here at Panthea’s. He works on ships, travels, paints and plays music.”
“It appears he is an excellent painter. I’d like to meet him sometime,” Regina said. She turned back towards the door,
