The Sibyl Page 5

  ***

  Our lunch date with Joseph went surprisingly well. We made small talk through most of it, giving Joseph all the details of the meeting. It wasn’t until Elliot excused himself to go to the bathroom that Joseph asked me the question no one else had bothered to concern themselves with.

  “Eva, surely you don’t believe in this nonsense. Elliot has always been,” He paused long enough to sip on his wine. “Curious about the afterlife.”

  “No.” I tilted my head to the side as I kept an eye out for Elliot’s return. “I don’t believe in ghosts and ghouls. Never have.”

  “Then why are you here? Fame and fortune?”

  “I don’t want to be famous. But the fortune? I don’t expect to make a mint, Mr. Lancaster. But the money did factor into my decision.”

  Joseph chuckled. “It always does. Tell me, have you considered how your life is going to change if this project takes off? You’ll be hounded by the paparazzi at every step. Your life will no longer be your own.”

  “I believe this will be a success because Elliot believes in it.” I folded up my napkin and put it beside my plate. “My reasons for being here are my own, sir. I believe in Elliot just as he believes in the paranormal. I want to see him happy. I can deal with hiding from the paparazzi if he’s happy.”

  “Between the two of us, I never would have approved a show like this. If it were anyone but Elliot, I wouldn’t have done it now.” Joseph stabbed at something on his plate. “I want to see my son happy as well. If this is what it takes, then so be it.”

  I started to respond, but Joseph wasn’t finished. He took a bite of his food then leaned across the table.

  “I was serious when I said I am counting on you to keep my son grounded. He has a dislike for me which is unfounded, so he so won’t listen to my advice.”

  “Mr. Lancaster…”

  “And I hear you are going to New York for a conference in a few weeks.”

  “Yes. Connor said it would help us sound like we know what we are doing.” I shrugged. “I’m not so sure if a few days talking with the so-called experts are going to help though.”

  Joseph nodded. “This is all part and parcel of the magic of television, Eva. The audience must believe the lie you present to them. Otherwise, all your hard work is for naught. But perhaps, you will learn more than you could ever imagine.”

  “Ah, but enough to pull off the illusion of being a ghost hunter?” I smiled, trying to make light of a conversation which suddenly felt very heavy. “I am not an actress, Mr. Lancaster. I won’t pretend to be something I’m not.”

  “We shall see.” Joseph returned my smile, shifting his gaze up to the spot behind my shoulder. “Welcome back.”

  “What did I miss?” Elliot squeezed my shoulder as he came up behind me. “You two looked as if you’re discussing the fate of the civilized world over here.”

  “Nothing so frivolous, son.” Joseph signaled for the waitress who appeared beside him in less than a second. He handed her several bills, then shooed her away. “I am afraid I must be getting back to the office.”

  Joseph stood and we joined him. He shook Elliot’s hand then mine. “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Eva. I’ll be seeing you around the office.”

  “See you later.” Elliot pushed his seat in as his father disappeared from view. “So what were you two talking about?”

  “Ghosts and ghouls.” I snagged my purse from its spot on the back of my chair. “Seriously? Your dad seems nice, Eli.”

  “Everyone says that.” Elliot turned away from me towards the direction his father went. “Too bad I can’t see it.”

  “Do you want to see his good side?” I took his hand and squeezed it. “Or are you determined not to?”

  Elliot gave me a sad smile in return. “One conversation about me is enough for the day. What did you think about the condo?”

  “It’s perfect. I can’t believe we’re actually going to be living there.”

  “It is nice.” He admitted. “I will confess, it’ll be better to pass out in my own bed than on your tiny couch when we’re out too late, McRayne.”

  “What’s wrong with my couch?” I grumbled as we left the restaurant. “You’ve slept on it plenty of times.”

  “My point exactly.” Elliot’s good spirits were restored as he linked his arm with mine and led us to the car. “We’ll head back over to the hotel to get our stuff to take it over to the condo. No time like the present to get started on our move.”

  Our move. I still couldn’t believe I was actually going to be leaving Athens. But as Elliot helped me into the car, I was relieved. Relieved my job search was finally over. Relieved I wouldn’t have to return home to my parents to hear my dad boast about how right he was. Most of all? I was relieved I would be able to stay with Elliot a little longer.