A Guide to the Other Side by Robert Imfeld

Author:Robert Imfeld
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

TIP

14

Things don’t always go as planned.

THE CAFÉ WAS PACKED WITH bold-colored couches and round tables, and the wall behind the baristas was made of exposed brick. Rhythmic New Age music played from hidden speakers. It all felt very cool.

I approached the counter, fully aware that I had no idea what to do.

“Welcome to Cup-o’-Soul,” said the frizzy-haired girl behind the cash register. She was short and perky, with teeth so white that she must have used bleach straight from the bottle to brush them. “What can I serve you today?”

“I, uh, I will have a . . . let’s go with . . . how about . . .” The barista frowned. “I’ll have a macchiato.”

“It’s mah-KEE-ato, not mah-chee-ato.”

“Totally,” I said, nodding. “I’m also looking for someone. William Parker? Does he work here?”

“Will? Yeah, he’s on break in the back,” she said. “I can get him for you. . . .”

“Please.” I nodded.

She disappeared into the back room, and a few moments later she was followed out by a tall, lanky guy with shaggy blond hair. His nose was far too big for his face, and his acne scars resembled the craters of the moon, but just like the girl, he was smiling kindly.

“Can I help you, little dude?”

“Yeah, uh, hi,” I said, really wishing for some reason that Kristina were there. “I was wondering if I could speak to you for a few minutes?”

“About what?” he said. His smile never faltered, but his eyes had drooped.

“I really think you should be sitting down for this part,” I said, jerking my head to an empty couch near the window.

I grabbed my coffee, which was in a tiny glass, as he circled around the counter, and we sat down on plush purple sofas.

“I’m Baylor Bosco,” I said. “And I know you’re Will Parker. I took the bus from Keene this morning to see you. You’re Alfred’s son, right?”

He frowned. “Did you know my dad?”

“Okay, Will, I’m going to be honest with you, and I just need you to hear me out with an open mind.”

He didn’t say anything, much less react, so I kept going.

“I can communicate with people who’ve crossed over, so I—”

“Are you trying to tell me you can talk to dead people?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. Do you know how many loons have come out here and tried to tell me my dad left them a message telling me to invest in their company? At least a dozen. So who are you? What are you going to try to sell me on? It’s not going to work, but I’m just curious, since you’re the youngest one who’s tried to do it so far. How old are you? Ten?”

“I’m almost fourteen! And listen, I’m not after your money,” I said, spinning the small cup around with my fingers. “I swear. I’m here because I think your dad is in trouble.” I took a sip and immediately regretted it. The bitter taste seeped down my throat like Drano.

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