I stood beside Lila in my borrowed dress surrounded by a small group of party-goers, in an even more lavish home than her own.

We had spent the morning trying on dresses from Lila's massive walk-in closet.

She picked a simple black satin and silk dress that fit her like a glove. She said that she always wore black when she performed at these parties.

It seemed very appro pro.

I was curious to see just what this party would entail.

I ran a hand over the corseted bodice of the dark green dress that I had chosen, the material felt like silk against my creamy skin. The skirt flowed like water from the cinched waistline kissing the floor as the fabric swished with my every move.

My hair fell past my shoulders in dark red curls, something I wasn't used to either. Wearing your hair down was a big no-no at Della and Andrew's home. Heathen, jezebels they use to say; Those were the women who wore their hair loose.

I smirked at the thought. If only they could see me now.

I was very much an adult, even though they tried to keep me sheltered; confined to their way of life and living. And when I wouldn't conform, they tossed me out. I always knew that it would happen. It had been inevitable. I wish I had left years earlier on my own terms. But as I knew, and believed, everything happened for a reason.

I just wondered what the reason was.

Lila's coquettish laughter brought me from my reverie and back to the party.

"And who might this be?" A man that Lila was standing with asked, motioning towards me.

"Where are my manners," Lila said with a flirty grin, "This is Nova, ladies, and gentlemen. My very good friend. She just arrived in our city and is staying at Worthington with me."

A few people murmured pleasantries but the man reached forward and took my hand in his.

"Nova," he purred, "What a beautiful name. I am Carter. I must say it is so nice to meet you." He flashed a dazzling smile.

His gray eyes sparkled as he let them roam over me.

I glanced at Lila, her eyes had darkened but the smile was still plastered on her face.

"N-nice to meet you, Carter," I stumbled over the words, feeling my cheeks heat. I wasn't really comfortable in social situations and it showed. I took a calming breath and gave the man my best smile, I hoped.

"So, Nova. Do you also entertain these types of parties like our lovely Miss Lila?" A woman with graying hair and a nasal voice asked.

I turned my attention to her, pulling my hand away from the man gently.

"Yes ma'am I do, although I am not as experienced with big parties like this." I kicked myself as soon as the words left my mouth.

Thankfully Lila jumped in and saved me. I had to pull myself together.

"Pat, dear. She is used to giving more in-depth one-on-one appointments." Lila cooed. Her voice dripped like honey and they ate it up. I could definitely learn from my newfound friend, especially if I wanted to make extra money entertaining these people.

I shot Lila a grateful glance, to which she winked.

"Oh that is just excellent," Pat said appraising me. "I will have to make an appointment with you when you get settled in here."

"Excuse me, I need to go in here and get ready, it's almost time," Lila said turning to me, "Come help me, Nova."

I breathed a sigh of relief, not knowing what I would have done left alone to carry on the conversation.

"It was so nice meeting you all. Pat, I will let you know when I am open for appointments."

I followed Lila through the crowd, entering the parlour set up with what seemed to be hundreds of glowing candles. Their flames swayed and danced, casting shadows on the walls around us. A huge round table was set up in the middle of the room covered with a floor-length black tablecloth, surrounded by chairs for the guests to sit in. There was a high winged back chair at the center of the table; for Lila no doubt. A couple of plush settees lined the walls for extra seating.

She closed the doors which made the room that much darker, oddly I could still see as if the light hadn't changed and my eyes immediately adjusted to the dark space. Then I felt a strange tingle wash over me. The same feeling I got when I was with him.

I whipped around, expecting to see him standing there, but Lila and I were the only ones in the room.

Lila had a large bag on the table pulling out her wooden box, a few candles, and other items I couldn't quite make out. "Set these candles up and light them would you, Nova?"

I glanced around again as I walked to her. "Do you feel that?" I whispered grabbing the candles and moving to the middle section of the table.

"Feel what? What is it?" Lila asked, her hand paused mid-air as she scanned the dimly lit room.

I chewed on my bottom lip, reaching out with my mind to see if I could pick up on the feeling. And just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

"Nothing, I guess I was just imagining things, the ambiance of the room perhaps."

Lila frowned, knowing that I was keeping something from her, but she didn't comment on it. She knew that if I wanted to share things with her then I would in my own time. It was one of the many reasons that I was grateful to call her my friend.

My only friend as it were.

We finished setting up the room as a muffled voice announced to the guest in the other rooms that it was time to begin.

Was that just a coincidence that it happened just as we were finishing up?

I didn't think so. I looked at Lila who was taking her seat in the throne-like chair, ready to ask her that very question, when the doors slid open, and partygoers began to fill the space.

I moved quietly to an empty stool that was placed against the wall in the far corner. I could have taken a seat at the table beside Lila, but I wanted to be able to view the room in its' entirety, while she was performing the 'reading'; and watch the guests and how they reacted to what was going on.

I glanced at the people surrounding my new friend. They were all laughing and talking. I must admit I found this scene all very odd.

I suppose I was comparing it to my previous life and the people there. They would never attend a party like this or ever employ Lila for her unique services. These people seemed to embrace her supernatural talents.

"Alright, everyone. Please take your seats," Lila spoke, hushing the crowd. "Some of you have been to my readings before. For those of you that haven't," Lila paused opening the case and pulling out its contents, "once I begin please refrain from talking. You will all need to concentrate to help call the spirit forth."

My eyes snapped towards her, an eyebrow raised. She winked and continued to instruct the crowd as she laid out the cards she had pulled from her case.

Everyone in the room closed their eyes and bowed their heads at Lila's command.

This place was definitely different from where I was raised. I scanned the faces of the people in the room and that's when I saw him.