Extra Sensory Deception Read Online Free Page A

face.

Although Jessie had learned about the Quinn Sense from Clara’s father, so far her daughter had managed to hide from her mother the fact that she had inherited the gift. Jessie was the last person in the world Clara wanted to know her secret. Her mother was a born gossip, and Clara was certain the news would be passed along to all Jessie’s cronies. It would only be a matter of time before Rick heard about it.
    She had come close to being discovered more than once, but never this close. Staring down at the broken plate, she muttered, “I’m so sorry. It just slipped from my hands.”
    Jessie frowned. “You’re not usually this clumsy. Are you feeling all right? For a moment there you looked as if you were in some kind of trance.”
    “Heartburn, that’s all. I need to eat.” She dropped to her knees and began picking up the pieces.
    “Wait! You’ll cut yourself.” Jessie reached under the counter for a dustpan and brush. “Here. Use this.”
    Clara took it from her, trying to curb her resentment. She wished, fervently, that she could be rid of the Sense once and for all. It was ruining her life. Bending her knees, she began swiping the broken pieces into the dustpan.
    Tatters got up from his mat, strolled over to her and pushed his nose into her arm.
    Looking into his eyes, Clara murmured, “Thanks, Tats. I’m okay.”
    “Tats?” Jessie sounded shocked. “Do you young people have to abbreviate every name you hear? You wouldn’t believe how many people call me Jess. It makes me sound like a board game.”
    Clara straightened. “Actually, it’s a sign they like you. Like a show of affection.”
    Jessie sniffed. “I can think of better ways to show affection.”
    Clara had to smile at that. Tipping the broken pieces into the trash can, she said, “I’ll buy you a new plate tomorrow.”
    “Don’t bother.” Jessie reached up for another plate. “I never liked this set, anyway. I’ll get out the best dishes. It’s time we used them instead of keeping them hidden away.”
    Clara took the plate from her mother. “But they were a wedding present from Grandma. You only use those on special occasions.”
    Jessie smiled. “Every time I have dinner with you, it’s a special occasion. You were gone for ten years in New York and I hardly saw you at all. Someday soon you’ll be announcing you’re getting married, and you’ll be gone again. So I might as well make the most of the time I have with you now.”
    Clara could feel her cheeks growing warm. “What makes you think I’m getting married?”
    “Your face when you come home from a date with Rick.” Jessie turned back to her stir-fry. “I’ve never seen you look like that before.”
    Deciding there was no answer for her mother’s observation, Clara set the plates down on the kitchen table. “If we start using the best china we should eat in the dining room. We haven’t done that since Dad died.”
    “We haven’t had dinner guests since your father died.” Jessie glanced over her shoulder at Clara. “How about inviting Rick here for dinner some night?”
    It wasn’t the first time Jessie had suggested she invite Rick for dinner. So far Clara had managed to avoid the issue. She knew it was only a matter of time before she would have to either give in or deal with a barrage of questions from her mother.
    In spite of Jessie’s good intentions, she would no doubt want to know every intimate detail about Rick’s life, both past and present. She’d be interrogating him all through the evening, and Clara wasn’t ready to face that embarrassment.
    “We’ll see,” she said, and rummaged noisily in the cutlery drawer, hoping to distract her mother.
    Jessie must have taken the hint, as she said no more, and Clara was able to enjoy a fairly peaceful meal. She offered to do the dishes while her mother settled in front of the TV to watch the news.
    When Clara walked out of the kitchen, Jessie waved a hand at her. “Look at this. They’re