future.
Her mom covered her hand with hers. “You ’ ll learn more about your power as you go through life , honey. It may take you a long time to find the right book or talk to the right person.”
Kate leaned back into the upholstery of the chair and gave her mother a quizzical look. “While I try to figure everything out, I still want to help people. I’m just not sure how to go about it, you know? Should I just search for cases online? Or only help those who want my assistance and contact me?”
“I’m not sure, honey, what’s the right answer to that question. Have you talked to Jared about it?”
“He actually doesn’t think it’s the greatest idea to go around and chase abduction cases. He’s worried it may be too dangerous and I could end up in another situation like last time.”
“That makes sense. Obviously, it ’ s a concern that you would make yourself a target again.” Her mother nodded in agreement. “You should probably try to remain anonymous if you do offer any help.”
“Well, we know how well my anonymity was protected last time ,” Kate replied dryly . Re maining silent for a minute, Kate then gave her mother an earnest expression . “It’s really great we can talk about the psychic thing now. It’s nice no longer being alone and trying to deal with all this craziness.”
“You can talk to me about anything, Katie ,” her mother assured. After a second’s hesitation, she gave her daughter a thoughtful look. She ran her fingertips over her pearl necklace before she continued. “Speaking of having a talk … I was wondering how things were going between you and Jared.”
“Good,” Kate answered before adding, “ It still feels kind of unreal. Like I keep waiting for him to realize what a weirdo I am and move on to greener pastures.”
Her mother shot her a scornful look. “Kat i e, don’t talk that way. I know I raised a more confident daughter than that.”
“I know you’re right. I just believe I’ve been an open book with him while it’s har d to tell how he feels about me, ” she divulged.
“Although most of my experiences with men come from my time with your father , it seems to me that men are less inclined to discuss their feelings. Every time I tried to get your father to talk about his emotions, he would tell me I’d been watch ing too many movies on Lifetime, ” her mother chuckled.
“Wow, did n’t know Dad could be so sexist,” Kate retorted. “ Anyway, it doesn’ t even have to be words though—Jared could show me that he cared about me.”
Her mother cleared her throat. “ I just hope there isn’t too much showing going on,” she said pointedly.
Her face flushed and she felt momentarily tongue tied. Kate pretended to have a sudden and intense interest in her split ends as she mumbled, “Um…no worries there, Mom.”
“Y ou’re an adult and I trust your judgment,” her mother assured her. “ And I like Jared a lot . I have a good feeling about the two of you.”
Kate laughed and squinted at her mom . “I hope you’re right. People do say that everyone has a little bit of psychic power inside of them.”
“So, what are your plans for tonight?”
“I was thinking of cooking dinner for Jared ,” Kate responded. “ Any menu suggestions?”
“How about making him my red pepper sauce with tortellini?”
“Yes! Great ide a, thanks M om.”
Kate reached over and gave her a spontaneous hug. Although they had always been close, the past couple of months had really bonded them. Without the psychic secret hanging over their head, Kate really felt like she could talk to her mother about anything. With her newfound desire to help the missing, Kate understood she’d need her more than ever.
Chapter Three
“What kind of person doesn’t have any basil or olive oil in their home?” Kate questioned Jared later that evening with her hands on her hips . She glared at him as she stood in front of his stove.
Jared gave her an