1. Ari

Ari

T wilight had just settled over the small graveyard, casting long shadows between the weathered headstones. The streetlights from the distant road flickered on. Beyond them, I could see the edge of my college campus. At least there was a sliver of moon tonight so I didn't trip over my own feet.

The Nocturnals' latest hit played through my earbuds as I headed for the top of the hill. I glanced around, but I was the only living soul here. Still, I never felt unsafe. The ghosts were always with me—and I did mean always . I sighed. Tonight they were especially active, which wasn't surprising considering how close we were to Halloween.

I ignored the impatient specters and climbed atop one of the larger headstones. The grave beneath was empty, so there was no one to mind. After tucking my earbuds into my bag, I rubbed my cold arms. My jeans and T-shirt would be plenty for the concert later, but I could have used another layer here.

My parents would have scolded me for not wearing a jacket—if I had parents. I'd been abandoned when I was small, and I'd never found them among the ghosts. Either they'd moved on, or they were still out there somewhere, not knowing—or not caring—that their daughter was a college student now.

I brushed away my bitter thoughts, straightened my shoulders, and announced, "Psychic office hours are open. Make an orderly line now, no shoving."

The line was more wiggly than orderly, but the ghosts mostly did what I said. I'd been seeing them since childhood, but I'd learned early to set boundaries. Otherwise, I felt like I was on call 24/7. Not to mention everyone around me, including my foster family, thought I was a freak for talking to beings only I could see.

"Okay," I said with a go-ahead nod.

"My locket is missing," the first ghost in line said, shoving forward. She was an older woman wearing a cardigan and fuzzy house slippers. "You have to help me find my locket."

"Minnie," I said, as patiently as I could. "You know I'm working on that. The new owners aren't willing to let me go traipsing through the house." Minnie had left her locket inside her home and died in the garden. Her kids had sold the place as fast as possible after the funeral. Now, she couldn't cross the threshold.

Minnie moaned a while longer, but then made way for the next one.

A small boy came forward. His newsboy hat was pushed almost all the way down over his eyes, and he looked at the ground instead of at me. "Did you find it?"

"Yup." I grinned and watched his whole face light up. I really did enjoy helping the ghosts when I could.

He shoved back his cap with one hand. "Really?"

I reached into my drawstring bag and pulled out the hand-carved toy horse. I held it out so Johnny could look at it.

"Me da made that," he said, tears in his eyes.

"I'm glad I could find it for you."

He reached out a hand and stroked the back of the toy horse gently. Ghosts could become solid for brief moments, but it took a whole lot of energy.

"Thank you, Ari," he said softly.

Then his form shimmered and he disappeared, the toy falling to the ground. Johnny had found his peace.

I smiled, then worked through the rest of my line. Most of them, unlike Minnie and Johnny, didn't want anything in particular, just someone to talk to. So I listened.

For those that needed me to do something, I took notes on my phone for later. Being a journalism major, I'd learned it never hurts to have written records to review. I had a good memory, especially for names and faces, but the details were important.

"Now," I said over an hour later, standing on the headstone and stretching. "I need you to please not bother me tonight so I can enjoy my concert."

A chorus of groans went up, but the ghosts nodded their agreement.

"And if anyone new shows up, tell them the rules." I put my hands on my hips, and gave my best bossy glare. "I promise to come back and listen to you again tomorrow, but tonight is for me."

I slipped my earbuds back in, and headed out of the cemetery.

My phone rang as I slid into the ride-share I'd called earlier.

"Hey Kylie," I answered, only to be met with a high-pitched screech. I held the phone away from my ear until she took a breath.

I appreciated that my college roommate had befriended me, even though I was a certified freak. But since she mostly ignored me when I talked to people she couldn't see, I had to put up with her slightly over-the-top emoting.

"You will not believe what I just scored," Kylie continued. "VIP seats for The Nocturnals!"

"Holy shit! Really?" Aware of my language, I glanced up at the driver, but he was ignoring me.

"Right up front!" she exclaimed. "This is going to be the best night of our life."

I laughed. "You're absolutely right. See you in ten." I clicked the end button, and leaned back in my seat.

I'd started listening to music almost constantly to avoid having to talk to the ghosts all the time. But The Nocturnals held a special place in my heart.

The lead singer, Victor, had been my one-sided crush in high school. He was gorgeous, of course, with a long, lanky body, black hair, and green eyes, but he'd also been one of the few popular kids who were nice to me—Creepy Ari. Who'd have thought he'd have made it this big in just a few years?

The venue's bass thrummed through my body as we pulled up. I hopped out of the Uber, calling thanks to the driver while eyeing the two teenage ghosts leaning against the building.

They wore flannel shirts over tank tops and acid-washed jeans. Their hopeful looks fell when I shook my head.

"Office hours at Shady Grove cemetery, tomorrow at twilight," I murmured as I passed.

They gave me a thumbs up, and I hurried to find Kylie.

Kylie was on me before I even got to the doors, waving the VIP passes.

"How?" I asked, grabbing her arm and looking at the red tickets. Sure enough, V.I.P. was stamped across them.

"My sister slept with the sound manager," she said under her breath. "I've never been more happy that she's a slut!"

I laughed.

Kylie's brown eyes shone with excitement. "Let's go, Ari."

She curled her hand over mine and dragged me toward the front doors. The venue opened up and the crowd was already filling in. We were whisked away to the VIP line and into our seats faster than I'd ever thought possible. I glanced back at the stadium, and the nosebleed seats we'd had before, and silently thanked Kylie's sister.

Ghosts flitted here and there, but I ignored them and they didn't approach. Sometimes, particularly in large crowds, they didn't realize I could see or hear them, and I took this as the blessing it was.

The lights flashed and dimmed, and Kylie and I leapt from our seats, screaming as the band took the stage.

Victor strolled to the front microphone, and I sighed dreamily. He really was gorgeous, his features like something carved by an artist—high cheekbones that caught shadows, a strong jaw that clenched when he was thinking, and full lips that curved easily into that devastating smile. His bright green eyes burned with intensity under dark brows, and his long black hair fell in waves past his shoulders, begging to be touched.

No way I'd ever had a chance with him in high school, and now—as thousands of fans screamed his name—he was even more untouchable.