My Soul to Save
Page 11

My name is Kaylee Cavanaugh, and this is Nash Hudson. I think you two used to know each other.
The lines in her brow deepened, and she propped one hand on her hip. No, IWait. Hudson? Understanding flickered behind her eyes.
Nash nodded.
Tods brother. Addison pulled her hand from her pocket and laid it across her chest, like she was crossing her heart. Im sorry I didnt recognize you. I havent seen you since the funeral. How are you?
Im fine. Nash gave her a small, sad smile. But youre not.
Alarm flashed across her face and her hand slid into her pocket again, her thin, gold chain-link bracelet pushed up her arm with the motion. What is this?
Before I could answer, Tod appeared at my side, still winded from his race with the security guard. Whatd I miss?
Nothing, Nash said, having obviously heard, if not seen, him. We havent told her yet.
Told who what? Addison pulled the phone from her pocket and flipped it open, truly frightened now. Whats going on?
Say something, Tod urged, elbowing me. I glared at him, and Addison followed my gaze tonothing. She couldnt see him, and she obviously couldnt hear him. Start talking or shes going to call someone.
I know! I whispered, elbowing him back. There was no use pretending he wasnt there on her account. She already thought we were nuts. Addison, please sit down. We have to tell you something, and its going to sound verystrange.
It already does. I think you should go. She edged toward the door, stretching one arm ahead of her, as if to point the way. Youre creeping me out.
Do something! Tod yelled this time, eyes wide and desperate.
Nash sighed heavily, and I knew what he was going to do a moment before the words left his mouth. But not soon enough to prevent them. Okay, heres the deal. Youre going to kill yourself in five days, and were here to talk you out of it.
Addison blinked, and for a moment her fear gave way to confusion, then anger as her empty hand clenched the back of the sofa. Get out. Now.
What, you couldnt put a little Influence behind that one? I snapped, glaring at Nash.
Not if you want her to understand. His gaze shifted past me to Tod. I told you she wouldnt listen.
Who are you talking to? Addison demanded, her voice rising in both pitch and volume.
Youre gonna have to show her, I told Tod, hyperconscious of the singers near panic. She wont listen to us, but she cant ignore you.
Todglanced at Nash for a second opinion, but his brother only nodded, leaning with one hip against the arm of an overstuffed chair. I dont see any other way.
Tod sighed, and I knew from the surprise on Addisons face that shed heard him. A second later she jumped backward and her free hand went to her throat in shock. No
She could see him.
4
ADDY, PLEASE DONT freak out. Tod held his hands palms out, as if to calm her.
Theres another option? Addison backed slowly toward her vanity, planting one wedge-heeled foot carefully behind the other with each step. Youre dead. I saw you in your coffin.
She had? I turned to Tod with one hand propped on my hip, surprised. Wait, you were actually in the coffin?
Not for long, he mumbled. Then, Not the point, Kay.
Oh, yeah. Soulless pop star contemplating suicide. Focus, Kaylee.
Who are you? Addison demanded. The backs of her thighs hit the vanity and she gripped the edge of it to steady herself. How did you do that?
It took me a second to realize she meant his sudden appearance out of nowhere. And maybe the whole coming-back-to-life thing.
Addison, its Tod. You know its him, I said, desperately hoping that was true. That she was even listening to me, though her shocked, wide-eyed gaze was glued to her undead ex-boyfriend.
Her breathing slowed and her pale blue eyes narrowed. She was studying him, probably trying to decide whether to freak out and shout for help, or to calm down and listen. I honestly dont know which I would have chosen in her position. But then she shook her head once, as if she were trying to toss off sleep, and denial shone bright in her eyes again.
No. Youre not him. You cant be. This is some kind of joke, or stunt. Im being Punkd, right? Ashton, if youre out there, this is not funny! Her face flushed with anger, and tears formed in her eyes.
Youre gonna have to prove it, I whispered, glancing sideways at Tod.
He sighed, and I was impressed with how calm he stayed. You know me, Addy. We went out for eight months in high school, back in Hurst, before you got the pilot. You were a freshman and I was a sophomore. Remember?
Instead of answering, Addy crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. Lots of people know that. I mentioned Tod in an interview once, and paparazzi followed me to his funeral. Nice try, but youre done. Get out before I yell for Security.
She talked about Tod to reporters? Wow. They must have been really close.
Addy, you remember our first date? You didnt talk to the press about that, did you?