“Your dad wouldn't announce that in front of this many people.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I agreed, but I was still uncertain.
“Is Blanche here?” Stella asked as she ran her hands through the air and tried to grab my invisible friend.
“I don’t. . .” I began.
“Yes, I’m here, I’m here, I’m here.” Blanche appeared. “You think I’d miss an overblown array of disgusting wealth and power like this?”
“She’s here,” I told Stella.
“Hi Blanche,” Stella whispered as she desperately tried to see her.
“Tell her hi back,” Blanche said.
“Blanche says hi.” I grabbed Stella’s hand as she started to trip over her very high heeled Manolo Blahniks.
“Holy Hell,” she gasped, clutching my arm like a vise. “Does Blanche look a whole lot like you, but with ice blue eyes and better boobs?”
What was she talking about? Blanche’s boobs weren't better than mine. They might be a tad bit bigger, but. . . “Oh my Satan, can you see her?” I was shocked.
“I think so.” Stella was thrilled and so was Blanche. “She’s gorgeous.”
“Of course I am.” Blanche laughed and tossed her locks. “And so are you.”
Stella let go of my arm and moved toward Blanche. “No!” she cried. “Where did she go?”
“She’s still right there,” I said as I pointed to Blanche, who hadn’t moved.
“I can’t see her anymore.”
“Have her hold your hand, Dixie,” Blanche instructed. I grabbed Stella’s hand and wondered if any of the Demons around us were paying attention to our bizarre conversation.
“She’s back,” Stella whispered reverently. “I have to touch you to see her. It’s like she’s another part of you."
Blanche approached us, smiling. She did look a lot like me except for her eyes. They were a crisp, clear icy blue and mine were as gold as they came.
“I can’t stay,” Blanche told us. “But it’s so nice to finally meet you, Stella. You are so special to my Dixie, and for that I love you.” She disappeared as quickly as she had appeared.
“Can you call her back?” Stella asked.
“Sometimes, but Blanche has her own agenda. I’m glad you can finally see her.”
“Yeah.” Stella sighed wistfully. “I wish we had figured out the touch thing a long time ago. There’s something really different about Blanche.”
“What do you mean?” I agreed, but I was curious for her answer.
“I can’t put my finger on it,” she mused. “I’ll figure it out.” She smiled and hugged me. “People are headed to the Grand Ballroom. Shall we?”
I cracked all the joints on both my left and right hands, leaned back and popped my aching sternum and finished off with my sore hips. “Yes, we shall.”
Chapter 10
The Grand Ballroom was a gross show of obscene wealth and my father loved it. The marble floors were encrusted with precious gemstones: rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds and ten of the most gorgeous crystal chandeliers ever created spilled down from the ceilings.
Everyone of note in Hell was here and I had a bad feeling that I was going to be in the center ring of the circus. I gave Stella a quick hug and promised to catch up with her at the end of the evening. I moved to the back of the ballroom to an area that was reserved for Lucifer’s family. I spotted my sisters Sloth, Pride, Envy and Gluttony all smiley and waving. It was difficult to miss us. We were quite tall and reeked of magic—well, at least they did. Oftentimes my sisters resided on Earth, reporting to my dad and making sure the Demons on Earth didn’t upset the Balance of Chaos. Today they were here except for Wrath, Greed and Lust who were spending some frightening quality time with my grandma.
I spotted Carl and Janet. What the. . .? She had forgone her beard and was wearing a pretty dress. Carl proudly had his arm around her and they looked so happy it made me grin. Blanche was gonna have to eat it about Janet's hair issues. Myrtle followed them like a third wheel and wore black jeans and a concert T. That was about as formal as she got.
They were too far away to get their attention and I quickly lost sight of them as more Demons filed into the Grand Ballroom. My favorite sister, Sloth, grabbed me in excitement.
“I think you’re going to get your deportment date tonight,” she said with her lazy sexy smile.
“I'm not ready, and thanks for leaving me with Gigi the other day."
“Oh honey child, I was fourteen when I got assigned—you're ready. Besides, I heard it went well with Gigi, short of her leaving Dad with no roof." Sloth laughed and kissed my forehead.