Page 106 of Forgotten Comeback

“Oooh, I could definitely do something like that,” I say, the creative wheels spinning.

“And not to sound too Narcissus—different mythology—but I’d love it if you could base the characters loosely on me and my husband.”

“Ha ha, gotcha,” I tell her. “How dark do you want?”

“Not too scary; we have a four-year-old daughter.”

“Understood. Do you have a particular size in mind?”

“To sound very Narcissus, I’d like it big,” Lily says with a little laugh.

Smiling, I tell her, “When I get back to my studio, I’ll play around with it and get you a quote.”

We exchange information, and I ask her. “Do you happen to know where the restroom is?”

“Go inside and down the hall. First door on your right.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in touch soon,” I tell her, tossing my plate before I enter the house. I’m on cloud nine, practically floating down the hall.

My very first commission!

A hand grabs my wrist, and I squeal as I’m yanked inside an office, the sound of theclickinglock way too ominous.

Fabio’s eyes meet mine, sending ice through my veins.

“I just came inside to use the restroom,” I tell him, proud that my voice is steady.

“Have a seat.” He motions to a chair across from his desk. Not feeling like I have much of a choice, I do so as he sits behind the desk.

“I’ve received your threat loud and clear. You don’t have to worry about me going to the cops,” I assure him.

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” He reaches into his desk, producing a manila envelope, and slides it across his desk.

“What’s this?”

“Open it.”

Dread floods my bloodstream as I open the folder to find a photo of me and Gavin making out at the pier last night.

“Will I need to drug you to get the truth?” Fabio’s emotionless voice cuts through the room like a knife.

“No,” I stammer.

“Who is this man?”

“Gavin Webb.”

“Who is he really?” Fabio presses.

“I don’t know,” I say, hating that my voice is small.

“So you were passionately embracing a man who blew up your house, and you don’t know who he really is?” Judgment drips from his words. “I’m beginning to understand why you were institutionalized.”

Fabio ran a background check on me. There’s no other way he knew that. Hell, Kat doesn’t even know that about me.

“Fuck you.” I hop out of my seat.

Fabio holds up his hand. “That was a low blow. My apologies. Please, sit.”