Page 133 of Forgotten Comeback

“God, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s a shitty state of affairs when dying is the most affordable healthcare option, but hey, my suffering has given me some amazing material.” I nod at the paintings on the wall. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was afraid of the ‘crazy’ stigma, even though I know you wouldn’t have judged me,” I say quietly.

“I wouldn’t have,” she agrees.

“Nothing about me has changed, except I’m medicated now and keeping the extreme mood swings at bay. Oh, and my ass is a bit fatter because of my meds.”

“Take it from a skinny bitch with curve envy, you’re perfect.”

“Aww, you’re sweet.”

“You damn well know I’m not,” she says playfully.

“You’re a sweet bitch, how about that?” I counter.

“Better.” She walks around the space, examining my works I’ve hung on the wall. “When is your gallery opening? I’ll be the first in line.”

“Oh, I don’t have one planned, but I should,” I say, those wheels in my mind spinning yet again.

“You should get Valentina to help you. She’s an amazing event planner.”

“I met her at your reception. How is she a Parisi?” I tread lightly.

“She’s Romeo’s little sister.”

Meaning she’s Gavin’s half-sister.

“Ah, gotcha. Well, let’s go do brunch, and I’ll let you challenge that bottomless mimosa policy.” I change the subject.

“Don’t say it’s bottomless if there really is a bottom,” she argues.

Chuckling, I usher her and her silent guard out the door and lock up.

“Should I call you your majesty?” I joke, climbing in the back of a tricked-out SUV.

“Duchess Kat does have a nice ring to it.” Climbing in beside me, she crosses her legs primly.

“Don’t expect me to curtsey,” I inform her. “Or break out in a princess number. You know I can’t sing for shit.”

“Oh my God, remember our eighth grade chorus recital?” Kat says with a laugh.

“How could I forget? Our section sounded like a dying donkey.”

We both laugh till we cry at the memory.

Kat examines me once we’ve gotten ourselves under control. “It’s not just the painting. Gavin’s good for you. Ha, never thought in a million years I’d say those words.”

I grin like a fool. “Trust me, I’m just as shocked about it as you are.”

Chapter

Fifty-One

Gavin

“Have you handled the situation with Fabio, or do I need to?” I take a seat in the trailer at the construction site, tearing off my hard hat.

“Yeah, I handled it. Do not lash out at anyone connected to the Parisis.” John points at me. “We’ve got a tentative peace at best, so no more rocking the boat.”