Page 67 of Tattletale

I blew it.I really fucking blew it.

“It was really nice to meet you, Fiona.” Gabriel gestures to the glass cube in front of us. “And thank you for your honesty. Please enjoy your evening, and order any and everything you like. On the house.”

“Thank you,” is all I can muster out before Gabriel steps over the rope and leaves me alone in the little VIP square.

No. Shit!I can’t believe I actually fucked this up. Out of sheer frustration, I grab my martini and down the rest in one gulp before leaning forward to grab a stuffed olive.What a fucking mess.

I don’t know how much time passes as I reflect on the absolute wreckage of my life. I missed my target and jeopardized the mission. I’m brokenhearted at the news about my family, and all I want to do is call Lance. I miss my best friend, except now we’re feuding, and for some reason, every time I’m around him, I shove my foot further down my throat, taking out all my pain and anger on him.

Maybe I should just walk away. Vesper gave me an out. I should’ve just taken it.

“Um, miss?” Celeste is standing behind my chair, an empty tray in her hand, trying to get my attention. I stand, positive she’s attempting to escort me over the ropes and on my way.

“Don’t worry, I’m going.”

“No,” she insists. “Please make yourself comfortable. I’m supposed to take your dinner order before my break. Also, Mr. Lochland wanted me to give you this.”

She holds out her tray. There’s a small phone lying in the center that I didn’t notice before.

“For me?” I ask, hope filling my chest as I grab the phone.

“Yes. And what would you like for dinner? The Dollhouse has a Michelin Star chef on staff. Everything is divine.”

I tap the top of the screen, and the phone lights up.

Unknown Number

It really was a pleasure to meet you, Fiona.

Sorry to leave you in such a hurry.

May I see you again?

Relief washes over me.Mission accomplished.I don’t text back right away, remembering my orders. He likes the chase. Gabriel will get a text tomorrow. Tonight… I’m celebrating the only thing going right for me as of late.

I smile at Celeste, who is still waiting to take my order. “Surprise me.”

EIGHTEEN

LANCE

I arriveat Vesper’s door. Unlike Eden’s office, this door is always closed. I twist the handle, expecting it to be locked, but to my surprise, it’s not. The door pushes open, and Vesper jumps in her seat out of surprise.

“You wanted to see me?” I widen my eyes, matching her buggy stare.

“Yes, come in,” she huffs out. “And always feel free to knock.” Vesper quickly taps the power button on her monitor, trying to hide whatever she was looking at.

“You summoned me,” I remind her. “Why are you so jumpy?” I plop down into the chair on the other side of her desk. Every time I sit here, I feel like I’m in the principal’s office. I give her a sly smile. “Are you watching porn? Safe space. I won’t tell. Urges are still very normal at your age.”

She tries her best not to laugh, but a smile cracks through her lips. “The way I want to put your head between two bricks sometimes, Lancelot.”

I raise my brows. “That was not a denial.”

Vesper exhales in exasperation.

“I’m kidding, V. I know you weren’t watching—”

“I was on Facebook,” she admits, cutting me off.

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