Page 46 of Undeniably Perfect

I yawn again.

“You better get some rest.”

“What time do you leave tomorrow?”

“I need to be downtown at noon.”

He stands up to leave but stops before he reaches the door. “I’m not glad your studio had a fire, Tabby, but I am glad to have gotten to know you better.”

I smile. “I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you better, too. Good luck tomorrow, in case I forget to say it later.”

“Thanks, kitten. I hope you feel better. I really want you at the game.”

“Me, too.”

I turn over and snuggle down as he flips the lights off. I fall asleep to thoughts about Kent and his family.

Chapter Twenty

My phone buzzing wakes me the next morning. I look down and see the phone number of my insurance adjuster.

“Hello?”

“Miss Crane?”

“Yes?”

“It’s Phil from Capital Alliance Insurance. I was calling because we just received the fire inspector’s report and…well…I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

I sit up in bed, forgetting about the fact that I’m sick. “What is it?”

He sighs. “It looks like arson. I won’t be able to pay out any further funds until we can conduct a full investigation.”

Now it’s my turn to sigh. “Can you send me a copy of the report? I haven’t received it yet.”

“Sure. There, I just emailed it to you. We work with contractors to investigate these types of claims, so I’ll be back in touch with you soon on the next steps.”

“I’m guessing this means a longer and more drawn-out process?”

“Unfortunately so.”

“Great.”

“Sorry, Miss Crane. I know you want to get things back to normal as soon as possible.”

“I do.”

“Well, I’ll be in touch.”

“Thanks,” I sigh again and hang up, flopping back on the pillows. Great, now what?

Kent

I’ve already done my morning stretches. It’s time for my green tea and toast, a game-day ritual. It also settles the nerves.

A sleepy-eyed Tabby walks into my kitchen, and I can tell something is wrong.

“What’s the matter?” I ask as I walk over to her. I feel her forehead to make sure her fever isn’t back, but she feels fine.

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