Page 53 of Dr. Bad Boy

Corinne efficiently packs up the remaining pieces of cardboard. Once that's taken upstairs to the garage, the space actually looks decent. A bit bare.

"You need art," Lachlan says to me as we stand side by side, inspecting Ottawa's latest kink dungeon.

"It needs something," I agree. But that has to be a problem for another day.

"It looks good," Corinne says as she rejoins us. "When's the first party?"

I laugh. "Christmas."

"Pick the date soon. The calendar fills quickly in this town."

"Good to know. And listen, thanks for your help today, eh?" I shake first her hand, then Lachlan's. "Much appreciated."

"Any time," Lachlan says. "See you on the weekend?"

I think about Violet. "Maybe."

He lifts his left brow, but doesn't ask for more details. He wouldn't get them, anyway.

As I'm letting them out the front door, my phone rings. I glance at the screen and wince as I answer. "Lizzie, I've been meaning to call you back…"

My most famous co-star laughs on the other end of the phone. “You have not. You've forgotten each and every time your delightful young assistant has given you my messages, haven't you?"

"I've been busy."

"And how is Ottawa?"

"Cold."

"You should've moved to Hollywood," she says with a pout that I know she doesn't mean.

"Never again."

"I miss you."

"No you don't. How's Bernard?"

"Re-married his first wife."

"Well that's complicated." I'm in my kitchen now, rooting through my fridge. I've organized a catering company to bring me healthy meals I just need to re-heat. None of them appeal to me tonight.

She sighs in my ear. "Max, I need some advice."

"Don't date men twenty-five years your senior."

"Seriously, Max. If you don't focus, I'm going to fly there so we can have this conversation in person."

I frown. It's not that I don't want to see Lizzie, but…I don't really want to see Lizzie. Not now. "I'm listening."

"I've been offered a part in a new film."

That's hardly news or drama, so I wait for her to give me more information.

"And Victor Jenkins is the director."

"No."

"Hear me out."

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