Page 63 of Only the Devil

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My eyes burn and my throat clogs with the memory.

What would he say now?

I might not have set out to win the lottery, but it’s being handed to me.

My phone lights up, and I read the screen. Mom.

The office door’s closed, and I’m not getting much done, so for once, her timing works.

I answer with, “Mom.”

“Hey there. I thought I’d get your voicemail.”

I lean my head back against my chair, eyes going to the ceiling. I normally set the phone to speaker, but Mom’s the one person I like to keep close to my ear. There’s no need for others to hear what she has to say.

“What’s up?” Does she need rent money? A credit card payment overdue? There’s no way she’s talking me into buying her another car.

“I got a callback.”

I push forward, eyes open, excited for her.

“Mom, that’s awesome.”

“I know!” she shouts, forcing me to hold the phone away from my ear. I can’t remember the last time she sounded so excited.

“What’s it for?”

“A project with Robert DeNiro attached. Can you believe that? I might meet Robert DeNiro.”

“That’s—”

“It’s a minor role. Five lines. An older woman. With makeup, I can look older. And I got this callback without an agent. I hope I get it. I’d love to thrust this in the asswipe’s face.”

I’m assuming the ‘asswipe’ is her former agent who dropped her years ago.

“That’s fantastic. When’s the call back?”

“This Friday.”

Huh. The same day I owe my decision to Sterling. That’s a day to check the horoscopes.

“That’s great, Mom. I’ll be rooting for you.”

“How are things going with you?”

“Good.”

“Doesn’t sound like it. What’s going on?”

It’s unusual for Mom to pick up on anything being off, but maybe she’s more perceptive when she’s flying high.

“Well, I’ve been offered a promotion.”

“Why is that bad?” She’s right to sound confused.

“Well, it’s an executive position. With a lot more responsibility.”

“They aren’t trying to rip you off, are they? You know, give you a better title, a shit ton more work, and the same pay? They always try to pull that shit on me, and when they do, I am out the door. Hasta la vista, baby.”

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