Page 48 of The Photograph

Her hand in mine, I shift to face her and grin. “Em, you’ve been talking about the software architecture course in New York, so I’ve registered you and paid for the course. You’re starting in six weeks.” Her eyes grow huge while she shakes her head, so I squeeze her hand. “Em, I love you and I loved having you here. Holloway’s finished and I could never have done any of this without you. This is the least you deserve for staying by my side for all these years. As my friend and my partner. And did I mention that I love you?”

Emma’s breath hitches, and when she finds her voice, she touches her forehead to mine. “I love you, Ael. Thank you. I’ll make you proud.”

My heart breaks open as I frame my best friend’s flushed, wet face. “I’m already proud, sweetie.” We hang on to each other for a little longer before I lean back and take a deep breath.Now, to the hard part.“So, today’s officially your last day atAelin Thorne Designs.”

She sniffles. “I can stay until—”

I hold her tight. “No, you need to organize Sam and Mindy as well as taking care of yourself.”

We grin at each other for a long time. I get on my feet and take Em with me. Smiling big to stop my chin from quivering. “Go, sweetie.”

After she leaves, I make myself a pot of steaming tea and a full plate of cookies I set on the coffee table next to my silent cell—still nothing from Gabe—and settle in the sofa of our small library.

As I open the book I’ve been trying to read for ages, my cell vibrates. I snatch my phone. No caller ID.

“Hello, this is Aelin Thorne.”

A woman’s excited voice pours out in my ear. “Ms. Thorne? First, I’d like to offer you my congratulations. My name’s Delia Jones. I’m an image consultant for the Future of Couture. Mr. Matthews has requested we get in touch with you to set you up with our latest collections of—”

I sit up and put her on speaker. “Um, Delia? I’m a little confused.”

Her voice pitches even higher. “Mr. Matthews has asked us to organize a designer wardrobe for you. We work with most designers’ houses…”

What?

But before I can wedge a single word, Delia continues. “I’ll personally take care of your account…” The short silence she lets hover, informs me of the privilege she bestowed upon me. The woman keeps talking. “…it’d be great if we could make an appointment today for us to take your measurements and help you choose the clothes that meet your style. And—”

I stare at the phone and clear my throat. “Delia, Gabe Matthews asked you to do this?”

The woman chuckles and lowers her voice. “Indeed, Mr. Matthews has been very generous, and…”

Gabe opened a designer clothing account for me?Heat swirls in my stomach, and I can’t help the small grunt erupting from my throat.

“Ms. Thorne?”

Why is the woman still talking?

I perch back on the sofa. “I’m sorry Delia, I was a little—”

“Oh, I understand! This is such an amazing opportunity. I would like to send you a couple of complimentary dresses from the latest collections as a thank you for your patronage. However, if there is a desig—”

“Delia, thank you, but I have to go now.”

I disconnect the call and dial Gabe’s number while I pace my rug.What’s wrong with that man? He ignores my texts for days then after I told him how freaking weird it is that he buys me clothes, he… Grrr.

When it goes straight to voicemail—four times—I call Ann’s office.

“G&M Investments, Ann’s speaking.”

I lean into my cell. “Ann. It’s Aelin. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Aelin. Thank you. How are you?”

Beside insulted and furious?“I’m all right, thank you. Is Cynthia back to the Bahamas?”

Ann chuckles. “Oh, no, she’s going to stay put for a while.”

The glee in Ann’s voice draws out my smile. “Well, fire would do that to a person.” I breathe deeply. “Ann, I need your help. I’m trying to get in touch with Gabe and I keep getting his voicemail. What’s the best time to reach him?”

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