Page 59 of The Photograph

We talk for another hour or so, and after we disconnect, I slide under my covers and fall into a deep sleep.

Chapter Twelve

Gabe

She still hasn’t cashed the check.

A short knock pulls me back as Ann enters my office and settles across from me.

“Gabe, I’ve found my replacement. I’ve narrowed it down to two candidates I think will be a good fit and I’d like you to meet them.”

“Sure.”

She shifts into her armchair. “How’s Michael? When is he back?”

I visited Mike in St. Martin where he works on an international eco-friendly vacation complex. “Mike’s good. He’ll be back home for Christmas.”

Ann’s eyes soften. “Good. Not long then. Will he need an interim office?”

“Yes, until he gets his bearings.”

She nods. “I’ll have it ready for him.”

Ann’s pinched expression screams she’d rather be anywhere else than in my office.

“Everything good, Ann?” I expect a forthright answer from her. She’s always been brutally honest with me, and over the twelve years we’ve been collaborators, she’s someone I rely on for the truth.

She gets on her feet. “Yes, everything’s fine.”

And she’s a terrible liar. “What is it?”

“Nothing, it’s none of my business,” she replies and pivots toward the door.

“Ann? What is it?”

She turns to face me. “You know how Cynthia and I are trying to have a baby?” When I nod, she says, “Well, we got lucky to get this specialist. She’s called the ‘Baby Whisperer’ and…” She sighs and steps closer “Cynthia saw Aelin coming out of the doctor’s office.”

I jolt upright. “Are you sure?”

The corner of Ann’s mouth twists. “You can’t mistake Aelin with anyone.”

“When was this?”

“Three weeks ago.”

Three weeks ago?I dip my chin. “Thanks, Ann.”

At the door, she stops, and I whip my eyes to hers. “Are things … over with Aelin?”

They will be when the beautiful parasite leaves.

She moves closer. “Gabe, your private life is just that. But I want you to know that I like her, and she and I are friends.”

I thought you had better judgement.Before I can answer, my assistant walks out.

That’s why she hasn’t cashed the check.

I make my way to the window and clench my back teeth.The one fucking time I forget a rubber.

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