Page 150 of Wicked Villain

I pick up another stack of files. These are from the new sponsors. There’s a big fundraiser coming up in a few months. I’m hoping to create a few pieces of art for that, whether I’m here or not.

I’d like to be here. I’d like to be here to see if people really buy my work.

Sure, it’s a charitable event, and people will most likely buy it to support the charity, but it’s still good to see your work being appreciated in whatever way that means.

Anushka walks up to the desk and waves a hand in front of my face. I look to her, and she giggles. “Oh my gosh, there she goes again.”

“I’m so sorry. Were you talking again?”

She nods slowly, pressing her lips together to bite back a laugh. “Another wild night with Lev?” she surmises.

I groan, chastising myself for being so transparent. “I’m just a little tired.”

This time she laughs. “Of course. I call that sexual hangover tiredness, too. Anyway, I was asking if you wanted to go out for some coffee in a little while. The coffee house has started to run their specials. Today, it’s pecan pie.”

“Yum. That sounds really good.”

She brings her hands together and rubs them. “It’s absolutely delicious. You wouldn’t believe the flavors they come up with every year, and they do it every season, too. I can’t wait for autumn, when they do the pumpkin lattes and the cinnamon buns.”

Anushka is a girl after my own heart. “Yes, let’s definitely go to the cafe. How about we go in an hour? Would that work?”

“Of course, girl. You know I’m always ready to go to that place.”

We both laugh.

The door opens, and when my mother walks in, my stomach tightens into a ball of knots. I’m always happy to see my mother, but it’s not often she visits the charity.

She smiles at me, but in her eyes, I see something else. And somehow, I know she’s about to give me the news that’s going to change everything.

My gut feeling has never been stronger.

The plan. It’s time.

“Mrs. D’Auria,” Anushka greets Mama, smiling sweetly. They’ve met on several occasions over the last few weeks and got on quite well. Mama adores her and likes that she tried to be a friend to me.

My mother floats over to Anushka and gives her a hug. “Hello, sweet girl. How are you?”

“I’m wonderful. It’s so good to see you. You always look so good.” Anushka looks Mama over, admiring her rose gold coat and pumps.

Mama places a hand to her heart and grins from ear to ear. “You are too kind. You always make my day, though.”

I stand when she looks over at me.

“Can I borrow my daughter for a few minutes?” Mama glances back at Anushka, who’s already nodding.

“Of course.”

“I was thinking we could go out into the garden and talk,” Mama says, her words giving me more of a confirmation that she wants to talk about something that’s not just private but important, too.

“Sure.” I motion toward the door.

Roman appears at that moment and pokes his head in. Mama glances back at him. “We’re just going to the garden,” she explains dryly, not bothering to hide that she’s put out by his presence. “I brought muffins. We sometimes eat out there when I visit. Will that be okay?”

We’ve never done that, but he doesn’t need to know.

“Certainly,” Roman answers.

I glance back at Anushka before Mama and I walk out the door, giving her a little wave.