36
Temperance
“So you’ll still come to Frisky Whiskey Night at the Pretty Kitty?” Yve asks, and I look at Keira.
“Do you mind?”
My boss’s head jerks back. “Please tell me you didn’t really ask that question. You’re welcome everywhere, Temperance. I’d take you back in a heartbeat if you ever changed your mind.”
Since I officially quit, I haven’t been sure how to act around Keira, but apparently, I’m the only one with the hang-up.
“Then that’s a yes,” Yve says. “Now you can’t back out. My work here is done. I got a sculpture, finally got to see you looking incredible and light years different than you did the last time I saw you, and—”
“What do you mean?” I ask, trying to think of the last time I saw Yve.
“We came to your apartment. Harriet let us in. We brought food, and flowers, and cards, but you were asleep in a corner, curled up in a chair. Don’t you remember?”
My mind races to remember what she’s talking about, and I come up blank.
I shake my head.
“Me, Valentina, Ariel ...” She trails off when she sees no recognition on my face.
“I’m really sorry. I was in a dark place. Everything from that month is basically a blur. If Harriet hadn’t forced food into me, I probably would’ve starved.”
Yve’s expression softens with a hint of pity, but I don’t need it now, not that I can tell her that I don’t need it. “I’m so sorry anyway. It’s hard to be alone in the world. Losing family is never easy.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly, accepting her hug. Even though it makes me feel like a fraud, it’s comforting. I didn’t realize I had support from such amazing friends.
On the flip side, it’s also a reminder that Rafe has to stay dead. He can never come back to life in Louisiana. The realization hits me hard, and a shaft of unexpected pain stabs me in the gut.
It’s okay, though. At least he’s alive.
“Now, can you tell me about this piece? I didn’t see it before, but my husband would die for it. And since he’s on a business trip, it’s my duty to surprise him.” Yve points to a large crown mounted on the wall.
By the time Yve makes her second purchase, there are only two pieces left for sale, and my imposter syndrome starts to fade.
I can do this.
I can have my dream.
37
Kane
Later that night, after Temperance’s first sold-out showing, she rests her head on my chest.
“I can’t believe this is real. That this is my life.”
She looks up at me with wonder shining in her eyes, and I vow to do everything I can to keep that look on her face for as long as I live.
“Believe it. I’m so damn proud of you, princess. You deserve every single bit of it.”
She traces one of my tattoos with her finger. “You know, I made a bucket list when I decided I wasn’t going to give up on life. Actually, Harriet mostly made me.”
“Oh yeah?” I meet her dark gaze. “What was on it?”
“A few things I can already check off, actually.”