Page 153 of The Bonus

Hmm, that’s the bar we used to go to, haven’t been there for years, actually.

Why would she have kept this, weird.

I keep digging through the box and pull out a napkin, a note is scribbled on it.

It’s not possible to miss someone this much.

Gabriel…where are you?

My stomach twists.

I read it again.

It’s not possible to miss someone this much.

Gabriel…where are you?

When did she write this? I turn it over to try to find a date.

She missed me?

But she told me last night that we were just a cheap fuck on a desk…she lied.

A little knock sounds at the door. “Gabriel?”

Damn it, Lucia has impeccable timing. “Just a minute,” I call.

I slide everything back under the bed and quickly stuff the box I’m holding into my overnight bag and put my clothes on top of it. I’m taking this box home; I need to study that napkin. I’ll sneak it back in later.

I open the door and see Lucia standing there, waiting patiently for me. “Yes?”

“Breakfast is ready.” She smiles up at me.

“Great.” I glance up to see Dominic come out of his room. “Good morning, Dominic,” I call.

“Hi,” he grumbles as he walks into the bathroom and shuts the door.

Hmm, we need to work on this, damn kid hates me.

“Let’s go see Mom.” I take Lucia’s hand and walk down the hall with a spring in my step.

She wrote about me on a napkin…and she kept it.

Things are looking up.

“Everything all right?” Mark’s eyes flick up to meet mine in the rearview mirror as we drive to the airport. “You’re very quiet.”

I run my tongue over my teeth. “What are the ingredients in scrambled eggs?”

“Eggs.” He frowns. “Milk, maybe cheese.” His eyes meet mine again. “Why do you ask?”

“I just ate scrambled eggs that tasted like fish and were laced with eggshells.” I wipe my mouth with a tissue as my stomach rolls.

“Really?”

“You have no idea how bad her cooking is.” I wipe my mouth again to try to get rid of this vile taste in my mouth.

He smiles to himself in the front seat.

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