Page 134 of Play Book

“That one is sold. Rage bought it.”

She makes a face. “Fine. What about the pen and ink drawing of the unicorn?”

I hadn’t planned on selling any of the kids’ artwork, but it took on a life of its own, so I decided to just add the cost on to my own earnings, that way they won’t have to worry about taxes and the like. Then I’ll just give them cash. We’re talking about a few hundred dollars total, so it’s not a big deal and my hope is that this will make them feel good about themselves and their art.

Ironically, once again, the gallery sells out of everything by the end of the event. All the kids’ art, as well as my new pieces, are grabbed up like a fifty-percent-off sale on Black Friday. I know they’re trying to make the kids feel good, but I didn’t expect sales other than from immediate family.

As the event comes to an end, I start to clean up. The Phantoms game has gone into a shootout, so no one had been able to come by, and I hope Ally isn’t too disappointed that neither Canyon nor Stevie is here.

Ally said Canyon is coming to pick her up after the game. I’m a little annoyed because he didn’t bother calling to ask if I’m okay to watch her while we wait since we have no idea how long the game will take. Or what time he’ll get here. And frankly, we’ve just broken up. Why would he come here to get her? It will just be awkward for all of us.

I throw a bag of trash in the back as the last of the guests clears out and the kids say goodbye.

“Can you deliver these to me?” Bertie asked, pointing at her purchases.

I shake my head as I eye her. “You just want me to tell you where to hang them.”

She smirks. “Maybe.”

“I can deliver next week. Is that okay?”

“Of course.” She pulls a tissue from her purse and dabs her forehead. “Is it hot in here? I’m sweating like a pig.”

“Aren’t you past the change of life?” I tease her.

She rolls her eyes. “You got some water, Saylor? I need to sit for a minute.”

“Of course. Sit at my desk and I’ll get you a bottle of water.”

“Where did Russell get to?” she asks as she sits down. “He’s my ride.”

“He was talking to people a little while ago,” I say, looking around as I hand her a bottle of water. The gallery is empty, though, other than Ally, who’s playing solitaire on my laptop, and Rage, who’s taking out the garbage.

“He’s been odd lately,” she says, taking a long drink from the bottle.

“Odd how?”

“I don’t know. Almost…giddy. Like a little kid getting ready for Christmas.”

“Is that normal?”

“Well, normal isn’t a word you use with Russell.”

“He seems to have been on his best behavior lately.”

“Yes.” She dabs at her face again. “I’m so hot, Saylor… I think something’s wrong.”

“Yeah?” I look down in alarm. “What do you need? Shall I call 911?”

“I don’t know.” She’s gotten really pale.

“What’s going on?” Rage comes in and kneels in front of her. “What do you feel, Bertie?”

“I don’t know…just off. I’m hot and my heart’s racing. I feel a little nauseated.”

Rage touches her cheek with the back of his hand. “You’re cold and clammy. Could it be food poisoning?”

“I don’t think so?” She suddenly starts to lean to one side and Rage catches her before she falls off the chair.

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