Page 72 of Lost the Handle

It looks as if he’s in a bathroom, bright-green tile around him. His hair is brushed to the side, looking every bit like a doctor and not my messy Quinn. He doesn’t look at the camera as he strums the guitar. I don’t recognize the song until he starts singing. “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish. His voice is velvet smooth overall, but rough on certain words. His eyes drift shut, and my heart swells in my chest as I listen to the words. The timbre of his voice. To him.

He’s stunning.

I can’t move, and I don’t know if I’m even breathing as he sings. When it ends, he lays down the guitar before looking at the camera. Then he smiles. A real one. Just for me. I don’t even realize I’m crying until I feel my tears drip off my chin.

I hit the caption, and it reads:When she’s heavy on my mind.

My lip trembles as I go to the comments, and already, there are thousands, but I don’t stop myself.

EQEnterprise: I love you.

I press my lips together as my heart soars, and I press my phone to my chest. I almost call him or text, but I can’t right now. When I set my phone down and clean my face free of tears, I can’t help but think, while this may be crazy of me, I know I’m doing the right thing.

I’m fighting for the man I love.

“Emery?”

I look up into sky-blue eyes that belong to a very closed-off face. My heart kicks up in speed as I slowly stand to hold out my hand. “Hey, Yvette. Thanks for meeting with me.”

Yvette looks at my hand and then takes it, shaking it lightly before she sits down. I can tell she’s uncomfortable, and I don’t blame her. I did send her a text that said it would be in her best interest to meet me here. Yes, I channeled my inner mafia princess. I really need to lay off these dark mafia romances, especially with what I do for a living. Lines are blurring over here, and she better be glad I can’t shoot a gun. Not that I would shoot her, but it would be cool to have it strapped to my chest and look all badass. Maybe I should pick up shooting?

Jesus. Focus, Emery!

I look across the table as she leans her elbows on it. I don’t know if it’s because I have Quinn’s video in my head, but her style reminds me of Billie Eilish’s, all baggy clothes and a pretty face. Big blue eyes, thick brown lashes, and puffy pink lips. She’s a gorgeous girl. Too bad she’s involved with a cunt bag. I clear my throat and ask, “Do you know who I am?”

Yvette nods. “Quinn has spoken of you.”

I nod slowly in response. “Do you know what I do for a living?” She shakes her head. “I can find out anything I need to know, and what I know is that you are involved with Ava.”

She presses her lips together as she shrugs. “I mean, she’s my best friend.”

“And your lover.”

I have to give it to her, she doesn’t react to me at all. With who I am and the equipment I’ve designed, I notice details. I think I’m the only person who would notice that her eyes only slightly narrow as she holds my gaze. “What makes you believe that?”

I lean back in my seat and say smugly, “You grew up together, but the only photos at dances were of you two. You went to Boston when she did for school and lived with her there before moving here. I know all that is just best-friend kind of stuff, but you made a post on Instagram, holding Ava’s hand, with a status that implied you two were more than friends.”

“That wasn’t her,” she tries, but I shake my head.

“It was. I matched the photo to one of her. Same nail polish, same gold stacked rings on her thumb. I even matched the way her hand bent to be one hundred percent sure.”

Her eyes narrow even farther now. “You’re a freak.”

“A smart freak, yes,” I say, waving her off. I keep it to myself that I got into their iCloud and found numerous photos of them kissing and looking lovingly at each other. I also found videos that I did not watch. I was mainly looking for images of Quinn, but I found none on either of their phones.

“After reading the terms of Ava’s inheritance, I noted that it clearly states she has to marry amaleof good standing, who comes from a well-off family, before she can inherit her trust.” Shock fills Yvette’s features as I continue, “Since you’re missing an appendage between your legs and you grew up middle classwith two parents who divorced when you were eight, I don’t think that puts you in the running to be her groom.”

Yvette’s jaw twitches, but she doesn’t break eye contact. Man, if she weren’t involved with Ava, I’d like her a lot. Ready to put the final nail in her coffin, I add, “I know she paid off your school loans and got into huge shit for it. According to what I read, her parents changed the terms when that happened. I also know she has been moving money into an offshore account to pay for your studio.” I pause to lean in. “And, off the record, you are so talented. I love your work, and I want to buy one of your goose vases for my mom. She’d love it. Maybe you can give me one as my wedding present to Quinn.”

“Wow, you’re a lot.”

“I am aware,” I say simply, nodding. “Now, as to why we’re meeting. It’s in both our best interests for this marriage to never happen.”

She snorts at that. “Ava won’t let him go,” she seethes, and I see such hurt in her baby blues. She doesn’t want them together. “She has him by the balls.”

“Maybe so. But I think if you help me, we can end this and both get the people we want.”

Yvette shakes her head, and it surprises me when her eyes turn glassy. “You don’t know Ava like I do. She won’t back down. She wants her money. She needs it for us to be free of all the demands her parents put on her. She wants to love me freely.”

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