Page 214 of Time Stops With You

“And failing, obviously.”

She laughs loudly. “You’re so cute. I wish I could see your face right now.”

“You can picture a frown.”

“Still cute. You’re like a grumpy hedgehog. All your little spikes are out.”

I rub my hand over my spiky hair. This woman will be the death of me.

“I have a question,” Nardi says.

“What?”

“Can I really use those credit cards you gave me?”

“Yes.”

“Any purchase? No matter the amount?”

“Yes,” I say evenly.

“But what if you don’t like what I bought?”

“I don’t care.”

“But it’s still your money.”

“I can’t take money with me when I’m dead,” I tell her, intentionally trying to provoke a reaction.

“That’s true.” She pauses. “‘Kay, thanks. See you later.”

The dial tone rings in my ear.

What a strange, strange woman.

Still puzzled, I open the fridge and choose one of the pre-packed lunches Ashley stocks for me. The meal is delicious, but I find myself wanting to eat Nardi’s toast again.

After washing the dishes and wiping down the counters, I settle in front of the computer to do more work when my phone dings with a bank notification.

Someone just spent four figures at a luxury store.

A moment later, my phone rings with a message from Nardi.

It’s a picture of her smooching a fancy shopping bag.

NARDI: I’m taking your advice to make up with my mother. So I bought her a Birkin just because. Then I bought one for myself. Regret giving me your card yet?

ME: Why would I regret it?

NARDI: If you do, it means you want to live. Money means a lot to the living.

I swipe my thumb over her picture, feeling my blood pounding in my veins.

The feeling rising inside me is definitely not regret. It’s more of the ‘I’ll probably need to take a cold shower variety’.

ME: Was this your attempt at punishing me for dying?

NARDI: That depends. Did it work?

---