Page 140 of Caper Crush
“Tell her the truth,” David says.
“I was paid to pretend-kiss him,” she says to Annabelle.
“I told you I didn’t kiss her,” David says to Annabelle.
“And were you paid to pretend-kiss William here too?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says.
“Edmund,” both Annabelle and I say at the same time.
“Exactly. A guy named Edmund paid me,” she says.
Shocked, Annabelle says, “He’s crazy.”
“I told you he was crazy,” David says.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you,” Annabelle says.
“It’s also my fault. I was too focused on my career. Let’s go talk,” David says. Annabelle suddenly smiles and looks like a huge weight has been lifted from her face. She glows.
“I knew it,” I say.
“I’m beginning to think you really should open up a detective agency,” William says.
Advik and Saanvi come over to say hello. Saanvi says, “I’m so happy you guys got together.”
Jade brings over Bangles Woman and Coiffed Woman.
“Here’s the artist, Miranda Langbroek,” Jade says. “These two women bought your painting from that gallery in Tribeca.”
“Oh, hello again,” Bangles Woman says to William. “How wonderful to see you.”
“And you look familiar,” Coiffed Woman says.
“That was your mom at the show!” Bangles Woman exclaims. “You guys look so similar.”
She suddenly clocks that William is holding my hand.
“And you are her boyfriend,” Bangles Woman says. “Oh, you and her mom are quite a tag team, getting us to buy.”
“But we’re happy you did,” Coiffed Woman says.
“Thank you for buying my painting,” I say. “That wasn’t actually my mom.” My mom is at the exhibit, and they might meet her. I look over to where my mom stands with John. Our glances meet, and she gives me an approving nod.
“It looks amazing in my study,” Bangles Woman says.
Surrounded by friends, my art on the wall at the Vertex Art Exhibit, I suddenly turn away to face the corner. I’m too happy for words, and my eyes tear. Again.
William hands me a handkerchief. I take it and open it up. This one hasM.W.L. + W.H.M.embroidered on it. I look up at him.
“Shouldn’t it also sayDetective Agency?” I ask.
He says, “I was thinkingForever.”
“That works for me,” I say.
He puts his arm around me, and we both gaze atPlaying Around 1:30, ready for anything.
THE END
