Page 17 of Make Me Scream

“Oh yeah. I already reprogrammed it,” Rory says. “Let’s set it up.”

We carry the machine into what used to be the guest bedroom, but now serves as my private gallery space. I’ve already cleared a spot for “Pay to Play” next to a power outlet. Before long, we’ve got it plugged in and functioning.

Yeah, just like that,the machine groans in a male voice as I yank the lever.

Rory laughs.

Jackpot!the machine screams, now in a sultry female voice, as the three reels align.

“Great work, man,” I say, patting Rory on the back. “You’ll bill me for the work?”

“Yeah, eventually.” He takes a turn playing the machine. “I know you’re good for it.”

“Of course. Come on, let’s relax. Want a beer?”

“Definitely.”

We head for my kitchen, but before we get there, he breaks off and peers into my home studio.

“You been painting,” he says, sniffing the air.

Shit.

“Yeah.”

Rory enters the studio and finds my painting of Gwen.

“This is good, Lane. Much better than your usual crap.”

I laugh.

Dickhead.

“Thanks. It needs work.”

Rory shrugs.

“If you say so. Is she someone you know?”

I gesture for him to follow me out, and he does.

“She’s the one I was talking to at the gallery,” I explain, taking out two bottles of Ommegang. “She’s a student.”

“Uh oh.”

I smile ruefully as I open our beers. He takes his and we sit at the kitchen table.

“You saidastudent, notyourstudent. Does that mean she’s fair game?” he asks.

“Technically, no. But since when has that stopped me?”

He nods, glancing back at the studio.

“She’s hot,” Rory says. “If she’s down, why not go for it?”

I snort, then take a long sip of my beer.

“I could get fired.”

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