Page 26 of Mafia Toy

I giggled and took another sip of my wine. “When I used to paint, I was friends with—”

“Wait. Wait. Wait.” Sage placed the iPad down, sat crisscross on the couch, and faced me. “Youused to paint?”

“Yeah,” I said, glancing away in embarrassment. “A long time ago.”

“Let me see.”

“What?”

“Oh, come on,” Sage teased. “You coerced me into showing you my art. Let me see yours.”

“I don’t have any paintings anymore. I tossed my art and brushes out a long time ago.”

Sage furrowed her brow. “Why?”

I shrugged even though I knew the exact reason. I’d wanted to fit into the luxury life of yachts, dirty money, and found family. No one else in the family drew or painted. They were into fashion and food instead.

“That’s not the point,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. “I used to be friends with this girl who started an online platform for sexually gratifying things for women. Last time I checked, she hosted all sorts of content on the platform, like art, audio, and animation made for women. I could see if I still have her number, if you’d like.”

Sage widened her eyes. “Really? That’d be so amazing! I’d love to talk to her. I’ve been wanting to draw for women, but I could never really make a living off of it while I was in college.”

“Well then, it’s settled. I’ll connect you with her if I can find her number.”

Sage grinned at me from the other side of the couch, eyes wide with excitement. For a moment, she dropped her gaze to my lips and sucked in a small breath, and then she looked back up at me.

“Thank you so much,” she said, then glanced out the window. “It’s getting late. I should get going.”

No, I want her to stay.

But how can I ask without sounding desperate?

“Um, okay,” I said stupidly, standing with her and walking her to the door.

Fuck.

“See you tomorrow,” Sage said, walking out with her bodyguard and down the hall.

“Are you busy tomorrow?” I asked, teetering from foot to foot by the front door.

Sage twirled around with her iPad pressed to her chest. “Constantino wanted to take me out to get new clothes, but I’m not sure what time.” She paused and chewed on the inside of her lip. “I hope that’s okay. Why?”

“I just …”

Fuck, how do I ask this? Last time I asked Bethany, she completely turned me down.

I glanced back into the penthouse and swallowed hard. “I’m going to the MoMA tomorrow morning to see a new exhibit.”Lie. I had no plans to go to the museum alone.“If you’re interested, you’re welcome to come with me.”

Eyes widening, Sage curled her lips into a half-smile. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“I would love to, but …” she started, glancing down at her feet.

Well, here it comes. Rejection.

“Wouldn’t it be weird that you’re bringing your housekeeper along with you to a museum with your friends, especially with Bethany? I’m not sure she likes me.”

“I’m not going with Bethany,” I reassured her, cheeks flushing.

---