Into the Lure of Time by Vera Bell

Author:Vera Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vera Bell
Published: 2024-04-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Lawful Husband

Siena, March 17, 2012, Dallas, TX • Neave, April 22, 1565, Ulster, Ireland

Emma had seemed confident Ryan would do the session, and that it would open his mind. To what—I couldn’t be sure. In many ways, I was still the old me—too visceral, too rash to jump to conclusions. I hugged myself—and yes, unaccountably vindictive. But all those responses originated in pain, not in unprovoked malice or willful betrayal. If Arianrhod succeeded in guiding Ryan to the heartbreak of old, he’d see that. And then, he’d return my text or answer my call, and I would tell him the side of the story that filthy audio file never could.

So I told myself it was only a matter of time, and I waited.

A few weeks ago, my agent contacted me with a prospective local commission, but I was in no mental state to paint. To keep occupied, I spent my days caring for Austin to the exclusion of everything else and cleaning the house until my eyes watered from bleach fumes. At night, hands raw and feet aching, I tried to read or watch television, but my mind raced and wandered, turning the pages into a blur of letters and movies into background noise.

It was past midnight when, keeling over with exhaustion after a mindless whirlwind of activity, I fell into my bed.

“I’m too spent for a vision,” I protested when the air shifted.

But whoever was in charge never cared for my pleas.

To stop what was coming, I grabbed my phone and tapped the email app. It had become a nightly ritual, but I no longer held my breath. If Ryan were to get in touch with me, it wouldn’t be via email. I bit into my lip. Unless it was to send that hideous legal paperwork.

There was nothing from Ryan. But a message from my friend, Claude, sat at the top of my inbox.

You’re not going to believe this, but I’m coming to Dallas, chérie. Grant booked a show in May at the CiM gallery. Have you heard of it? I know you’re probably still recovering from your move but let me know if you want to show with me. Either way, you must come and see me. Maybe dinner after or drinks? I’ll follow up with dates, etc. What’s a good place if you’re up for dinner? I’ll make the reservation.

Miss you,

Claude

P.S. Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘ Hope you’re doing something fun.

I put the phone away and closed my eyes, seeking my grim escape.

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