Epilogue
Charlie
T his interview was nothing like the ones I had with Sherrie. The new girl, who’s typing her final thoughts into a sleek laptop, was a pleasure to talk to, mostly because she wasn’t subtly accusing me of wrongdoing with her pointed questions. I also have to give credit to her smile, so bright that it lights up the room. I thought she might be flirting, but she’s just like that.
Good for her. She’ll go far.
“I’ll be out of your hair in just a few more minutes!” she sings, literally. Where does she get this positive energy from?
I guess it’s cute.
“Take your time,” I say as I shift my attention to the party going on below my office window, looking for Lillian. I spot her quickly because of the ghost haunting her every step. Lottie hovers behind, looking even paler than usual in a light green dress.
I have to stop myself from laughing.
As part of her punishment, Lottie has to wear what Lillian tells her to, and my fiancé is determined to exorcize the demons out of her—no more black dresses. By the end of Lottie’s training, she should be more like a well-adjusted human being. Then she’ll be more useful to Lillian. They can actually go out in public together.
If she really does well, who knows what’s possible? I’ve noticed Lillian enjoys training and punishing the girl more than she lets on.
Maybe Lottie can serve two masters at the same time.
I’d like to see Lillian getting worshiped by our eager little pet.
“Too bad I don’t have a photographer with me, this is a good shot!”
I turn my attention back to the journalist, who’s grinning at me.
“You have a sweet expression on your face. What are you looking at?” But I don’t need to answer that—there’s a knowing look in her eyes.
“Getting excited for the wedding date?” she continues.
“Yeah, I am,” I answer honestly. I look back down at Lillian. She’s really trying with Lottie. I’m grateful to her.
For a lot of things.
“This year couldn’t get better for you,” the journalist goes on. “Congrats again on winning the election. We’re excited to see what you’ll do.”
“Thank you, ah…”
“Bree Perry,” she answers for me, standing and reaching out a hand to me. I notice something smooth and metal circling her wrist. I feel like I’ve been seeing that more lately.
“You don’t have one?” Bree asks in surprise, noticing where my eyes got stuck. She packs up her things, her mouth running fast. “It’s the latest fad, but I think it has staying power. It’s super useful, tracks your steps, heart rate, sleeping cycles, and connects to your phone. You can?—”
“You’re not sponsored, are you?” I cut her off with a chuckle.
Her laugh spills out easily. She’s lovely to watch. I don’t think she’s trying, either.
“No! Of course not. I guess I just really like it! Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your friends and family. Thanks for having me on such short notice.”
Bree is already moving toward the door, so I stand and follow. I’ll have to see if Lillian is interested in that gadget, too.
“Don’t be a stranger,” I say politely, feeling like this relationship won’t end the way Sherrie’s did. There’s a genuine integrity about this Bree Perry.
She’s not like the rest of us.
Bree hesitates at the door, then shoots me a final grin.
“Good luck with everything, Mr. Carter. You have a beautiful fiancé and a promising political career. I hope to keep saying good things about you.”
I return the grin and pause to take stock. Everything fell into place, and I’m looking forward to the future.
A future with Lillian.
“Thanks, Miss Perry. And please, call me Charlie.”