CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
I left the room and rushed downstairs to find Maggie. She had breakfast pastries in her hands from the oven.
I gave her a wave. “Wow, they came out great.”
She grinned. “Wait until you taste them.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Uhm, quick question?”
She wiped her hands on her apron. “Sure. What do you need?”
I shifted my legs and lifted my shoulders. “Did anyone come over last night while we were at the premiere?”
She paused to think. “Hmm, no one while I was awake. Rick worked overnight, he might know. Did something happen?” Her expression turned concerned.
“No. Not really. I misplaced something.” I chewed on my bottom lip.
“Well, Zane has cameras in the security room? He can double-check.”
“Great idea. I’ll go talk to him.”
I left the kitchen and headed to the office where the security guards went to on the bottom floor. Zane had a cup of coffee in his hand behind a desk. Before him there was a wall of camera screens that displayed every room except our bedroom.
“Hey, Zane.”
He put down his coffee. “Hello. Do you need to go somewhere?”
I glanced at the television screens. “No. I’m wondering if you can check something for me?”
“Sure, what do you need?”
“I’ve misplaced some papers, and I’d like to double-check if someone stopped in.”
He frowned. “Rick didn’t mention anyone this morning. However, we can check all the footage from last night if you want?”
I nodded. “Yes, I would. Thank you.”
He left a space for me next to him around the desk, and I leaned against it as he replayed the video of all the corridors last night. It showed Cassidy and me leaving the house with Isla for the festival, Zane doing a security sweep, and Maggie putting out fresh linens. We checked the garage next. A cat ran past a row of cars.
Zane rubbed his chin. “I have no idea how that cat got in.”
“Cats do that,” I muttered.
Then I saw Rick take over from Zane and quickly walk through every room before returning to the security office. He had nothing in his hands. The recordings continued for more hours until the morning when I saw myself going into the studio and rushing downstairs.
I frowned. “I don’t understand. I had papers with me yesterday, and they’re missing.”
“Do you want me to search with you?” Zane offered.
I rubbed my neck. “Yes, please.”
Zane immediately went upstairs with me and searched. His check was much more thorough. He went under the beds and around bookcases. However, just like me, he found nothing.
“I’m going to go through all the tapes again and check the phone logs. I’ll also speak with all the staff. It’s not over,” Zane said when he finished.
I blew out my breath, relieved Zane took it seriously. “Thank you.”
Cassidy walked in, already dressed and with her bag. She had a four-hour drive ahead of her to make it in time for her late afternoon class.
“You don’t have time for breakfast?”
“Nope. Maggie’s making me a to-go pasty bag,” she said, smiling.
“Oh, that’s great. I’ll thank her again,” I said, pushing back my tangled hair.
She touched my messy bun. “What’s with the squirrels nest?”
I laughed and swiped her hand away. “It didn’t start that way.”
“Something happened?”
I waved my hands dismissively, pulling the hair tie out and fluffing my hair. “Nothing I can’t handle. I just misplaced some papers from Mr. Marini. I swear I had the purse earlier…” But you never opened it. You assumed. The only thing in that purse, for sure, was the one paperback. No, it was full, I’m sure of it.
My phone vibrated.
Cassidy gestured for me to answer.
My mouth fell open, and my pulse spiked. “It’s Lily Crane. Oh, my God.”
“Deep breaths,” Cassidy said, lifting her arms on a deep inhale and lowering them on an exhale. “It’s going to be fine.”
I took a deep breath, then answered the call. “Hello.”
“Hello, Adelina. It’s Lily Crane.” Her tone was cheery, and I took it cautiously as a good sign.
“I apologize for the early hour.”
“Oh, I’ve been up for a while. It’s fine.”
Cassidy gave me a thumbs up.
“Great. I wanted to speak with you yesterday, but I understand you had an event to attend. How was it?”
“It was great, thank you,” I said, biting my lip.
“I’ve reviewed your samples—”
“I can show more variations if you need them. I made a new scene of the Shadow Prince and the little girl—”
“You did? Wow. I’d love to see it, too. But I’m already sold. I love what you turned in. We were all giddy in our meeting, including the writer. These illustrations are phenomenal.”
I touched my stomach, which was still in tight knots. “Really? You liked them?”
“I love them. They were all so vivid. The writer said it was as if you took the images from her brain. Of course, our team will have changes they want or additions, but we are all highly impressed. We’re moving your designs to our shortlist. How does that sound?”
“Amazing,” I said, my voice catching.
Cassidy did a silent cheer in front of me.
“My team will be in touch with Holly Logan. Ian said you’re using her?”
“Yes, I am, I believe.” We hadn’t discussed it fully yet.
“Great. We’ll have a meeting within the next two weeks.”
“Great. Uhm, thank you. The story resonated with me, and I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunity.”
“We’re the ones who should be thanking you. I saw what you did in The Bumble Bee Ball and knew you have the vision to bring life to our writer’s work.”
“Thank you…thanks so much.”
We ended the call, and I screamed while fist-pumping the air.
“Did you get it?” Cassidy asked.
I shook my head. “Not exactly. I’m shortlisted.”
She screamed and threw her hand in the air, celebrating like I won a contract.
“Cassidy,” I drawled. “It’s not final, but she said she loved my illustrations.”
She started to sing DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”
I laughed and joined in with her dancing. We bumped butts and laughed hard until we ended up hugging.
“See?” Cassidy said, tearing up. “This is what you deserve.”
“I seriously can’t believe it,” I said, grinning as I took out my phone and typed a message. “I must tell Rocco.”
Adelina: OMG. Lily Crane moved me to the shortlist for The Sky Fairy and The Shadow Prince series!!! I’m losing my head. Cassidy’s here. I miss you, Superman.
We both waited a few minutes, but Rocco didn’t reply or call.
She squeezed my shoulder. “He’s probably in a meeting. I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon.”
I sighed, and she gestured for me to follow her downstairs. Maggie had a pretty brunch case in a bag for her. Zane was there and took it along with her suitcase. “I’m going to catch up with Rick. See if he has any ideas about your papers. I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”
Some of my tension eased. “Thanks so much, Zane.”
Cassidy and I hugged.
“Call me if you get tired on your drive.”
“I will, gorgeous, Even if I’m not tired.”
I laughed. “I love that we’re not that far away from each other.”
“Me, too. After I graduate, let’s live next door to each other.”
“Thank you for coming. Next time longer, okay?”
She kissed my cheeks. “Deal.”
I returned upstairs, changed into a tracksuit and sneakers, and left the bedroom with my brushed hair in a messy bun. I remembered passing a bookstore nearby and decided to go for a quick stop before a jog. Zane and Rick jogged with me most times. However, I also went a few times alone. It felt great to feel free to do whatever I wanted to do.
The sky was partly cloudy, so I took a small saddle bag, phone, and sunglasses to the elevator. After putting the security code at the gate, I walked onto the street.
There were no paparazzi. Also great.
I took off down the cobblestone streets to the end of the road and crossed the avenue around the corner with a café with seats already crowded with patrons. I inhaled the smell of coffee and fresh bakery, remembering Maggie made pastries I could eat when I returned.
The bookshop was old, with full shelves and a few books on display in the window. Bookshops and libraries had been my sanctuary—the quiet calm from whatever storm I faced outside. I could get lost in the magic and wonder of a story. To my surprise and delight, The Bumble Bee Ball was on the front display shelf in the children’s book section!
I took a quick selfie with it in my hand and sent images to Cassidy, Rocco, and Jacob. I hesitated and sent the picture to my grandmother along with the news of the illustration job offer. She wants baby news but could be happy for me, too.
I browsed down the thriller aisle and found a book for Rocco. But then I realized I wanted to give him something else he’d wish for—my love.
How do I tell him I love him back? I had no words. But I had a book of poetry by Lord Byron. His romantic writings always captivated me when I read him in school.
I stood in line to pay using my credit card. Panic and fear rose for a few seconds, considering how many times I’d been embarrassed because it declined purchases. It happened when factory supervisors ‘forgot’ to deposit the money they owed me or paid less than they agreed. Blue-collar work attracted the cruelest bosses in the world.
I walked out of the store thinking about those harsh times, being unable to afford our basic needs, and wishing I could help other teens struggling to raise themselves. Yes, my grandparents had been strict with me, but the boarding school and college gave me a stable environment that shaped me into a responsible adult. And everything I went through had led me to Rocco Marini.
Our arranged marriage wasn’t the norm, but he turned out to be a strong, loving man that I adored. He was everything I could ever hope for. A rush went through my chest, and excitement and anticipation coursed through my veins. I won’t even wait. I’m going to say I….
“Adelina,” a male voice called from behind me.
Who knows my name?
I grinned and turned my head, coming face-to-face with Judge Colby.