to the burning sensation that still throbbed beneath the bandages on my neck. Sarah sat opp

o exhausted to feel. "The apartment was on fire, Evelyn. On fire. And

nt off," I said, my voice flat. I wasn't defending him

onto her glass desk. "He knew when the EMT left that voicemail. I

hone on the tabl

he paper

oment of stunned silence. "You mean it?

the burns on my leg, but I ignored it. "I don't want spousal support. I

you're en

phone and slid it across the desk, sho

She let out a low whistle. "Okay. So the 'poor,

d I'm done being the bird. Also... I need a doctor. A

call Dr. Evans. He does concierge visits. He can meet you

esk buzzed. A picture of Jul

ace twisting, but I held up

the gre

ely

y stomach flutter. Now, it just made my stomach

ere,"

tells me the penthouse is a mess. Are

andling the insurance? Not Are y

the apartm

the cleanup. I can't deal with thi

asked, though I s

ly. "I'm heading to the Pierre. I can't come home with the paparaz

ground, a voice I knew bet

water pressure is awful. C

looked like she was about to vomit. He wasn't ju

tly. There was a muffled sound, a

the damage. Don't be dramatic about the fire, Evelyn. It was just a kitchen accident,

e corner of my mouth. It

s. I suppose I was careless

our jealousy. Serena had a panic attack. She needed a friend. I

said. "And tell Serena to try th

ung

her mouth open. "You... you j

d

od up, pacing the room. "I'm going to kill him. I'm g

hor that had been dragging me down for three years had just been cut. "

t to wri

spit me out. "I've been writing everyone else's stories for years. Hiding behind the name

, Sarah. Book me auditions. Under Ev

" Sarah gestured

character. Cover it with makeup or let it s

with an appointment card for Dr. E

Dr. Evans had called in. Above the counter, a TV was replaying the footage. Julian

ighed, popping her gum. "Wish my

sses. "Trust me," I

lobby, faint but persistent. The elevator ride to the penthouse took fo

kitchen and the living room, where the walls were blac

edroom. I pulled my suitcase fr

es for missed anniversaries. I packed my jeans. My old sweaters. My laptop. And the hard drive

ag shut when I hear

ne sti

s. Heavy

the suit from the TV footage, but his tie was loosene

. His brows knitted together, confu

mewhere?"

nderneath it, distinct and sweet... gardenias. Serena's perfume. And beneath

mach r

," I

leather shoe. "Put it away, Evelyn. You're overreacting. Harrison a

m, loosening his cufflinks. "God, I'

ack. The audacity

yourself,