Page 44 of Over Her Dead Body

“The private preview,” Celeste says. “For Philip Dane. Genevieve asked for someone from the house who can speak to the silver.”

Her attention settles on me. “You’re going.”

“I can’t tonight.”

Owen looks up.

I keep my eyes on the coffee pot.

“The preview isn’t on my calendar,” I say. “I’m afraid I have plans.”

Genevieve frowns. “Plans?”

Celeste says nothing.

Owen says even less, which is worse.

“A date,” I say, because apparently I have decided to make several bad decisions in one lifetime and organize them by category. And not only is it the truth, but it’s probably the only reason Genevieve will find excusable: the opposite sex.

“With Pilates Todd?” Owen asks.

I glare at him.

He attempts innocence. Badly.

Celeste looks at me. “Bring him. Philip won’t mind.”

Genevieve claps her hands once, delighted. “Perfect. I adore meeting men before they disappoint me.”

“That must keep you busy.”

“It does,” she says. “But one makes time for art.”

I glance at Celeste.

She does not rescue me. Rescue is not in her management style.

“Philip Dane is an important client,” Celeste says. “And after Vienna, I think it would be wise to be available.”

My phone lights in my hand.

Todd: Dinner still on?

Owen sees it. His expression says, I thought you were done with him.

Celeste waits.

I glance at the coffee pot, at Celeste’s pleasant executioner smile, at Owen trying not to enjoy this and failing.

Then I type back.

Change of plans. Wear something nice.

And just like that, my evening is no longer mine.

CHAPTER 17

ANONYMOUS