Page 40

Waltzing in past me, she dumped her enormous designer handbag on the console table. In her white denim jeans, camisole, and faded blue denim jacket, she looked stunning, as usual.

Do come in…

“Emily?” she prompted when she realized I hadn’t replied.

“He’s gone for a run.”

She eyed me from top to toe, and I knew she found me lacking in some way. “You seem distracted. How’s the painting going?”

“Fine.”

But my mind was racing.

Who was that in my bedroom? And how did he just disappear… again?

She frowned, and I thought I detected concern. “Are you okay, Emily?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” I didn’t want to burden Lulu with my crazy. She might persuade Dylan to have me committed and then I would be out of the way.

“I’ve just got to make a couple of calls. I’ll do that in the drawing room, and I can wait for Dylan,” she said.

“Okay.”

I was still reeling from my encounter with the Incredible Disappearing Delusion. Immobilized for a moment, we gazed at each other, Lulu frowning, me lost.

Finally, I found my voice. “I’m still painting.” Turning on my heel, I ran upstairs, taking the steps two at a time, leaving Lulu rummaging in her enormous handbag for her phone.

I barreled down the white corridor and into my new bedroom, scanning the room. The boy had disappeared. There was no trace of him. Even the smell had gone.

Is he the smell?

“Are you still here?” I asked the room, feeling ridiculous, and was met with a ringing silence. I asked again. Still nothing.

A knock on the bedroom door startled me, and Lulu entered. She walked right in as if she owned the place and did a slow 360.

“The room looks lovely, Emily. You do have a talent for this. Did you paint those leaves?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “My oh my, that’s impressive. It’s like a fine filigree.”

“Thank you.”

“Dylan mentioned on the phone that you wanted some champagne. Shall we open a bottle?” Her dark eyes lit up with mischief.

“Okay,” I answered because I couldn’t find Mr. Conscious-Embodiment-of-My-Grief. Champagne would be a welcome distraction from my confusion.

She clapped her hands with glee like a small child, and for some unknown reason, I found it endearing.

“Come on, then,” she said.

I followed her out of the room, glancing behind me, scouring the four corners for any sign of the beautiful young man, but there was nothing. He’d gone.

Of course he’s gone, Emily. He’s in your head!

We heard the front door slam when Dylan returned from his run. He wandered into the kitchen where Lulu and I were on our second glass of champagne. His hair and T-shirt were damp with sweat, but he looked much calmer than he had all day.

“Hello, Dyl!” Lulu greeted him in a sultry voice.

He eyed her uncertainly.

Did he know she was going to be here?