In walked David Ferris with his arm slung around his wife Evelyn Ferris’s neck. Judging from the collection of shopping bags in his spare hand, they’d been out and about supporting the neighborhood businesses. They were a pretty hot looking couple, him with his dark hair and tattoos and her all blonde and curvy. I’d met a fair number of famous and important people over the years but they were impressive in their low-key rock’n’roll royalty cool way. Despite the sucky situation, Mom would be impressed when I told her. She was a big Stage Dive fan.

“Oh no,” said Evelyn. “They didn’t send something else?”

Ziggy stood straight and tall, even more on duty than before, if possible. “I’m afraid so.”

“We haven’t been properly introduced yet.” She held out her hand to me for shaking. “I’m Evelyn and this is my husband, David. I’ve been hoping we’d cross paths. Lena’s told me a lot about you.”

I managed a smile despite the weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. “I’m Mae. Hi.”

They both shook my hand, casting a couple of worried glances at the latest dreaded box of horrors. Sarah got back behind the reception desk and with a pair of plastic gloves on her hands, carried the box out back, out of sight. Can’t say I was sorry to see it go. Meanwhile, Ziggy and David gave each other the standard dude tipping chins in a manly fashion greeting. Guess they’d worked together a lot. Though Ziggy didn’t seem particularly relaxed around the couple. But then, it would be a professional relationship. Like what he had with me.

“We’re being watched,” said Ev, looking over her shoulder out the wide glass windows beside the front door. “Photographer across the street.”

David frowned. “Might be best to head upstairs.”

“Guess the paparazzi will be back in force when they hear about this.” I balled my hands up into fists. All of the old sensations of feeling powerless in this shitty situation swamped me. Yay for self-pity. And by yay, I mean boo.

“Listen.” She moved closer. “We’re having some friends over tonight and we’d love you to join us. Hopefully get your mind off all of this for a few hours. Say around eight?”

“That’s sweet of you, but I’m not sure I’m in the mood.”

“No, she’s right. You should come,” said David. “You’ll bring her, yeah, Ziggy?”

Ziggy just turned to me. “It’ll be safe,” he said.

Talk about being put on the spot. Best to give in with good grace. It wasn’t like I’d be doing anything else, apart from moping at home. Go, party girl me. “Sure. Why not? Thank you.”

CHAPTER FIVE

“Okay. I think I’m about ready.”