We sat facing each other on the leather sofa in my office. Amanda reached into her bag, pulled out a small compact mirror and her favorite lipstick, and began touching up her lips with slow, deliberate strokes. She added the barest hint of blush, snapped the compact shut, and dropped both items back into her purse. Then her eyes locked onto mine.
“You disappoint me, Teddy,” she said quietly. “After everything… all for what? That woman? I made you, Teddy.”
“Enough, Amanda.” I stood up abruptly. “I’m tired of your constant nagging. Face reality for once. I’m in love with Payton—completely, head-over-heels in love. There’s nothing you or anyone else can do about it.” I tapped my temple hard. “Get that through your head.”
She rose slowly, a thin smile curling her lips. She clapped twice, so
