Looks like I’m staying after all.
Good! I spoke to Bruno. He’s running behind today and canceled our appointments this evening. He said he’ll send your dress over in the morning.
I can’t wait to see it.
Because each dress fitting has been like magic. The way Bruno can manipulate fabric is amazing.
You know I’m here if you need to talk, right?
You’ve seemed stressed, and you’re too kind to tell people like Jasmine no when they demand something from you.
I wonder what my friend would say if she knew what I had been up to with Jafar, and why I was thinking about leaving in the first place? Would she still think I was kind?
Thank you. I appreciate it. I promise I’m fine.
Okay. See you tomorrow.
I toss my phone aside just to have it ding again. I pause when I see the name on the screen. Al. What does he want?
Al (works for Jafar)
Are we still on for the fundraiser tomorrow?
I know I was a dick the other night. And I shouldn’t have let you run off knowing Jafar was mad.
At least he can admit that he was a dick. That’s something.
I haven’t thought about the fundraiser, to be honest. I was actually debating going back to Kansas but was talked out of it.
You can’t leave!
He sends several crying emojis, making me smile.
What if I told you Jafar told me to stay away from you, too?
I’d say he’s probably smart, but he’s also wrong.
This is destiny, and who can deny that?
Destiny, huh?
I guess that means we’re still going to the fundraiser then.
Perfect. I have to work until six. Can we meet at Jasmine’s house?
That works for me.
Good. See you tomorrow, hottie.
This time, when I toss my phone aside, no more text messages come through. And I try not to think how I really wish one in particular would come across my screen.
13
Ellie
The next morning I surprise myself by sleeping in. The hotel staff are actually the ones who wake me up when they come to bring the boxes and dress that Bruno delivered.
The hotel manager says, “Mr. Bruno sends his apologies. He said there were so many angels to dress today, and there’s no way he can be in several places at once.”