I snap a selfie, sending it to Bruno. He responds right away.
Bruno
I knew you were going to make me famous!
You look stunning.
This is all you, my friend.
No, darling, it’s you.
And I see Mr. Jafar was able to match the dress sample I sent him for the jewelry.
So Jafar did know what I was wearing, or at least the color. And he had his handkerchief dyed to match. I don’t know what to make of this information.
It’s too much, but I love it, so I’m not taking it off.
Don’t you dare! I’ll see you soon. Save a dance for me!
I will.
I put my phone on silent before putting it in my purse. Inhaling, I take a deep breath before leaving the room. No one is in the living room, but Al is in the kitchen pouring himself a generous drink. I gasp when I see his face.
“Al! What happened?”
He gives me a sheepish smile. “Got into a fight. I hope this won’t stop you from being my date tonight.”
I move around the island, going to the fridge to get him some ice in a towel. He takes the towel, pressing it to his face with a groan.
“Here. Come and sit.”
I lead him to the breakfast nook. He reeks of booze and weed, making me wonder if he showered before coming over.
“I should have canceled, but I knew you’d look hot as hell tonight.” He looks up at me. “And I was right.”
God, why do I always end up feeling bad for having terrible thoughts about him? It’s like he knows what I’m thinking and says the one thing that will leave me feeling like I should apologize to him.
“Thank you. You look nice, too.”
“Had to borrow the suit from one of the other guys.”
He winces when I pull the towel back to look at his eye.
“You have a cut there, too. Have you cleaned it?”
“Not yet.”
I go to the sink, finding paper towels in the cabinet beneath. I wet one and add a bit of soap before padding back to Al.
“This is going to sting,” I warn.
Air hisses between his teeth but stops when I blow on it. Suddenly, I’m reminded of when Jafar did the same for me and I smile.
“I like it when you do that.”
I ask, “Do what?”
He holds my wrist as I try to pull away. “Smile like maybe you’re in love with me. I don’t think a woman has ever looked at me that way before.”