"Now, what can I get you two to eat?" the server returned to ask. Bruno and I stared at each other.
"My girlfriend will order. She knows what I like."
My jaw gave a quick, unapproved twitch. Bruno was right, I did know.
TWELVE
Words Fail
Laughter echoed through the condo while my friends and I spoke over each other and shared the remaining bottle of wine. The dining table was a mess of empty plates and glasses. I turned my head and noticed dessert was next to be served.
"So, he's the new chef?" Olivia asked, as Bruno added a few berries to the plates.
Lowering my head, I whispered, "Dominic had to go."
Mei nodded her head in agreement, and Olivia shrugged.
Demetria ignored my words and turned to Bruno. "Dinner was amazing."
"It was good, but the steak was dry," Olivia said, her face twisting.
"Lies, his meat is perfect," I added.
Laughter broke out among my friends.
"She's already hypnotized by his dick," Mei added, and my eyes widened. Bruno wore a proud expression as he placed the plates before us.
Demetria gave him a sympathetic look. "You're way better than the last chef with desserts. This cake is delicious, no contest."
Olivia looked ready to argue, but I pointed the teeth of my fork in her direction. "Don't say anything."
Mei smiled. Eventually, we all wore a similar expression.
"So, when is the wedding?" Demetria asked.
I closed my eyes and took a breath; one minute I was prepared to spend eternity with just these bitches, and now, I wished they'd get lost.
"Soon as I can convince her, and in the meantime I'm working on getting my own key," Bruno yelled from his place back in the kitchen.
The fork stopped halfway to my mouth. A key? That was nothing. I had already handed him my heart again.
Cutting into my thoughts, Mei said, "Bake me a cake and I will help convince her."
All four of us leaned in, our heads nearly touching as laughter grew.
"Nope. I'm not sharing my desserts with anyone."
His words made me nod, and the wine glass hovered over my lips. "Wow. You learned the most important lesson after college. Everything you've got belongs to me."
Bruno saluted, and I beamed.
Demetria leaned close. "You look different tonight. Happier." She squeezed my arm, then stood before I could reply.
We slipped into the slow rhythm of good-nights, trading hugs and promises to text, the sort of plans most people never followed through on, though we usually did. My friends disappeared in the elevator.
Once the door shut, I realized nobody, not even Olivia, questioned why I changed my mind or whether they should still commit me to a mental institution or if I was sure. Maybe they noticed how happy I looked and chose to hold off on the interrogation until the next private gathering. Either way, Iloved them even more for making me not have to explain my about-face tonight.
When I returned to the kitchen area, Bruno was gone. I headed for the living room, where the lights were low and flames flickered in the fireplace. And there he was, stretched out on the couch, a blanket lifted, like he'd been saving a spot just for me.
