*devil emoji* *eggplant emoji* *water-splash emoji*
I snickered and put my phone back in my pocket. Sean was looking at me with a smirk on his face. “What?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing. You look happy.”
I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my lips. “I am.”
“I’m glad. Zach’s a good man.”
“That he is.”
I looked at the flyer mockups with a picture of Darlene in all her queenly glory and knew Albert would love them. We got him on a video call with Sean and me sitting next to each other behind his desk. Sean shared the digital pictures with him, and as I’d predicted, he was delighted.
“Oh, darling, who is the fairest in all the land?”
“You are, my Queen,” I intoned.
“Damn straight,” he said.
“Do you have the name of the warm-up act and the pianist?” Sean asked.
“The warm-up act is Miss Crystal Vision,” Albert replied. “But I’m still working on the pianist. The one I was going to use isn’t available anymore.”
“I might know a pianist,” Sean said.
Albert rolled his eyes. “I’m pretty sure your man’s salary is not in my budget.”
He huffed a laugh. “True. But I do know another pianist who might be available. If he is, can I give him your number?”
“Is he cute?” Albert asked.
I rolled my eyes, and Sean snorted. “He’s objectively good-looking,” Sean said. “Just not my type.”
“I know,” Albert said. “Your type is quiet, shy, and insanely talented. Oh, and rich.”
Sean’s smile said everything. “True story.”
We wrapped up the meeting and Sean went to call the pianist while I headed back to my office to get started with the rest of my day. And to call Albert. My office door was barely closed before I hit his number. He answered with a single demand. “Spill.”
“Zach is definitely not straight,” I said, unable to keep the delight from my voice.
“Yes! I was right!” Albert crowed. “Now tell me all about it.”
“It was okay,” I replied, knowing I was just riling him up.
“Miguel Ramirez, I will come over there and shake you until you tell me everything.”
I laughed. “Calm down. I’m just teasing you.” I sat down behind my desk. “It was great. Zach is amazing.”
I told him all about the night I spent with Zach. When I was finished, he was silent for a few moments. “So, he didn’t freak out, he didn’t run away, and he didn’t ghost you. He showered with you, drove into work with you, and held your hand in front of everybody?”
“And kissed me in front of everyone at work, including my boss.”
“Hot damn. You hit the gay lottery.”
“I know, right?” I was smiling so much my cheeks were starting to hurt.
“I’m so happy for you, Miguel,” Albert said softly.
