“I hope you’re hungry, sweetheart.”
“I’m starving,” Emily admitted.
She hadn’t eaten all day.
“Let me just go wash my hands.”
Angel nodded and walked over to a small cart housing champagne and flutes.
“I’ll pour the champagne while you’re gone.”
Emily smiled and walked into her private bathroom. After closing the door, she went to work. She grabbed a package of disposable washcloths from under the sink. Emily used the washcloths to hit a couple of spots that hadn’t been hit since her morning shower. She grabbed deodorant and lip-gloss from the cabinet. Within two seconds, she’d glossed her lips and deodorized her pits. In the drawer, she found a hairbrush, which was great because she desperately needed a brush. After a quick once over, Emily decided she was as groomed as she was going to get in her office bathroom. She put her tools away, washed her hands, and left the bathroom.
Angel was standing by the table, holding a chair out for her. Emily walked over and took her seat. She had to admit, she was more than ready for someone to put some food in front of her.
“Champagne,” Angel said, offering her a glass.
“Thank you. But I shouldn’t have much. I haven’t eaten all day.”
Angel sat in the chair across from her and frowned as if displeased.
“It’s late. That’s not acceptable. You should have had something by now.”
Emily was pretty sure that she’d just been scolded.
“I know. I just got really busy,” she explained.
“You should never be too busy to take care of yourself,” Angel fussed.
The conversation was going left. Emily wasn’t about to be reprimanded by Angel or anyone else. She diverted her attention to the table setting and noticed a small gift box next to her water glass. She picked it up.
“Is this for me?” she asked.
Angel smiled. “It is,” he said with a nod. “Open it.”
“Now?”
“Please,” he insisted.
“Okay, but you have to open yours too.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Angel agreed, grabbing the box.
Emily undid the bow and lifted the lid of the small box. Inside was a black velvet box made for jewelry. She flipped the box open and was nearly blinded by a pair of soft pink, princess cut diamond earrings.
Emily gasped. “Exquisite.”
The beauty and clarity of the rare pink stone took her breath away.
“Oh, Angel,” she breathed. “These are stunning.”
“No, Mami. Those are pretty.Youare stunning.”
“Angel, thank you,” Emily expressed with sincere appreciation.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
Emily sat the box on the table and looked up at him and grinned.
