“Cashmere!”
I turn around to see Rudy barreling towards me, arms outstretched. I stand from my dressing table and allow the embrace.
“Why are you acting like we haven’t seen each other in years?”
Rudy giggles, shrugging. “I’m just happy to see you.”
I pat his cheek softly. “Happy to see you too. Are you excited for tonight?”
Rudy nods. “I’m coming out to this super heavy song, but it ends in the sexiest way.”
“What song?”
“‘The Summoning’ by Sleep Token.”
“Oh, yeah, I know that one. I’ve thought of dancing to it before too.”
“Glad I beat you to it. Your performance would ruin it for anyone else.”
“What does that mean?”
“Because everything you do is so iconic. I wouldn’t want to follow you.”
“Thanks, Rudy.” I study my sort of friend for a few seconds. Now that the dust has settled with Specter and the whole stalker mess, Rudy’s been on my mind. He’s a good person and I’ve repeatedly pushed him away. “You’re off tomorrow too, right?”
Rudy nods, fiddling with his hair in the mirror.
“Do you want to grab lunch or something?”
Rudy freezes, then slowly turns to face me. “What?”
I shrug as heat rushes to my cheeks. “I mean, if you’re busy or?—”
“Yes.” He huffs a laugh. “Yes, I want to have lunch with you.”
Nodding, I blow out a breath. “Cool. Good. I haven’t been a great friend but?—”
“You’ve been just fine.” Rudy grabs my hand and squeezes it softly. “I like you exactly how you are.”
My eyes start to sting, but I blink the tears back. Can’t ruin the makeup I spent an hour on. “I like you too.”
“Showtime,” Jimmy calls out, breaking the moment. “Doors are opening.” He appears in the doorway. “Cashmere, your bodyguard is here.”
“I know.”
“No, I meanhere.” He nods his head to his left. “Can he come back for a minute?”
Rudy nods, squeezing my shoulder.
“Yes.”
Jimmy waves Specter in and he enters carrying a huge bouquet of flowers.
“Swoon,” Rudy whispers, moving over to his own table.
“Where did you get those?”
“I have my ways.” Specter bends and kisses the top of my head, also being careful of my makeup. “Someone told me once that even in this cold, dark, sometimes violent world, there’s still so much beauty to be found.” He hands me the flowers. “I can’t think of anything more beautiful than you, but these are nice.”
