“I see that.Has he been with you for long?”
“Years.While I was talking to you, I cleared my schedule for Thursday afternoon.No pressure, but if you want a ride, I’m happy to take you.”
“That’s very nice of you to do that.I know how busy you are.”
“It’s fine.I rarely take time off.”
“How come?”
“Because I haven’t found anything I like to do more than work.”
“That’s very sad, Julian.”
“I’m beginning to realize that.Can I ask you something unrelated to this depressing topic?”
“Sure.”
“How do you feel about going to a movie premiere?”
“Like an actual premiere?”
“Yep.”
“What movie?”
“Valiant.It’s the new Quantum?—”
She let out a shriek.“Are you kidding me?I’m dying to see that movie.I’m a huge Natalie Godfrey fan.She’s such a badass, and her husband is dreamy,and oh my God!Are you kidding me?”
Julian was cracking up from the first “are you kidding me” all the way through to the second one.“Not kidding.The Godfreys are family friends, so we’re all invited and allowed a plus-one.You wanna be mine?”
“I’m dead.”
“Don’t do that!”
“It’s a saying, Julian.Get with it.‘I’m dead’ means I can’t believe this is happening, and yes, I want to go.When is it?”
“A week from Saturday.”
“What would I wear?”
“I’ll hook you up with a stylist.”
“Do you have stylists on speed-dial for all your dates?”
“Put your claws away, killer.I’ve never once called a stylist in for any date, but I’ve needed one a few times myself, so I have a few names.”
“Oh.I see.”
“In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I don’t do stuff like this, so you don’t have to worry that you’re just another in a long line.It’s not like that with you.”
“You’re making me all fluttery.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“It’s the loveliest thing to happen to me in, well, ever.”
He sighed, desperately wishing he could tell Ernie to turn the car around and take him right to her.“Same, sweetheart.I’ll call you later, okay?”
