Is that what needs to happen? Do I need to win her back?
I’m not sure that’s true, but I have been mopey, and that’s changing right this second.
I bark out a laugh. “You’re right. Thank you, Brook.”
“You are most welcome.” She holds out her hand.
I take it, and we head for the dance floor.
48
Carla
Do not look at the bar.
Keep your eyes off Magma.
Not looking.
He walked over there a minute or two ago, and of course I noticed. I wanted to watch him walk across the room because he looks great from behind…and from the front. From all angles, if I’m going to be specific.
Now I want to watch him standing there, all broody and gorgeous, one elbow on the bar, waiting to be served.
I refuse.
Nope.
“Hey, Carla.” Malachite touches the top of my hand, and I lift my eyes to him. “There you are. Where did you disappear to?” He’s frowning.
“Sorry, I was thinking about something.”
More like someone.
“What did you say?” I ask. “What did I miss?”
“I asked if there’s something wrong with your champagne.” He points at my glass, which is still almost full. By now it’s lost all its bubbles and is more than likely warm. “You’ve hardly touched it.”
“I think I’ve gone off champagne, which makes me quite sad,” I tell him, making a face.
“How does that happen?” He lifts my glass. “Can I try some?”
“Yes, please do.”
He takes a small sip and shrugs. “It’s gone a little flat, but it’s perfectly fine.”
“See what I mean? It doesn’t taste the same as it used to… Not to me, anyway. This is terrible. I’ve been on a health kick for the last couple of weeks, and now champagne doesn’t taste the same. Come to think of it, I haven’t had much in the way of alcohol since coming back from Mistveil. I had a glass of wine a couple of days after returning. That tasted fine. But I haven’t really been out much since. Now I’m worried it’s not just champagne. What if it’s all alcohol? I like a glass of wine now and then.” I gasp. “I love a good Cosmo. What if I’m broken?” I widen my eyes at him.
He laughs. “You are not broken. I take it you’ve been avoiding sugar since starting on this health stint of yours?”
I nod. “Yep. Like the plague.”
“Did you eat a lot of sugar before?”
“Guilty as charged.” I make another face.
“Stopping sugar can and will change your taste buds.”
I laugh. “Are you serious? That doesn’t sound right.” I give him a look.
