Page 29 of Break My Heart

Amy tilts her head. “Have you resorted to nostril modeling?”

Emery adds, “At least your nostrils aren’t flaring.”

“Which is concerning to me,” Maya cuts in.

“Why?”

“Typically, when you’re composed, someone’s life is radically about to change,” Maya surmises.

I snort despite myself. Then I spy a basket. Moving toward it, I grin when I see my father had his housekeeper leave me a basket of Jean-Marie Auboine chocolate.

Pumpkin,

It’s Vegas. Indulge.

Love,

Dad

I announce, “My dad rocks.”

“Like we didn’t know that.” Emery rolls her eyes.

I flip my phone’s camera around. “This is what he left for me at the house.”

My friends immediately begin to boo and hiss at the exclusive delicacies waiting for me. Maya makes a grabby motion. “Now is the time to share.”

“You want me to ship some of my gift to you in Italy?”

“Yes!”

I snort. “Not a chance.”

Amy drags a finger slowly from the corner of her eye down her cheek, mimicking a tear. “Despite our chocolate envy?”

Emery’s voice is woeful when she agrees with Amy. “It’s a real thing.”

I pretend to give it thought before stating, “I’ll send you each some.”

Amy brightens. “Promise?”

“Yes. When I have time,” I caution.

Maya hums, “I suspect you’ll tear through that basket the moment you start working.”

“Isn’t that the truth.” I eye the ginormous basket sadly. “What’s worse is I can’t break into it until after the gala.”

Maya frowns. “Why not?”

“I’m worried I won’t fit into my dress.”

Amy cackles. “Good to know you have priorities.”

“What are you wearing to—” Emery stops herself. “Hold on, can we clarify if this is just a gala or a way to make a certain F1 driver drown in regret?”

I send them a photo from when I tried it on back in New York. They all ooh and ahh. “Mainly a gala.”

“But you’re not rejecting the fact that Leo’s balls will twist when he sees you around other men wearing that?” Amy smirks.