Page 357 of Valentino

“You come with me to Esotico to find that guy I met…. Every time until I find him.”

“Fine.” She replies and I can tell she’s smiling. “I’ll be at yours at seven and we’ll catch an uber.”

“I guess.” I sigh, I imagine having to make small talk with idiots all night, even the thought is exhausting. “See you then.”

Ugh… how does she talk me into this crap?

* * *

Excited chatter fills the restaurant as anticipation hangs in the air.

The crowd in the restaurant is eclectic and I have to say, better than I imagined.

“Oh my god, this is going to be so good.” Allegra nudges me with her elbow. “Look how gorgeous some of the guys are.”

“Key word being some.” I twist my lips as I look around. We got a glass of Champagne on arrival and everyone is chatting and laughing before the ceremonies get under way in ten minutes. “So how does this work?” I ask her.

“I did some research and I think that each girl sits at a table for two and the boys move around the room when a timer goes off. They have a place to start and an order of tables to go to or something like that.”

“Okay, well at least we don’t have to walk around and go to them I guess, that would be awkward.”

“I know, see this guy here.” She whispers way too loud, “I’m hoping I get to speed date him.”

“Where?” I glance around to see who she’s talking about but instead I see something better than I ever unexpected.

Standing in the corner with a group of friends and talking, my Mr Dark and Dangerous.

“Oh my fucking god, it’s him.”

“Who?”

“Bruno,” My nerves instantly simmer, “The guy from Saturday night.”

* * *

CHAPTER TWO

“Where?” She looks around.

“Over in the corner in the Gray shirt.”

She cranes her neck to look over the crowd. “Where’s his friend, that Valentino?”

“I don’t know. Oh my god.” I look down at myself as I straighten my dress in a fluster, “Do I look okay?”

“You look hot.”

“Ladies, take your seats.” The MC says over the microphone.

“If he doesn’t come to my table I’m going to die. Not even joking.”

“Goodluck.” She kisses my cheek.

“You too.” The women all sit down at the tables while the men congregate at the back. My eyes scan the crowd.

Has he seen me?

Would he even remember me if he did? How does this work? Do they get to pick what table they go to first?