“I don’t know? That maybe there’s a reason we met.”
“I wouldn’t overthink it, toots. Statistically, I was bound to meet someone who could see me.”
“It’s crazy you have to get naked.”
“I haven’t figured out where the emperor shops yet.” She crosses her arms over herself like a shield.
“Logistically, it must be hard to get in and out of places.”
“Yeah, actually it’s a pain in the ass. Especially because I need to show my press badge sometimes. I dress light and hope somebody leaves a door open.”
What are the possibilities of knowing somebody invisible? Of working together? I twirl the fork on the table.
“Are your eyebrows insured?”
It’s such a non sequitur that I laugh. “What?”
“It’s like they have a life of their own.” She’s smiling but trying not to, I can tell. “They could have their own career.”
“You’re making them self-conscious.” I cover them.
“Seriously, what if they get a call-back and you don’t?”
I shake with contained laughter.
“I keep waiting for them to scoot off your face like little caterpillars. You’d be ruined.”
A blush fires my cheeks and I can’t believe it. I cast my gaze to random places, the light traffic, the clear blue sky, the planters along the front of the bistro filled with bright orange marigolds. Anywhere but her.
“Anyway.” I stop laughing and focus. “We need to make a plan for what exactly you want to do.”
“You’re right.”
“Are you going to have to work? Do you know how to cater?”
She shrugs, causing blond locks to fall and expose her smooth shoulder. A delectable, perfectly curved shoulder.
“I mean, how hard could it be.”
“Have you ever even served food?” I glare at her.
“No. But I’ll figure it out.”
“Famous last words. How did you get this gig?”
She sucks in her lips.
“Okay, you don’t have to reveal your sources.”
“In case you’re right,” she admits like it costs her. “I do have a backup plan to get a terrible case of seasickness.”
“You can act? Wonders never cease.” Annoyance has me crossing my arms. So many people think acting is the easiest thing in the world. “You’re planning on figuring that out too.”
“No.” She waits a beat. “I wanted to be an actress in another life.”
The ice facade is back, forestalling any questions.
“I was good too. Not as good as the top half of your face, mind you,” she adds, “but I did all right.”
