Page 364 of Valentino

Her eyes come to me. “You don’t want to come Halle?”

“No…” I shrug, oh crap, way to be put on the spot…..awkward. “I’d love to come…. I mean if that’s okay.”

Would be nice to feel a little festive, actually.

“Of course it’s okay.” Dante smiles, seemingly pleased and I feel like I just passed some kind of test.

“I must be going,” She kisses his both cheeks and then kisses mine, “Lovely to meet you, Halle. I will see you on Sunday, my dear.”

“Okay.”

She totters out in her sky high stilettos as we stare after her. “Wow.” I smile, “She’s beautiful.”

“Ah.” He shrugs, “She works hard at being beautiful.”

“Well it’s paying off.”

“It is.” He smiles.

“Excuse me.” The waiter interrupts us, “Would you like to order another drink before the bar closes?”

“No.” Dante replies, “We’re going to get going now.”

“Thanks anyway.”

We make our way to the front desk and I go to take out my purse and he shakes his head, “Do not insult me.”

“No, you are not paying for everything.”

“Watch me.” He pays and takes my hand and we walk outside. The mood between us suddenly changes and gone is the playful banter we had inside, somehow now it feels stressed and forced.

Awkward.

“I should call an uber.” I shrug.

“Me too.”

Oh….

That was where he was supposed to try and talk me out of leaving and I was going to show him just how pure I can be.

I guess that backfired.

We both take out our phones and call the separate Uber’s. Maybe saying I’ll go to family lunch was a mistake…. Damn it, why did I say yes?

It’s way too soon.

“I’m not sure I will come on Sunday.” I wince.

His face falls, “Why not?”

“Well, do you want me to come? Isn’t it a bit early to meet family’s?”

“My mother asked you and trust me, if you don’t go she will hold a grudge forever.”

“Oh.” My face falls.

“It will be fine; we won’t stay long. Then we will do something fun.” He turns me towards him and takes my two hands in his.