Page 49 of Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
Marlowe backed against the side of her car, using it to hold herself up.
“You’re asking me to a museum benefit?” she choked out.
“I believe that’s the suggestion on the table.”
“As your”—she swallowed. Hard.—“date?”
“As whatever you’d be comfortable with. Date. Friend. Mutual warning ignorer.”
“To a red-carpet event? With limousines and couture gowns?”
“Unless frock coats fit the dress code.”
“And the woman everyone thinks is your girlfriend?”
“I texted Tan first thing this morning. We’re working on it.”
“And lots of cameras?”
“Like I said. Dumb idea.”
“It’s not dumb, but…” She sucked in a breath, nearing panic just picturing the event. All of those people. All of those eyes on her. “I can’t.”
Angus nodded to himself as his expression clouded over.
“I had a feeling.” He backed away, his hands still shoved in his pockets.
“I’m sorry.” Her shoulders inched up and a knot tightened in her gut. “I’m insanely flattered you asked, but I don’t understand your world. You’ve had years to figure it out. I’ve had, what, a week? Two? Every mean comment still etches itself in my brain. I have a hard enough time liking myself. I can’t show up at a public event with you. Especially if Tanareve’s there. You know what people would say.”
“I thought maybe we could tell them they’re wrong.”
“And they’d believe us? It’s that easy? Tell a few reporters nothing salacious is going on and they’ll never print another word about us? No more astonishment about what a guy like you would be doing with a girl like me? No more fury from the fans who still want you and Tanareve to live happily ever after together? No more being called an ugly bitch or a trashy whore who should fuck off and die?” Her throat tightened and she worried tears weren’t far off. She fought them back as Angus drooped before her.
“You’re right,” he said. “We can’t guarantee any of that.”
They both went quiet, shuffling awkwardly as if neither of themcould decide if they should discuss the matter further or simply say goodbye. Marlowe didn’t want to do either. Instead, she wanted to throw her arms around Angus and ask if she could stay here forever. They could cook again and dream about the future. They could enjoy his pool, and maybe even his shower. They could forget anything existed outside his glass walls. But Marlowe knew that wouldn’t really last forever. When the fantasy ended, they’d be here again. No point delaying the inevitable.
Before Marlowe could second-guess herself, she stepped forward and slipped her arms around Angus, drawing him into a hug. His hands pressed against her back as he laid his cheek against hers and returned her embrace. His stubble was surprisingly soft against her cheek. His body was unsurprisingly solid in her arms, and she felt more solid in his. As she drew him closer still, holding and being held for the first time in many months, she confirmed that Angus was, in fact, a good hugger.
He gave her a final, affectionate squeeze before dropping his embrace. She got into her car and rolled down the window, or at least she tried to roll it down, inching it open far enough to peek out above the dusty glass. She offered him one last smile, tinged with regret. He mirrored it as he stepped back and flashed her a wave.
“Guess I’ll see you at the diner, Adelaide.”
“That, you can count on.”
Chapter Twenty
“Do you think it’s possible to be in love with someone you’ve only known for a few days?” Cherry asked Marlowe as they left the studio coffee shop and wandered toward the wardrobe building. Monday morning had come early. They both needed caffeine. “I don’t mean some here-and-gone infatuation, but a profound sense of connection.”
“I guess?” Marlowe hedged, pretty sure she was leaning toward yes.
“Me too.” Cherry skipped a step, practically bouncing. “Sometimes you hit it off, right? Everything falls into place where her strengths balance your weaknesses and vice versa? And you like some of the same things but not all of the same things. You make each other laugh. You’re good with mutual silences. You can’t stop thinking about her. Also, she’s the most amaaaaaazing kisser.”
“Sounds great.” Marlowe forced a smile, frustrated at her tendency to default to the world’s least descriptive words when she was tired, uncertain, or preoccupied. A little enthusiasm shouldn’t have been hard to muster. However…
Did Angus really ask me out?she thought.Did I really say no?
“You and Maria got together again yesterday?” she asked aloud.
