CHAPTER 2

~Joanne

I stared at my reflection one last time, smoothing down the fabric that hugged my curves in ways my office outfits never dared.

Tonight, I didn’t look like Enzo’s assistant. I looked like a woman.

I grabbed my purse as I heard a car honk outside, and I quickly slipped into my heels before rushing out.

Enzo’s BMW was parked on the curb, its fiery red color gleaming under the warm streetlights.

I got in, his expensive cologne wrapping around me as I slid into the cool black leather seat.

“Oh, wow,” he breathed, looking like he was unsure whether to smile or laugh. “I have never seen you dress up this much.”

Oh my Goddess, did I do too much?

My face burned with embarrassment, or maybe it was the way his eyes lingered on me.

“Huh…” I faltered for a moment. “We are going to the club, so I need to look good.”

“Not this good.” He said seriously, causing me to frown. “I mean, the club is filled with thirsty men, and crazy stuff happens.”

I arched an eyebrow. Why was he making it sound like I was going there naked?

“I’ve been to a club before, Enzo, and I can handle them,” I replied, a little too sharply.

“Still,” he insisted, looking even more serious. “Just stay close to me and don’t wander off with strangers.”

Right. Big brother mode activated.

Having had enough of his club precaution lectures as he drove, I steered the conversation, asking if he liked the cake. He thanked me warmly and then suddenly said,

“You know,” he said, staring at the road ahead of us, “it would’ve been really cool if Monica joined us. I texted her that we’d be at Eclipse tonight. Don’t know…”

“Hold on.” I cut him off as my grip imperceptibly tightened around my purse. “You invited Monica to join us?”

“Yes,” he said slowly, glancing at me with a frown. “She’s still my girlfriend, Jo.”

“She rejected you, Enzo!”

I blurted out without thinking.

He looked at me like I had slapped him as he suddenly pulled over, and I quietly cursed myself for losing control.

“I’m… I’m sorry,” I stuttered.

“Please, Joanne. Let’s not fight.” His voice was calm but tinged with something that made guilt prick my heart. “Not tonight.”

“As for Monica,” he sighed, “she hasn’t answered my texts, and I doubt she’s coming. Let’s just enjoy the night, okay?”

***

We did enjoy the night.

Rather, we were still enjoying the night. We were a bit loosened up as Enzo kept the shots rolling in, and I was barely keeping up.

Not at all. I wasn’t drunk yet.

But damn, why was I laughing so carelessly about the stupid haircut he had in sophomore year?

“Oh, come on. That was like ten years ago.” He failed to suppress his laughter. “You really don’t forget anything, do you?”

“Never,” I teased him.

My eyes suddenly had a mind of their own, traveling down to the open collar of his shirt, which revealed his sturdy chest.

I swallowed and quickly looked away, alcohol burning down my throat as I gulped down my drink.

“You know,” he grinned, draping his arm over the back of my chair as his fingers brushed against my back. Heat pooled low in my belly. “I still remember getting a lot of compliments with that haircut.”

“Yeah, terrible ones.”

I replied as he downed his drink, clearly unaware of the effect his touch had on me.

He laughed, easy. “You still went to prom with me looking like that. So clearly, it wasn’t that bad.”

“Oh, it was.” I rolled my eyes playfully. “Trust me.”

I still had those prom pictures tucked safely under my pillow, though.

“You know what? I don’t believe you,” he said jokingly. “Look me in the eyes and tell me that haircut wasn’t dope.”

I made the big mistake of doing that, and my brain suddenly forgot how to function properly. He was clearly joking, but the closeness of his face and the intensity of his eyes made my heart race.

My gaze fleetingly dropped to his lips, and I almost leaned forward when his grin suddenly morphed into a look of surprise as his eyes flicked over my shoulder.

I followed his gaze, looking back, and then I froze.

Monica?

My stomach twisted.

I looked back at Enzo. He was already on his feet, his eyes melting with happiness.

I bit my lower lip, looking away and wishing I could be invisible as they hugged. She pulled away, and Enzo looked like he wanted to kiss her but wasn’t sure she would let him.

He smiled. “I’m so glad you came.”

“I had to,” she said calmly but firmly. “Those dramatic texts really scared me.”

“I didn’t mean it that way,” he apologized, tucking some strands of hair behind her ear. “I just wanted you here with me.”

“Well, I’m here now.” She cupped his face. Finally, she noticed me sitting there. “Thank you for keeping him company, Joanne.”

The appreciation hit like a slap. But I smiled anyway, because what else could I do?

Enzo smiled at me. “She’s been keeping me grounded since the proposal.”

I couldn’t help but feel he just said that because he wanted to bring up the proposal.

“Oh, I see.” Monica gave me an unreadable look and faced Enzo, touching his collar. “About your proposal…” She continued, her voice almost hesitant. “I was a little overwhelmed last night and needed some time to think. But I think… I’m ready now.”

My heart stopped, literally.

“Really?” Enzo’s eyes lit up, and he quickly went down on one knee like he was afraid she would change her mind the next second.

“Yes. I’m ready.” Monica smiled widely as Enzo brought out the ring from his pocket.

I stared at them, a painful lump forming in my throat.

“I’ve loved you for so long, Monica. Marry me, please.”

“Yes, yes.” Monica laughed through her smile.

“Yes, I will.”

My breath hitched. Something inside me twisted and quietly shattered as I watched Enzo slide the ring onto Monica’s finger.

I didn’t even realize people had gathered around until loud applause shook the place and someone in the crowd roared congratulations like thunder.

Someone brushed past me, hard enough to make me stumble as people swarmed forward to celebrate with them.

“Sorry,” they muttered.

I barely reacted. It was as if my soul had left me, leaving just my body standing there, watching Enzo shake hands with strangers without looking around for me, not even by accident.

The longer I watched, the more the pain in my chest threatened to undo me. I couldn’t let that happen. Not here.

I quickly picked up my purse, my legs shaking as I bolted out of the scene toward the exit.

The cold breeze bit my face as I stepped out of the building.

Damn, I tried.

I really tried to fight them back.

But the tears broke loose.