Mrs. Lola Cruz entered the gym with Bruno beside her.
Beauty's heart raced at the sight of Bruno.
"Don't act weird, Beauty. Keep it together; don't be anxious," Beauty whispered to herself, quickly pretending to adjust her hair to avoid his gaze.
Bruno, on the other hand, had his heart racing too, his cheeks red and his pulse quickened. He couldn't help but picture the images from the dream last night.
Beauty was really something else in that dream. What a dream!
"Beauty! I didn't expect to see you here," Lola Cruz smiled softly. "I was just telling Bruno we could use some fresh ideas for the new designs. Why don't you come over to my place, and we can work on them together before the tour?"
Beauty's eyes widened at the offer, and her face lit up with excitement.
"That would be amazing, Mrs. Cruz! I'd love to work with you," she replied, and Jessie nudged her playfully.
Slowly, her gaze went to Bruno. He avoided her eye contact, looking down at his shoes instead.
Why is she here now of all times? I can't help with the dream reflection, he thought, embarrassed by his own reaction.
"Bruno, you're acting like you've never seen Beauty before. Your face is bright red," Jessie teased.
Bruno felt his face flush even more.
"What are you talking about? I am not shy or anything," he muttered defensively.
He stole a quick glance at Beauty, only for his eyes to dart away when she looked back. His sudden shyness didn't go unnoticed by Lola Cruz, who raised a curious brow.
"Is there something going on between these two?" she asked, glancing from Bruno to Beauty.
Beauty's heart skipped. "No!" she snapped.
"No?" Bruno asked with disappointment.
Beauty gave him a look. "Yes, no."
"Oh, really?" Jessie asked, crossing her arms, disappointed at her friend's statement. All her advice was in vain!
"Can you guys stop?" Beauty replied.
"Don't stress it, Beauty. I'm sure you have your reasons," Mrs. Cruz cut in softly to end the topic.
Beauty sighed. "The thing is that we were together but not anymore."
"Why?" Mrs. Cruz asked, making a sad face.
Bruno rolled his eyes and folded his arms in annoyance. "Well, now answer that for the both of us... I also want to know why."
Beauty stood up instantly, like she was stung by a bee.
"Well," she said, finally breaking the tension with an awkward laugh, "I think I'll go freshen up. I will tell you all about it later, ma'am. I promise."
"Fine with me, darling," Mrs. Cruz replied.
Beauty gave a polite nod to Lola Cruz before heading toward the locker rooms.
Bruno's eyes followed her as she walked away, his attention fixed on her until she disappeared from sight. He had to pull his head away with effort and licked his lips.
He looked back to the two women only to see them staring at him with smiles.
"What?"
"The way you look at her, don't make me jealous."
Jessie replied.
Bruno was at first confused, but seeing the smirk on the women's faces, he realized and became flustered.
"What? No, I just... I was just..." he stammered, but Jessie's grin only widened.
Lola Cruz smiled.
"I think it's sweet, Bruno. Reminds me of old times... my husband was that type of man too."
Bruno sighed, finally surrendering with a sheepish smile. "Alright, you got me. I mean, gosh, she's beautiful... right?"
"She is, indeed," Lola Cruz giggled.
Jessie stood up, walked over to him elegantly, then patted him on the shoulder.
"You have work to do; you should go talk to her soon. I think she'd like that this time. I can't believe you two are not back together yet! You guys literally slept in the same room."
Bruno rubbed the back of his neck.
"She's just very difficult this time. I don't know if I should be the one offended or not. Teasing her was nice, though."
"You are teasing my baby? How dare you?" Jessie snapped and hit him playfully.
Mrs. Lola Cruz watched them, smiling.
Bruno took a step toward Mrs. Cruz.
He was uncomfortable with Jessie's body contact and decided to walk away without hurting her feelings. She's the extrovert who loves physical touch.
"I think the others will like the gym. It's cool," he told Mrs. Cruz.
"Oh, but it was exclusively set up for you, Mr. Bruno."
Bruno looked around the big gym. "Just me... that's sweet but, at the same time, not fair to the others, don't you think?" He shrugged.
"Ever seen such a handsome, humble, smart, respectful young man?" Mrs. Cruz asked Jessie.
She shook her head and smiled.
"Nah."
Bruno glanced from one woman to another as they both giggled in a language only women could understand.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Mr. Bruno, how about we celebrate your mini birthday here in Puerto Rico, before you return to the States?"
"A mini birthday?" Bruno asked.
"Yes, you have a lot of fans here in Puerto Rico, so I'm sure they would love to meet you exclusively," she added.
Jessie listened to them with interest.
Bruno sighed.
"I don't know... it's a lot of work meeting people, but I appreciate the birthday party idea."
"Great, we'll put a limited number for the fans then. Also, I have this niece... she's a lovely young lady. I think you two will get along very well. In fact, she's a fan... and has been dying to meet you."
She winked.