She looked down and bit her lip, her chest tightening.
Bruno saw her nervous fingers fiddling with the hem of her blouse.
*This is not right!
I have no right whatsoever to demand her attention.
What am I doing? Asking such questions.
Dragging her like that in front of everyone?
I didn't consider how she feels too.*
"I apologize."
His voice came softly.
Beauty looked up at him, confused.
"You may go back to work."
He said, settling down in his chair.
Beauty had questions, but she is better off without the answers.
*********
During lunch break, Beauty made her way to the expensive café where she and Jessie usually met.
Her mind was still buzzing from her earlier thoughts about Bruno.
What was that question he asked?
If he did something wrong?
*I can't believe I made him feel bad, why should someone like Bruno care about what I think of him anyway?*
She stepped inside, scanning the room until she spotted Jessie sitting at their usual table by the window, already halfway through her drink.
Jessie waved dramatically as soon as she saw Beauty, her typical playful golden retriever energy radiating from her.
"There she is! Finally!" she called out, loud enough to turn a few heads.
Beauty couldn't help but crack a smile as she approached the table.
Jessie had that ability of always managing to lift her spirits, even when she was in the worst mood.
"Sorry, I'm late," Beauty said, sliding into the chair across from her.
"Late? You're exactly on time, girl. I was just early because I couldn't wait to ask you to spill the tea!"
Jessie wiggled her eyebrows, clearly excited about something.
"You are up to no good, Jessie."
Beauty shook her head.
"Well, first, let me just say you are glowing. I'm assuming it's because of him," she teased, emphasizing the last word.
Beauty felt her cheeks warm, and she tried to play it cool. "No idea what you're talking about," she muttered, avoiding Jessie's knowing gaze.
Jessie's grin widened.
"Oh, please. He dragged you into his office like some jealous boyfriend. The whole office is buzzing about it. And you're telling me there's nothing going on?"
"Boyfriend? Jessie, you play too much."
Beauty fidgeted with the menu, trying to act indifferent. "He just wanted to talk about work. It's nothing. I know you want me to feel good by thinking that Bruno might be into me but..."
Jessie interrupted with a loud groan.
"Girl, you are the most annoying! Why look down on yourself, it's not cool. How many times will I say that?"
She rolled her eyes.
Beauty's grip on the menu tightened.
"I didn't mean to annoy you... I am working on my self-esteem."
She replied sadly.
Jessie sighed.
"I shouldn't have said it like that, I know how much you were bullied and all that. I just want you to love yourself, forget what they say..."
"Have you ever been bullied, Jessie?"
Beauty interrupted, her eyes still on the menu.
Jessie went mute, she saw Beauty's fingers shaking slightly.
"No."
She replied slowly, feeling a bit guilty for making her friend emotional.
"I almost committed suicide at 8, then at 12...13 and 17, you know right?"
Jessie nodded.
"You said that many times, look Beauty, I know it's not easy...."
Beauty put up a hand and met Jessie's apologetic gaze.
"Jessie, I understand you want me to accept myself. You are my best friend and I love you want the best for me. I love you for that, but I am no longer a child.
I know what I look like, and you think Bruno will find me attractive? I have been with men too, and I know what men like, I am not a naive virgin."
She said with her eyes clouded.
"Beauty...you are beautiful."
Jessie said.
"Thank you then let's change the topic shall we? First let's get the food."
Beauty said with such seriousness that made Jessie more guilty.
When she goes suddenly serious after getting emotional she is more than just hurt, it's a cover to hide it.
Jessie sighed deeply and followed her.
A few minutes later they returned to their lunch spot. The air was filled with the aroma of grilled veggies and fresh salads.
Beauty picked at her plate of vegetables, her appetite barely there, not because she wasn't hungry but because she was conscious of others judging how she eats based on her food choice and of course body weight.
Jessie, still feeling guilty, had her golden retriever energy paused for the moment and ate in silence.
Beauty noticed and decided to clear the air. She thought of something to discuss and keep the energy lively.
Then she remembered her major problem...well, Bruno is quite a distraction, how could she have forgotten so soon?
"I got an invitation to our high school reunion."