Jessie was quick to seize the moment, stepping closer to him with a playful grin.
"Oh, Bruno, you didn't have to rush all the way back just for that," she teased, her hand brushing his arm lightly.
"But since you're here, why don't you stay for a bit? We could plan the reunion, you know... together."
She stood on tiptoes and whispered into his ear, "Just me and you..."
Beauty, seeing where this was going, quickly stepped forward and grabbed Jessie's arm.
"Jessie, that's enough," she snapped with a frown.
Jessie blinked, surprised by Beauty's serious tone.
"What? I'm just having fun; chill! I won't take him from you, jellyfish," she replied and went back to her seat.
Beauty stood there in front of Bruno, unsure how to explain Jessie's behavior to him.
"Sorry about that. Jessie gets a little carried away sometimes. She is a wildcat."
Bruno chuckled softly and awkwardly. "It's alright; I am used to all that."
Beauty didn't feel quite comfortable with that statement, but she had no right to ask further questions. Besides, he was Bruno; he had many women around the world flocking to him.
Who was she to think he had picked her out of all the women in the world?
She drew a deep breath.
"Is everything alright?" Bruno asked.
Before Beauty could answer, Jessie interrupted them.
"Now that you're here, Bruno, you know, you two really need to get more comfortable with each other since you'll be acting like a couple for the next three days."
"What?" Beauty muttered in confusion.
"What I'm saying, honey, is you two have an awkward chemistry... we need bold romance to convince your bullies that he is your man... a kiss too."
Beauty's face flushed a light shade of pink.
"A kiss?"
Meanwhile, Bruno was triggered. "Her bullies?"
Beauty stammered, shaking her head. "Jessie... but-"
Jessie waved her hand dismissively. "No buts, honey. You know how these things work. Everyone will be watching, and you two will need to look convincing. That means chemistry, darling. Real chemistry."
"Sorry, did you say bullies?" Bruno asked.
Beauty slapped her forehead and looked away, partly embarrassed and partly hurt to remember her past.
Jessie took her phone and showed Bruno the faces of the bullies.
"Here you go, in case you meet them at the reunion... they made her high school memories traumatizing."
"Jessie, stop!" Beauty snapped and rushed to take the phone from her, but Bruno took it at the same time.
She felt helpless; surprisingly, Bruno gave it back quietly without saying a word.
"So..." Jessie cleared her throat.
Beauty frowned at her. "Since your fake boyfriend knows the enemies, he will know when to put more effort into his acting. First, we have to practice the role play."
"Jessie," Beauty said, a bit annoyed about what she did earlier. "We're not actors. It's not like we need to put on some dramatic show for anyone."
Jessie folded her arms in annoyance. "Quit acting like you don't want it this way."
She glanced back at Bruno. "Right, Bruno? Don't you think you two should get cozy before the big event?"
Bruno shrugged.
Deep inside, well hell, yeah, he would love to get all loved up with Beauty, but he stayed out of the conversation, clearly trying not to interfere or make Beauty more upset.
Before Beauty could protest further, Jessie's expression shifted as she examined Beauty's appearance from head to toe.
Her gaze settled on Beauty's hair, and her face twisted into a dramatic frown.
"Wait a second," Jessie said, narrowing her eyes. "What's going on with your hair?"
Bruno had to check out Beauty's hair like it was his hair being mentioned.
Beauty blinked, instinctively raising a hand to her head. "What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled. "My hair's fine. It's always like this."
Jessie stepped forward, running her fingers lightly through Beauty's hair before pulling back with a look of exaggerated disapproval.
"Fine? No, no, no. This won't do at all. You need a haircut. A slay one before the reunion, which is in two days, for crying out loud!"
Beauty frowned, stepping back defensively. "What's wrong with my hair? My mom gave me a haircut before they left for vacation. It's perfectly fine."
Jessie gasped dramatically, her hands flying to her hips. "Your mom cuts your hair? Beauty, you're not five years old! You need a professional to handle this, not your mother."
Beauty's cheeks flushed deeper with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "There's nothing wrong with how my mom cuts my hair. She's been doing it for years, and I like it."
Jessie shook her head, wagging a finger at Beauty. "Honey, that's exactly the problem. You like it because you're used to it, but trust me, if you're going to be playing the part of Bruno's girlfriend for the reunion, you need a fresh, glow-up look. Something sleek, stylish, and irresistible. That will shut the haters up!"
Beauty shot Jessie an annoyed look. "Jessie, it's just hair. It's not that big of a deal."
Jessie raised an eyebrow and leaned in, her tone becoming playful but insistent. "Oh, it is a big deal. You can't walk into that reunion looking like you just rolled out of bed. And do you really want Bruno's exes or those judgmental people from school to think he's dating someone who doesn't care about her appearance?"
Bruno, sensing the tension rising, cleared his throat, trying to ease the atmosphere. "Jessie, maybe we shouldn't force Beauty to..."
"No, no," Jessie interrupted, turning her attention back to Bruno with a sly smile. "You, my dear, are going to thank me for this. Trust me, a good haircut can change the game."
Beauty groaned and shot Bruno a curious look, expecting his answer.
Bruno rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't think it's a bad idea."
"See!" Jessie interjected before Beauty could respond. "Even Bruno agrees! He wants to see you look your best!"
Beauty lowered her gaze shyly, her cheeks flushed. "Well, if Sir Bruno says I need a new haircut, I will give it a try."
Bruno's eyes widened. She was waiting for me to say it? he thought.
"Good job, Bruno! Now come on, Beauty. You're going to your room to freshen up, and then we're hitting the beauty salon. No excuses!" Jessie declared.
Beauty dragged her feet, letting out a deep sigh of resignation.