Unfortunately that seemed to upset Bruno even more.
For a moment, there was silence in the reception area.
Eric and Bruno held eye contact as if they were rivals from a past life.
Even the receptionist and a few attendants in the room had stopped pretending not to be eavesdropping, their eyes darting back and forth between the two men, clearly enjoying the drama and waiting for the next move.
Bruno glanced around, noticing the curious eyes on them. He clenched his jaw and rolled his tongue against his teeth, clearly trying to rein in his frustration.
"Let's talk outside."
Without waiting for a response, he walked over to the receptionist.
The other workers in the room pretended to mind their own business, while Eric stood there, still triggered but unsure how to express his anger to his boss.
"Can you take these to Beauty?" Bruno asked the receptionist, his tone softer now.
The receptionist, Monica, blinked, clearly startled.
"Of... of course," she stammered, glancing nervously between Bruno and Eric.
"Thanks," Bruno replied softly with a smile, handing her a small shopping bag.
Then he turned to Eric, his demeanor completely changed.
"Fine, fine, you said we'll talk outside," Eric muttered, walking out of the salon.
Bruno took a deep breath, recharging his introvert energy, tucked his hands into his pockets, and followed.
As soon as they left, Monica giggled mischievously and made her way to deliver the message—along with some gossip. The others in the room whispered to one another.
Monica entered the beauty parlor, her eyes wide with excitement. She waved at Vanessa, who was also curious about the unknown drama that had unfolded.
"What happened?"
"You won't believe what I just witnessed," Monica whispered, glancing back toward the door. "That guy, the tall brown hottie—he told Mr. Bruno that he came here with the chubby young lady and that he was doing her a favor. Can you imagine? Apparently, he works under Mr. Bruno. It was so awkward and intense because he didn't realize Mr. Bruno actually came here with her."
"Oh my goodness, doing her a favor? That's cruel. What a lame, good-looking guy," Vanessa replied.
"Well, he probably thought it was lame to be seen with her, so he had to make himself look cool, obviously."
Beauty's stomach tightened as she listened. She hadn't expected this situation to spiral out of control like this.
Eric too?
How could he?
"Poor girl, and I thought they were close, judging by his body language when he came to say hello to her," Vanessa whispered.
The two women cast a quick glance at Beauty and found her watching them through the mirror. They turned away immediately.
"Well, it was really sad. She is not that ugly. Her weight can be managed."
Monica said.
"Shhh... She must be listening. Don't say that."
Vanessa snapped at her in a whisper.
"Well, Bruno defended her and put that bodyshamer in his place. You should have seen his anger! He was completely out of his shell. I never knew that side of him. I've been a fan and followed his social media for years. He had to drag Eric outside because he caught the rest of us in the room listening to their conversation. Can you imagine? A man who knows when to stay calm and when to be rough—amazing."
Beauty pressed her lips tightly.
"That's enough. What's with the shopping bag?"
Vanessa asked.
"He asked me to give it to her."
Monica replied.
"You're such a nosy ostrich. Go give it to her already and stop poking your nose in other people's business."
Monica rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, after enjoying my gossip."
Vanessa pushed her forward.
Monica approached Beauty and stood in front of her.
"Here, this is for you—from Mr. Bruno."
Beauty forced a smile.
"Thanks."
She opened the pink plastic bag and found chocolate snacks inside. Taking a chocolate popsicle, she ate it angrily, trying not to let a tear fall.
Monica walked back to Vanessa.
"Do you think she heard us?"
She whispered.
"Oh, you think so?" Vanessa replied sarcastically.