Chapter 95 ANXIOUS BRUNO
"I am still waiting for your reply," Jessie said, her voice strict.
"I-I choose to go," Beauty said slowly.
Jessie sighed and gave her a hug.
"I know you can do it," she whispered softly.
"Thanks, Jessie," Beauty murmured. Just then, Jessie's phone rang. They parted from the hug, and she took her phone from where she had left it on Beauty's bed.
She glanced at the screen and saw Bruno's name flashing.
"Bruno?" she muttered and looked up at Beauty, who immediately felt uncomfortable and opened her mouth to say something.
"Hold on a sec," Jessie said instead, holding up a finger as she answered the call.
"Hey, Mr. Bruno, what's up?"
Bruno hesitated, as if thinking about what to say.
"Jessie, I don't know what's going on. Beauty called me about an hour ago and said I shouldn't worry about the reunion. Did I do something wrong? Is she mad at me?"
Jessie's eyes widened, and she glanced at Beauty, who was now fidgeting nervously with the edge of her blouse.
"You already called him?" she yelled.
"I did... I... am sorry?" Beauty replied.
Jessie frowned.
"Sorry? He's panicking... and it's actually cute... I mean, you've got yourself a man, who-"
"Jessie?" Bruno's voice cut her off.
"Okay... Boss... Bruno, you need to calm down. I'm with her right now."
"Did she say anything about... someone else?" Bruno continued, his voice laced with anxiety. "I mean... did she find someone else to go with her? Because she told me not to worry, and I don't know what that means. Did I mess something up? Did I say the wrong thing?"
"No, Bruno, you didn't do anything wrong," Jessie said, rubbing her temple, trying to calm him down.
"Then why did she tell me not to worry about the reunion? I got everything set. Does she not want me to go with her anymore?"
Jessie looked over at Beauty, who was now avoiding eye contact.
She sighed and put Bruno on speaker.
"Bruno, you're on speaker. Beauty's here. She can explain."
There was silence for a moment before Bruno's voice came through again, more hesitant this time.
"Beauty... what's going on?"
Beauty finally looked up, guilt written all over her face.
"Sir Bruno-"
"Bruno-outside the office," Bruno corrected.
"Bruno, it's not you, I swear. I just... I don't feel like going anymore. It's got nothing to do with you or anyone else. I... I... um... I..."
Beauty looked at Jessie for help, but she ignored her.
"You found someone else. It's fine... it's completely fine. I don't own you... I'm okay with that."
Beauty shook her head, about to respond.
Jessie cut in.
"Bruno, she's just dealing with a lot right now. A girl from high school called her on a video chat with the rest of her classmates to mock and bully her, so she, like a baby... a fragile baby... decided not to go to the reunion because she's afraid of the girl."
"I am not afraid of her..." Beauty muttered shamefully.
"Yes, you are," Jessie snapped back and sighed.
"So, Bruno, it's not about you... Beauty wouldn't be happy to go without you either."
She heard him sigh loudly.
"I'm actually already at Beauty's place," Bruno said quickly. "I've been outside for a while now, but I didn't want to come in until I talked to you so I'd know how to approach her."
Jessie blinked in surprise.
"Wait, you're here?" she asked, exchanging glances with Beauty.