Into the Darkness

“The charity ball, silly.”

“No way!” I stood up and grabbed the tickets from his hand. There were six tickets to the New York Annual Charity Ball to raise awareness for orphaned kids. These tickets were like gold dust. I was speechless. All I could manage was to mouth the word how.

“Let’s just say Daddy owes me big time after he accidently dropped Mom’s 10-carat Asscher cut ring down the drain and made me go in head-down ass-up to get it.”

“Holy shit, E! Can Bull’s get fitted as well?”

“Of course, but I want to be there when her boobs don’t fit in the dresses and she starts cursing at Carolina.”

We both laughed at the thought. The girls were big, but there was no one complaining but her. Rocky even had names for them: Dolly and Pamela.

“Is she bringing the Dolce & Gabbana fall line?” I asked in anticipation.

“You betcha,” he answered.

“So, I’m going to ask Julian to be my plus one.” I looked up at Eric, hoping he would understand.

“Honey, I’m just glad your lady garden is getting watered,” he said as he made circles with his fingers while pointing to my crotch. “Emma will be my date. We have it all planned out. We act like a couple so we can walk around scouring out the potential. Then about halfway through, she splashes champagne on me and tells me that although I’m a fantastic lover with the biggest dick she’s ever seen, she is sick of my workaholic ways. It’s then we hope someone swoops in, patting me down telling me I could do better than her. We start chatting and before you know it we’re picking out china patterns at Williams-Sonoma.”

“That’s some plan. What does Emma get out of this?” I asked trying hard to contain my laughter.

“She gets to walk around with me, the fantastic lover.”

This had me laughing so hard I nearly peed. Poor Emma. I knew all too well how Eric’s power of persuasion could get you in trouble.

…

It was midday when I finally headed down to that new Japanese restaurant around the corner. I entered through the revolving doors, spotting Julian immediately.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

His face lit up as he leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips. He smelled so masculine. I’d been meaning to ask him what he wore so I could go to Bloomingdales with Eric and spray it all over myself like some deranged stalker.

“What, no cape?” I jokingly asked.

His face broke out into a million smiles. I mean seriously, I was imagining wild things involving capes, masks, belts—all in the bat cave.

“It’s at the dry cleaners,” he playfully responded. He grabbed my hand, leading us to a table he had reserved. He slid my jacket off my shoulders, grazing his hand down my arm. I could feel goose bumps forming. This man is going to be my husband.

We browsed the menu discussing our options before settling for the chef’s pick of the day. We chatted about work, and I knew I needed to ask him to be my date for the charity ball on Saturday night. I was cutting it close. The food finally arrived and we devoured each bite. Five-star rating from me; I didn’t know how Eric picked it every time. His gaydar was spot-on when it came to food and fashion.

There was a moment of silence, my cue to get this over and done with. I was so hesitant; now he would be attending this important event as my fiancé. Almost like he could sense my hesitation, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my ring. I felt my body ease… This was the right decision.

“I love this ring on you,” he murmured.

“I love that you love this ring on me,” I replied at ease.

Placing my hand down, he flashed his perfect smile before taking a bite of his food.

“So, there’s this thing, on Saturday night. I was wondering if maybe you would be interested in going with me. I know you’ve said you hate mingling with the elite unless it’s for a scoop.”

“The charity ball?” he asked, trying to keep a straight face.

“Um yes, how did you know?” Holy shit, could he read minds.

“Eric already had me fitted for a suit. I was just waiting to see how long I would have to wait before you asked.” He chuckled. I grabbed my napkin, swatting him across the arm.

“I can’t believe you! So all this time I was nervous for nothing?” I asked sheepishly.