After exchanging a few more words, I ended the call. He had given me a lot to think about, but I was grateful he had opened my eyes to what was in front of me all along. I was determined to have dinner with the real Armand and not the hot guy at the bar I couldn’t fathom why he was interested in me. My butterflies kicked into overdrive, which was another huge clue that I was more than ready to see where the evening would take me.
* * *
Standingoutside the elevator on the main floor, I reminded myself to breathe as I waited for Armand to appear. I hoped my black pants, white undershirt, and emerald-green cardigan were appropriate for dinner. Normally, I didn’t care about fashion, but it was tough not to dress up when he always looked like he had stepped off a runway. But since I hadn’t been optimistic enough to envision going on multiple dates, my love of keeping it casual limited my choices for clothing.
When the elevator doors opened, everything became slo-mo as he walked toward me. His black blazer had red and white piping details, with the cut of it flattering his form. He was too beautiful, making my heart hammer like it was trying to bang a stubborn nail into submission. With a warm smile, he greeted me with air-kisses on my cheeks. “Bonsoir,Zio. You looktrès beautonight.”
That close, his scent clouded my senses and made it difficult to speak. It took an effort to remember to reply, “T-thanks. You, too.”
He guided me by the small of my back to the outdoor restaurant at the hotel. The area was lit up with twinkling lights all over that sparkled like stars shining in the night sky as the ocean waves kissed the shore. The real world felt so far away, which was fine with me. A dream life with Armand was a much better alternative to reality.
After placing our order, it was time to be brave. “I owe you an apology for being a terrible friend.” When he seemed puzzled, I pushed myself to tell him the truth. “You’ve been so kind to me, but my inner cynic keeps telling me to distrust you because you’re too perfect.”
“I understand.”
That wasn’t the reaction I had been hoping for. “It’s not okay. You’ve shared your real self with me, which is amazing. I’m sorry I’ve been too scared to trust you. That’s such a shitty way to repay your kindness. Because you’ve been nicer to me than anyone ever has before, other than Rigby and his boyfriend, Jude.”
His soft smile was a comforting hug. “May I ask a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“You’ve dated a girl who was so pretty, you couldn’t fathom why she liked you, haven’t you? And she broke your heart.”
How did he always understand me? “Almost. Lacey was one of the most popular girls in high school. I couldn’t understand why someone as cute as her would talk to a guy as quiet and geeky as me. She made me think she had a crush on me, and I started to fall for her. But it was just a twisted game she and her friends played to laugh at guys for assuming we had a chance with them. She never cared about me at all.”
The sorrow in his eyes helped heal the old hurt. “I’m so sorry, Zio. What she did was cruel. You didn’t deserve that.”
“Thanks. But I shouldn’t have judged you based on my past experiences. It’s not fair to you.”
He held my gaze. “I would never do that to you.”
“And I believe you.” I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. “That’s why I’m going to try hard not to trip over my hang-ups and anxiety issue. I want to be friends with the real you, who researchedkintsugiand understands having shitty parents. Because the glimpses I’ve gotten of that Armand have been incredible.”
His radiant smile was so stunning, my heart almost stopped. “I’d enjoy that.”
“I’ll probably screw up a lot because you’re so pretty it makes me stupid sometimes. But please don’t hold that against me.”
He chuckled, helping calm my nervousness. “Then we’re the same, since you’re so cute, it ‘makes me stupid sometimes,’ as you say.”
His compliment brought a blush to my cheeks. “Thanks.”
“I’m the one who should say, ‘Merci beaucoup,’ for seeing through to that part of me I had lost sight of. Without knowing it, you rescued me.”
I stared at him in amazement. “Really?”
“Oui. I mean it most sincerely. I’m grateful to you.”
Hugging his words close to my heart, they both comforted and gave me confidence.
* * *
After finishing dinner,we lingered at the restaurant and enjoyed the beautiful weather out on the patio deck. Now that I had lowered my guard, I was more open when talking to Armand. It made for a most enjoyable evening.
I fidgeted with my glass as I brought up what had been bothering me throughout our meal. “Why haven’t you asked about the other thing?”
“I’m not sure I understand your question.”
It took me some time to work up the courage to clarify. “You haven’t questioned me about if I’ve decided about taking our friendship a step further.”
