“Can you get in trouble?” I asked.

I heard his laugh on the other end and closed my eyes, imagining him in the museum, in his element.

“No,” he replied. “I probably can’t, but still. Listen, the reason I called was because my friend invited me to a little party tonight. I’d like you to come with me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure I’m sure. Please say you’ll come. Whatever you’re wearing is fine. This is an easy crowd to impress, you’ll see.”

“Um…all right. What time will you be here?”

“As soon as I can tear myself away. I can’t wait to see you, Emily. I’ll be there by 7:30 at the latest. Au revoir, ma petite.”

I stayed holding the phone in my hands long after he’d hung up.

~
His friend, Victoire, had an apartment that was at least six times the size of Sebastian’s. Victoire had ebony black skin and his laughter sounded like gold coins falling into a fountain.

“You are more beautiful even than Sebastian told me,” he said smoothly, his mouth lingering on my hand.

“Stop harassing my date,” Sebastian laughed.