I shouldn’t be surprised he’s assuming he’s coming.
“I need a dress for Carina’s wedding next weekend.”
Eli shrugs. “I better get a tux.”
“You’re not invited,” I counter.
“You’re not going without me,” is his argument.
Emily:Any chance I can bring a last-minute plus one?
Carina:Already added him. Make sure his suit is black.
“Carina says you have to wear black.”
Eli scoffs. “Oh no,” he deadpans. “But you know how much I love bright colours.”
I snort. “Shut up. I’m going to get ready.”
“Put makeup on.”
I freeze. “Excuse me?”
Eli doesn’t notice the anger threatening to rise. “You’ll want to see what the dresses look like with makeup, since I imagine you’ll wear it for the wedding?”
I exhale. Damn him for being right.
Upstairs, my phone rings.
I groan when I see the contact name: Mum.
Part of me wishes I hadn’t given her my new number when Eli bought me this phone. The other part of me feels guilty for even thinking that.
“Hi, Mum,” I greet, plastering a smile on my face even though she can’t see me.
“Hi, love. Just checking in.”
God, I’m a terrible daughter.
“How are you?” I ask, shimmying into a pair of jeans.
“Good. So is your father. But…”
“What is it?” I ask, nerves spiking when she doesn’t continue.
“It’s just that Graham hasn’t reappeared, and we’re getting a little worried.”
My head falls back. Thank God. I shouldn’t feel relieved that they’re freaking out about losing my cat, but honestly, that’s themost reassuring news I could hear.
Though… what the fuck do I say?
Oh, don’t worry about it. My stalker actually broke into your house and stole him for me so he could kidnap me. Oh, and now I willingly live with him. And I let him fuck me. Nothing to see here.
Think, Em. What would I say if I really had no idea where Graham was and he wasn’t currently licking his balls on my bed?
“You still can’t find him?” I ask, forcing a note of concern into my tone.
“I’m sorry, love. Maybe he found a better home?”