I pushed the door open. There on the couch, dead center, sat Noel and Florence, sharing a single grape between their lips.
The grape slipped. They fell into a deep, tangled kiss.
The men and women scattered around them whooped and hollered loud enough to shake the walls.
I didn't know how long I stood there before Noel finally noticed me in the doorway.
His eyes locked onto my gaunt, colorless face, and his expression darkened instantly. "What happened? Did someone give you trouble in there?"
Before I could say a word, Florence let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"You really know how to play a man, Brooklyn. With your history with Noel, who would dare bully you? That sickly makeup is impressively realistic, though. Must've taken you ages."
Noel had been about to stand, but her words made him settle back into his seat.
He tapped out a cigarette, leaned toward the lighter Florence held up, and lit it.
Smoke curled across his face, blurring his features. Only his eyes were clear, fixed on me with barely concealed irritation.
"Since you've had time to reflect, come apologize to Florence."