29. Bruce
CHAPTER 29
brUCE
Even though I expected a surprise party, the theme threw me for a loop, so my shock was genuine.
Later, as I was changing, I got a chance to process everything and realized that for the first time, I might actually enjoy my stupid birthday party, or at least find it easier to tolerate. It also didn’t take long for me to figure out whom I have to thank for this. After all, she’s as big a fan of this universe as I am.
Which is why, when Colossus and I step back into the ballroom, I seek Lilly in the crowd.
It takes me a few moments on account of all the outfits, but once I focus on height (or lack thereof) and eyebrows (or an abundance thereof), I locate her—and feel my eyes begin to bulge, like those of a cartoon wolf, which is fitting given the pendant on my neck.
She looks sexy as hell—and of course, she’s dressed as my character’s love interest.
Walking over to her, I pull out the earbuds from under my wig and say hi.
She rids herself of her buds and sings “Happy Birthday” in that special way made famous by Marilyn Monroe, just replacing “Mr. President” with “Mr. Roxford.”
As I listen, I wonder how wrong it would be if I threw her over my shoulder and ran to my bedroom. Would everyone think it’s part of the cosplay? Probably not, so I’d better behave.
“Thank you.” I gesture around. “Whoever came up with the Witcher theme is a genius.”
She bats her eyelashes at me coquettishly. “I wonder who she was?”
I shrug theatrically. “I’m picturing someone beautiful. Thoughtful. Probably great with dogs.”
There it is, the blush I was trying my best to generate. “Have you eaten?” She points to the corner away from everyone. “That’s the station for you to eat at, which is separate from everyone else’s.”
I step closer. “Your idea?”
Looking up at me, she nods.
I lean down. “You’re amazing.”
She rises on her tiptoes. “It was my pleasure.”
Are we still talking about this party?
Doesn’t matter.
I’m tasting those lips again.
I lean in another inch, but just as I’m about to kiss Lilly, a hand taps my shoulder.
Turning, I prepare to slice the interrupter with one of my swords, but it turns out to be my mom, so I have to settle for a glare. “What?”
“The two of you should have the first dance,” Mom declares.
I look from her to Lilly. “Do birthdays have first dances?” I always thought it was a wedding thing.
“It’s because of your outfits,” Mom says lamely. “The Witcher must dance with his sorceress.”
Lilly points at Gertrude, who’s wearing a red wig. “That’s Triss Marigold. In the game, romancing her leads to a simpler and more stable life.”
“No spoilers.” I pop my earbuds back in. “Not that I would have chosen anyone but Yennefer regardless of what you said.”
Slow music plays in my ears, and I extend my hand to Lilly. She also inserts her buds, then takes my hand, and I lead her into the middle of the dance floor as everyone looks on.
“I’m glad your swords are behind your back,” Lilly whispers loudly enough for me to hear through the earbuds. “If you were wearing them on your belt, I’d be at risk of getting stabbed.”
“You’re still at risk.” Feeling like a kid at prom, I dart a glance at my tightening pants.
Blushing in a very un-Yennefer fashion, Lilly takes my proffered hands and I pull her close, moving to the music in a ballroom-dance style since I have no clue how dancing is supposed to look in the Witcher world.
Having Lilly near me is intoxicating. She looks up at me demurely, is soft in all the right places, and her delicate scent of cherries, incense, and roses makes my head spin.
Fuck. My sword situation becomes more obvious—and given how her eyes widen, she notices.
The music stops.
I bow. “You’re a great dancer.”
“Why, thank you.” She curtsies. “How about you eat and drink, and then we do it again?”
“It’s a date,” I say and head over to the station she set up for me. Though, truth be told, I’m not hungry or thirsty anymore…
Or at least, not for food.