Re: Near the food: Hugh & Dietre
“I’m certain the reviews will be all praise,” Dietre couldn’t help but want to reassure. He was hurt and disappointed, but he wasn’t angry at Hugh. He couldn’t even be truly upset at the mystery woman. The only person to be angry at was himself for falling into the same traps he’d fallen into so many times before. “I’ll let you know when I’ll be free, I promise.”
“When do I ever have plans?” He didn’t mean to sound bitter, but knew he did. It just sort of slipped out before he could stop himself, all sharp around the edges. Another bite to his lip, and then he reanswered the question the way he should have to begin with, as if he could erase what had already been said. “No… I’m not doing anything tomorrow, so I’ll be able to sleep all of this off, I think…”
Dietre could only nod awkwardly as the subject turned to the food. His inner panic was still going strong, stealing his voice. He had to swallow hard and clear his throat to get it working again. “...Her roommates are lucky,” he said lamely.
The mask was now squeezed to oblivion in his hand. Seconds felt like hours as they slowly ticked by. “Um… I should probably go. I’m sure your friend is missing you…”