#Chapter 45: Like Old Times

Iris I turn, my drink still trembling slightly in my hand, and there he is—Arthur, standing right next to me, looking unfairly handsome in a tuxedo. The black fabric hugs his broad shoulders, the crisp white shirt beneath making his green eyes pop even more. I didn’t expect him to be here tonight, but for some reason, the sight of him floods me with an unexpected sense of relief. But he’s in disguise, a black mask—the type of surgical mask that people wear when they’re sick—covering his lower face and a pair of glasses similar to mine resting on his nose. His hair is styled somewhat differently, too, although of course the curl that used to fall across his forehead is still neatly tamed as always. Not that I can judge him for hiding his identity this time, though. I’m in disguise, too. Would either of us be in disguise, though, if it weren’t for his situation with Selina? He nods toward my paintings. “Why didn’t you accept his offer?” “Because I’m no