The corner of his mouth curved. "I'll tell you when the time comes."
I drew a deep breath. I had nothing left to lose. What was there to be afraid of?
"Deal."
When I got home and pushed open the door, I was met with Piers's dark, thunderous expression.
"Where the hell have you been?" His tone was sharp. "You had a wardrobe malfunction on camera and then you just wander off? Do you have any idea how embarrassing that is?"
I scoffed. "You're the one who set me up. She's the one who made sure everyone was there to watch. And you both walked out and left me behind. But somehow I'm the one who should be embarrassed?"
He had nothing to say to that. After a long pause, his voice softened. "About what happened earlier. Julie and I want to take you to dinner to make it up to you. Tomorrow—"
"No need." I cut him off and turned to leave, but his hand clamped down on my shoulder.
Piers was clearly losing patience with my attitude. He forced his temper down, barely. "I know you're upset. But Julie is young. I can't just abandon her. If it really bothers you, I'll keep my distance from her after this one dinner. All right?"
"No need. It doesn't bother me." My voice was flat.