A Thief's Kiss

36| Bollywood

Chapter 36: Bollywood (Alexander's POV)

We were standing there, talking and looking around. Surprisingly, we made it in time.

Actually, Eric is just late. Apparently, he slept in because he was jet-lagged and now is getting ready. We were all told to pretend that we didn't know that.

Aria gasped, looking straight ahead of her. I followed her gaze, catching Riya making her way over. "Oh my gosh, you look beautiful!" Aria grinned, hugging her. "What are you doing here?"

"We organized all the desserts, so we got an invite," she shrugged. "Your dress is gorgeous, where did you get it?" she asked, touching the flower on Aria's strap.

"Mr. Phoenix bought it," she smiled.

"Chef's kiss, my darling, chef's kiss. Hello to you too, Alexander," Riya scowled at me.

"Hello." I lifted my glass to her.

She grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter walking by. Aria is very slowly sipping on one while I'm having one as well. "I thought this was a welcoming party for Eric Jackson. Where the hell is he?" Riya asked.

"He's late," I stated.

"To his own party?" she mumbled.

Aria nodded. "Is this the same lehenga your mom's been saving for you to wear?" Aria asked.

Riya nodded with a smile. Riya glanced at me. "She's talking about my outfit."

"I figured, Riya," I smiled fakely.

She rolled her eyes and continued talking to Aria. I mean, she might as well now that she stole her from me and our conversation. "Is going to make a dramatic entrance or something? Like Bollywood actors do?"

"Bollywood actors?" I frowned.

"Yeah. They're always the center of attention in the movie-"

"Like every protagonist is," I nodded.

And she glared at me more as she continued.

"They always enter in slow-mo. Almost always. And they always notice their love interest immediately. Like she's the only one for him," Riya gushed, her hand going to her chest.

"Every movie isn't Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Riya," Aria deadpanned. "Where Rahul notices Anjali dancing in slow-mo, okay?"

"Do you hear that, Phoenix? I taught your wife quite a bit of Hindi. Now she can help you when I have a destination wedding in India," Riya bragged. "How many Bollywood movies have you seen?" she asked me.

I can't remember one if I have seen it. "I don't think I've seen any."

"We should watch one," Aria chuckled.

"She even understands most of them without the subtitles now. Can't say the same about you," Riya scoffed at me. "Do you speak any other languages?"

"I speak French," I shrugged.

"Oh, so does Aria. Say something in French."

I turned to Aria. "Vous êtes toutes les deux jolies, mais elle me fait mal à la tête."

Aria laughed, sipping her champagne. "He said we're both very pretty but you give him a headache," she laughed, turning to Riya.

"Right back at you, Phoenix," Riya scoffed.

"So, who else is coming here tonight?" Aria asked, turning to me.

"Same crowd," I shrugged.

We all turned to the front when people started cheering and laughing and clapping, welcoming Eric. "Oh, here comes Cinderella. She's a little late," Riya scoffed. Aria smacked her arm.