Why was Alex texting me instead of being at the dinner? Had it gone that poorly, or was something else up?

I turned my head towards Celine. "I have to go. Mr. Hernandez needs me."

"Oh, there's no way you can go see him like this! Just text back saying you have a family emergency so you don't jeopardize your job."

"You really think he'd buy that excuse? Let me just go. I can handle it."

"If you say so," Celine relented reluctantly. "I'll have your dress laundered and drop it off at the office tomorrow. Thanks for the heart-to-heart, babe."

"Anytime, and don't forget to call me if you...