We’ve got a few shows tomorrow and Saturday, then a week off. What’s up?
“He says he has a week off starting this Sunday,” I announce, biting my lip.
“And?” Rylee questions.
“It’s just so soon.”
Rylee pours more wine in each of our glasses and gestures to mine. “Drink up and just go for it.”
Mia Alexander
What would you think about
coming to Dallas for a few days?
I place my phone in my lap and cover my face with my hands. “I did it. What if he says no?”
“He’s not going to say no,” Rylee assures me.
“This is all so weird.”
My phone buzzes in my lap.
Brandon Jackson
I’d love that. I’ll call you tonight when I’m done with rehearsal and we can figure out the details, sound good?
Mia Alexander
Great. Talk to you then :)
“He’s coming,” I beam, proud for prioritizing someone good for me, and ultimately, prioritizing myself. “I think this is gonna be really, really good, Ry. Are yousureit’s okay that I’m doing this?”
“Of course it is,” Rylee insists. “I couldn’t be happier. I love Brandon, and I love you, not to mention you’ve both been fucked over by a Harris sibling. I think it’s great.”
“Okay, good. Because I’d hate to put our friendship on the line over something as stupid as a guy.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” she winks. “I think it’s you and me for life now, babe.”
I lay in bed waiting for Brandon’s call. Rylee and I unglued ourselves from the couch about an hour before. Just as I’m about to give up and go to sleep, my phone lights up with Brandon’s picture on the screen. I slowly count to three, as one does when they’re trying not to come off too desperate, before I answer the phone.
“Hey,” I greet him. “How was rehearsal?”
“Long,” he sighs. “But good. Sorry it took me so long to call. It took longer than expected to get away from the guys.”
“No worries.”
“So, this week. I was thinking I’d fly out there on Sunday, get there around dinner time?”
“Yes,” I say as I try not to sound too excited. “That sounds great. Just send me the flight details so I know when to pick you up.”
“Will do,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to this, Mia.”
“Me, too.”
We say our goodnights and hang up. I place my phone face down on my chest, feeling just slightly like I’m floating. I can’t remember the last time I got this giddy about someone other than Grayson Harris. Even though I’m still longing for him and what could have been, I know this choice—the safe choice—is the one I need to make.
Chapter twelve
