“Of course, sorry you and Auntie can’t make it tonight, but yes, tomorrow. You're going to love him.”
“And where are we going first? Regent Street?”
I nod and check her cupholders, where she has my favorite, an ice-cold Irn-Bru, waiting for me to up my sugar. “Bless you, Brit. I’m getting you whatever you want for lunch and in the shops,andyou get to pick my outfit for tonight.”
Britta squeals, “Oh my God, I’m going to pick you an outfit so hot, it will make all Jett’s fangirls wanna throw themselves right into the Thames!”
I snort and remember Iforgot to respond to Jett’s text. Now Ilook and there’s another one.
Jett, ‘Baby, did you like what Isaid, or was it too much?’
I swoon again, thinking about, despite how quickly this is all happening, he already wants me to say those words: Ilove you, Jett Raven. Iplan to tonight after his gig. I’m pretty sure Iknow what he is going to say in response, and the thought sends me straight to outer space.
Me: ‘I don’t ever want you to worry about being too much for me, Jett. The way you talk about me is how Ialways dreamed to be talked about, the way you treat me is the way Ialways dreamed of being treated.’
I consider adding in the part about having already fallen completely, or the part about me falling on my assliterallyin the airport. But Britta is talking to me, and Ishould probably stop thinking about Jett for five seconds and listen to what she’s saying.
“Now, Lola said you kicked my number one telly crush out on the street when you saw Jett wearing Auntie Jewels’ new swimwear. That you were ‘bout to hook up withtheGage Carter and then randomly decided to jumpJett’s bones instead? In the middle of the party that was also a date with Gage? My brain hurts, likewhat? Ineed all the tea, cousy!”
Shit, I've now ignored two of Gage's texts! Wait, he’s Britta's number one crush?“I’ll spill, Iswear, but Ineed to eat food first, and I’m getting an idea, hold on!”
In fact, I'm getting a great idea, now that I’ve learned from Jett that you can give apersonas a thank-you gift … so, why not gift someone as an apology gift? Isnap a picture of Britta driving when she isn’t looking and attach it before typing a text to Gage:
‘I’m so sorry, Gage. Iswear, Ihad no idea this would happen when Iinvited you over. Itwas such a dick move, and Iapologize. Itwasn’t on purpose. Itwasn’t my intention to hurt you or waste your time. Ipromise, Icouldn't have predicted this! Please let me send an apology gift. The younger, hotter, posher version of me, my cousin Britta. Your gift can be in LA and delivered to your doorstep next week if you’re interested.’
Britta stops to let a thousand tourists cross the street, and Ishow her the draft message. She screams so loud and shakes me so intensely that her car lurches forward and she nearly hits a group of Japanese businessmen.
“Is that a yes? Can Isend it?”
More screaming. “Of course you can fucking send it! Fuck Lola and Jude, you’re my favourite cousin for life!”
Chapter 29
Maddy
It’s dark out now, and Ilook at myself in the mirror before leaving my hotel room. It’s funny, but the insecure girl that Ace Archer dumped, the one who pinched her tummy and worried how she looked in a swimsuit, the one who was jealous of a cute drummer? Igrin, knowing that she hasofficiallyleft the building.
My baby cousin has done the Lord’s work today because Ilook absolutelyfire.Burgundy velvet corset top, black leather mini skirt, black leather jacket, shiny burgundy high top Doc Martens, and a black velvet choker that has ‘Jett’s girl’ spelt out in jewel-encrusted letters to match my nails.
I grab a little red cherry-shaped purse to honor my boyfriend’s new song he’s debuting tonight,Cherry Darling.Iwill admit my stomach did several backflips when he casually mentioned he’d bingedElite's Academy,where Iplayed Cherry, more than once over the last eight years.Ihaven’t heard the song yet and have zero idea what to expect, but Iknow he wrote and recorded it in one day while convincing my family to approve of us. Even if it epicallysucks,I'm gonna love it. Icheck my phone to calm my nerves.
Gage: ‘Which day next week? Apology very much accepted.’
I grin at that. Boys are so easy sometimes.
Jett: ‘Sent a little gift over to apologise for not getting to see you yet. Ipromise Iam yours, on stage tonight and every moment after.’
I float towards the door and open it just enough to jump when Isee the concierge standing there, ready to knock.
“A gift from Mr. Raven.” He smiles and hands me a little black box, and Ithank him. “May Iescort you to the lobby, Ms. Morningstar?”
I nod. “Just one second.” Ipeek in the box and try not to squeak at the platinum tennis bracelet withminespelt out in diamond letters. Itoss the empty box in the room and close the door. Iask the concierge to help me fasten the bracelet and grin all the way downstairs.
“Oh, your car Mr. Raven sent just arrived, let me help you in.”
Not sure how Ifeel about being babied right now, but Iknow it’s just Jett trying to spoil me. Blood red roses and a bottle of champagne on ice greet me as Islide onto the black leather seat, and my door is closed.Not bad.Igiggle at the note: ‘Please polish off the bottle before you arrive, it will make me sound better to your beautiful ears. Miss you, Baby.’
I text him: ‘I love the gift, Ilove being yours. Inever want to take it off.’
