Page 96 of Animal Beats

“I know where I can pinch you to prove you’re awake.” I reach for her boobs, but she pushes me away—so I tug on her hair. “It’s so much better having you in my arms instead of sexting you. Even FaceTime pales in comparison.”

She sighs. “Yeah.” Turning on her side, she continues, “But if I get this job with BTM, I’ll be on the road more often. We’ll be like ships in the night.”

Heat rises. “Not if I have anything to say about it. I can’t be without you for weeks at a time.”

She puts her hand on my cheek. “Me, neither. But I need to make money⁠—”

“For Mila,” I supply. “Listen, Hayden, I understand your wanting to take care of your little sister, provide the money for her upkeep. You just admitted you don’t want to be far away from me for any length of time. I have money. Let me pay your bills.”

She sits up. “I won’t be a kept woman. I won’t.”

I shake my head. Joining her, I reply, “Don’t think of it like that. If I cover your bills, we’ll be able to be together. Which is much more important than money, isn’t it?”

Her shoulders lower. “I know you mean well, but Mila’s my responsibility.”

I hold her gaze. “I’m not trying to take her from you. I’m trying to stand with you.”

If she’s my wife… she hasn’t told me she loves me back, though. It’s only a matter of time. On a lengthy exhale, I let this topic drop. For the time being.

“We’ll work something out, Babysitter. But for right now, I have something better to discuss.” I kiss her willing mouth. “Deeper.”

She breaks away. “I’m down with that.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

No more words are spoken for a long while.

“Can’t I get you to come with us?” I sound whiny, even to my own ears.

“I’ll meet you there, I promise. This time is for you, as a band, to prepare.” She zips up her dress, the first article of clothing that’s been on her body in nearly twenty-four hours.

I try to sweeten the pot. “Nese will be there.”

She looks around for her shoes, finally spying them under the bed. “I’ll see her when I get to the Oscars.” She squeals. “I’m so proud of you, that your song got nominated!” She rushes over for a hug.

“If you come with me, you can meet up with her and Jenna now.”

She kisses me. “No, Río. Be with your brothers. I’m getting dressed at Renata’s house. I’ll be at the awards ceremony, I promise.” She picks up the lanyard I gave her. “See? Backstage pass.”

“Fine. I will see you there.” I give her what I hope is a threatening look, even though I’m still under the blanket. “If you’re not there by the time we step off the red carpet, I’m going to lose my mind. I might even do something stupid, like have the audience start screaming your name.” Hopefully she gets my oblique reference to the incident at the Trevi Fountain.

She laughs and raises her hands. “Let’s not repeat Rome, okay Big Boy?”

This right here is how I’m sure she’s the one for me. She gets all of me, including my weird sense of humor. I slip out of bed, still naked. Arms outstretched, I tease, “Big enough for you?”

“More than you know.” She kisses me. “I’m off to Renata’s and you need to meet up with the rest of UC to get ready for the Oscars.” Her head shakes. “Amazing!”

An hour later, Hayden’s texted she’s safely at Renata’s and I’ve left her sister a voicemail telling her to watch the show tonight. Now, I’m in a large conference room at a nearby hotel with my brothers. Bennett addresses Nese, asking the question on the top of all of our minds. “Do we really have to wear penguin suits?”

In response, she asks, “Where are you going?”

Hands on Darren’s belt, 007 answers. “To the Academy Awards.”

“That’s right,” Nese says. “And when you’re at the Oscars, what do you wear?”

“Whatever our stylist tells us,” Tris—ever the goody two shoes—replies.

She beams. “Give that boy a golden statue!”