Page 89 of Crash & Burn

But, she will be coming on tour with us because Mateo convinced our new manager that she is the best person for the job.

Lucky for the band,but not so lucky for me.

Mia, late night road trips, hotel rooms, and songs I poured my heart and soul into.

The perfect mix where nothing couldpossiblygo wrong.

A gust of warm air hits my back, meaning the door just opened, and someone is here. I don’t hear the “Congratulations” that we all planned to say when Drew and Emmett walk in, and I don’t even need to see Annie’s raised eyebrows when she shoots a look my way.

I know it is Mia, the scent of lavender and coconut filling the air, before I even turn around.

And this time, like every time before, the moment she is near, my body aches to be near her. She is a constant magnetic pull, her sunshine always making my rain go away, but I bury the feelings down, like I know how to do all too well, and I put on my mask.

Myfriendmask.

And her and I both pretend she can’t see right through it.

“Hey, raindrop,” she says as she hangs her camera bag on the chair next to mine. The stupid nickname makes my heart skip a beat, and, if that isn’t pathetic, I don’t know what is. I make sure not to show it on my face, and I turn to greet her as she sits. Annie sets a tequila sunrise down for her, and why does it make sense her favorite drink is as sweet as she is? The name doesn’t escape me either.

“Hey, sunshine,” I reply. “Ready for the surprise?”

“Of course!” She says, shrugging off her cardigan to reveal the silky, smooth skin of her arms. Her hair is in waves, half tied back and half down. She has two pieces of hair that frame her face perfectly, accentuating her full, pink lips that have a gloss to them today.

That’s new.

And not good for my nervous system.

She’s wearing the same leather skirt as the first night I saw her at her apartment after Mateo rushed us over there when he found out she punched a guy in the face. The night that started this whole mess I can’t seem to shake.

“I’m so excited for Drew and Emmett! I can’t believe tonight is finally the night.” Mia goes on to explain that Drew has had an inkling about Emmett proposing, but she and Annie convinced her otherwise.

“Didn’t know you could be such a good liar,” I laugh as she finishes the story about her and Annie making up a customer horror story to tell Drew to explain why Emmett was acting so grumpy and standoff-ish earlier this week. For anyone besides Drew, Emmett being angry at the world is perfectly in-character, so I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But Drew, she was suspicious and knew something had to be up because his usual demeanor isI hate everyone but Drew.

The real reason Emmett was extra grumpy that day was because he was nervous Drew wouldn’t like the ring he picked out. He decided to not go with a traditional diamond, going with a black onyx stone instead. We all told him it was perfect for Drew, but he only cares what she thinks.

“There is a lot you don’t know about me, raindrop. One of those being that, when I want to, I can make you believe whatever I want.”

“Is that right?”

“Mmhmm,” she nods and smiles, so proud of herself. “I’m also an excellent secret-keeper,” she adds, taking another sip of her drink.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tease. I’m hoping this is one of those moments she can’t see right through me because the thought of her keeping all my secrets pleases me in ways it shouldn’t.

And I don’t need to be thinking of the dirty little secrets I want to keep with Mia.

I cough into my fist, hoping to distract from the heat settling in my cheeks, and Annie saves the day coming over to us to announce that Lacey just texted saying Drew and Emmett are on the way over here.

Excitement fills the air as we wait for them to open the door. Mia pulls her camera out of her bag ready to capture all the moments of tonight.

The couple of honor walks in. Drew’s face is priceless. Her jaw drops to the floor as she turns to look at Emmett who is holding the door open for her. He has a smile on his face that only comes out when Drew is around.

There is a pinch in my chest seeing my best friend so happy, especially after all the two of them went through. Drew and Emmett’s story is one that only happens to the best people out there. The people who deserve it.

I know I’ll never be one of those people.

We all clap and cheer as the two of them make their rounds, giving hugs and handshakes. When they get to me, I give Drew a hug and shake Emmett’s hand. Drew shows her new engagement ring off, and she is glowing. Emmett’s eyes are on her like she is the center of his universe, and all eyes are on the two of them.

Except mine.

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