Page 143 of Sweetheart

Closing my eyes, I said, "Charlotte. I love you, but I'm hanging up now."

"Okay," she said brightly. "Just remember what Itold you."

"About the boom thing?"

She laughed. "If you want Sam, let him know. You never hold back. Don't start now. Go out and get your happily-ever-after."

"I wish it was that simple," I said.

"It can be," Charlotte said. "Love you, Scar."

"Love you."

Her words wouldn't leave me even after the call disconnected. Maybe she was right. Maybe I couldget my HEA… My brain started running like it always did whenever I got a new idea. But I needed to stay focused.Grabbing a pen, I wrote it out.

Get ready to meet the band.

Secure the job for my cousins and me.

Find Sam.

Tell him the truth.

Start HEA.

I felt better just looking at the words. Sure, my stomachwas roiling withnerves, but at least I knew what I was doing. It only took me a few minutes to get ready, 15 tops. I was so excited—and scared. Mostly, I was thrilled to finally takethesteps I hoped would lead to a happy future. But when I opened my front door,I found the last person I expected to see.

"Brisa," I said then looked around. "Um, hi. Are you at the right house?"

"You live here. Don't you?"she said.

I nodded.

"Then I'm at the right place."

She stared at me while I stared at her.We were about the same height, but that's where the similarities ended.Brisa was beautiful as always.Herthick,dark hair was down and flowing, the ends shifting with the light breeze. Her eyes were hazel, I realized, the color like agreenmeadow washed in golden sunshine. Her lipssmiledslightly, which was a look I didn't usually see directed at me. It was no wonder Sam loved her, I thought.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked.

"No, this will only take a second."

She shook her head.

"I can't believe Sam chose you over me."

"He didn't," I said with a sigh. "Not really."

"Oh no?" Brisa crossed her arms. "Then why didhe send me here to talk to you?"

"Huh?"

She relaxed her stance and pushed a hand through her hair. "You really are annoying, Scarlett. I want to dislike you. I want to hate you, but for some reason, I can't."

"Glad to hear it," I said slowly.

"It not easy for me to say this, but…"

I nodded for her to go on.

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