Page 145 of Sweetheart

I don't think I can keep being friends with her.

"But he said…he didn't want to be friends," I mumbled.

"Because he wanted to be more," Brisa said with a smile. "I thought you were supposed to be smart."

"I am."

"Then stop fooling yourself."

"Why didn't he say anythingthen? Or the other night?" I wondered out loud.

"Why didn't you?" she countered. "Listen, I only came to clear things up. I care about Sama lot, and yeah. I just want him to be happy."

"I want that too."

Brisa lifted a brow. "Then what are you waiting for?"

"I really appreciate you coming here," I said. "Seriously, Brisa. Thanks."

"For what?" she said then walked away as if nothing happened.

As if she hadn't just shifted my whole world with one conversation. I pulled out my phone and sent Sam a text.

We need to talk.

He replied instantly.

Sam:I agree.

Me:See you soon?

Sam:Maybe sooner than you think ;).

Smiling, I pocketed my phone, got in my car, and began the drive to my meeting with the band. It would take a few minutes. That was more than enoughtimeto get my head back on straight. I turned on the radio to distract myself, but when the song Sam and I danced to came on, I let my mind go there.

Sam had loved me.

According to Brisa, he was still in love with me.

I hoped that was true.

And even though I hadn't thought anything could top the excitement I felt about this meeting…my heart only wanted to see one person.

#

"Hi, you must be Scarlett."

I reached out to shake the hand he offered. "Yes, and you're Hayden. Right?"

"That's right." The guy shot me a smile that I'm sure had hearts falling at his feet. Gesturing to the girl at his side, he said, "This isMagnolia. My girlfriend."

"Nice to meet you," I said.

"You too," she replied.

"The rest of the band couldn't be here. But Ithink you've met our drummer?"

I tilted my head. "Really? I'm not sure…"