Page 106 of Press Play

“Finally.” She arches a brow.

Silence encompasses the room. I avert my attention to Mia, and she smiles at me with a slight nod.

Is this what she meant when she said Brandy was willing to put her previous judgment to the side? Is she going to give him a respectable chance?

“Look,” Brandy starts. “I’ll admit there were things I didn’t notice until they were pointed out to me. I would be a fool to say I don’t see them now. I mean, Theo, you haven’t been able to take your eyes off her all night.”

The man beside me frees an exhale, and while I don’t look at him, I can feel his gaze on me.

“And Wren, your entire demeanor changes when he’s around. You’re not the shy girl who hides away in her books. You’re your genuine self. I didn’t give it the time of day before, but you steal glances when he’s around, almost like you’re committing him to memory.”

This time, I look at Theo, and the muscles that were once stiff and locked in place are loose. Warmth fills my chest, spreading throughout the rest of my body. Theo is my person, and nothing I could do will hide that fact.

“I’m happy for you.”

I can’t wipe the relieved smile off my face. “Thank you, Brandy. That means a lot.”

Mia jumps into the air, grinning ear to ear. “It was the porn, right? That’s what did you over?”

“Mia!” I shout as I stand.

“Porn?” Brandy whispers.

“You just couldn’t keep that between us, could you?” I ask Mia.

“Do you know how difficult it’s been holding it in for this long? That man has left a scar on my frontal cortex!”

“You’re gay!”

“Why do you think I’m so confused!?”

A chuckle vibrates in my throat, spilling free. Mia joins me, and our combined laughter has me doubling over and holding my middle.

“I can’t stand you.” I sniffle as our laughter dies down.

“You’d be bored without me.” As she wipes her tears, someone squeezes my shoulder.

When I look at the woman who surprised me this evening, I can’t help but smile.

“I know I never gave him a chance. I have to ask: are you happy?” she whispers.

“Very.”

“Then that’s all that matters.”

I can’t contain myself any longer. Instead of holding back, I hug my best friend and hold her tight.

“Thank you,” I mumble. “For everything.”

“I have your back, Wren. Always have, and always will.”

“Just promise me one thing?” I ask as I pull back. “Don’t let Mia tell you about the porn.”

“Why not!? It was fucking hot!” Mia exclaims.

“Do not!” I point a finger at her.

“Just one more!” she pleads.

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