Page 65 of Press Play

“No, it’s fine,” I say, even though it’s not. I shake my head, the words tumbling out in a rush. “She’s right. It’s probably for the best. He deserves someone who doesn’t run.”

No one says anything for a moment, but when Brandy speaks up, she earns my full attention. “You have feelings for him. Why? Help me understand.”

I look down at my hands, twisting them in my lap. “Because he . . . sees me. Really sees me, and while that scares the hell out of me, it also makes me feel alive. He makes mefeelwhole—like I’m not a piece of glass.”

The room is quiet for a moment, the weight of my confession settling over all of us.

“I thought I saw my mom at the grocery store,” I whisper, the words barely leaving my lips. My chest tightens as the silence stretches between us. “It wasn’t her. . . but I keep seeing her everywhere. It’s like she’s haunting me, and I can’t tell what’s real anymore.” My voice wavers, and I force myself to take a breath. “Theo... he’s the one who pulls me back. He reminds me where I am and that I’m safe.”

I lift my gaze, my heart pounding as I take in their softened expressions. Brandy’s earlier question echoes in my mind, and Imeet her eyes with quiet resolve. “You once asked me why I’m friends with a cam star.” I maintain my composure even though my hands tremble. “The answer is simple. I seehimfor who he really is. . . We’ve seen one another at our best and worst and came out on the other side stronger than before. He sees me for me, and I lo—” I trip over my word, stopping myself before I admit the truth. “I care about him.”

Mia smiles at me, her gaze sharp, almost like she can see right through me.

I shift in my seat, uncomfortable under her quiet scrutiny, and glance at Brandy. Her eyes meet mine, and I notice the way her shoulders lower, the tension slipping from her frame.

“It’s hard to remember sometimes,” Brandy murmurs. “You and Theo basically grew up together. He’s seen more than we have. And while I hate to admit it, he knows more than we do.”

“Say it.” Mia cuts in, light and teasing, but there’s a spark of anticipation in her tone as she leans forward.

“Mia . . .” Brandy draws out, already sounding exasperated.

“Fucking say it!” Mia’s grin widens as her voice rises, her excitement palpable now.

Brandy groans, her head tipping back like she’s silently asking for patience. Then, after a long pause, she sighs and relents. “Fine! I may have judged him incorrectly. Happy?”

My eyes widen at the unexpected confession, and before I can react, Mia explodes, throwing her arms into the air with a triumphant yell. “Yes! Finally!”

Her laughter fills the room, infectious and full of joy. Brandy rolls her eyes but can’t hide the small, reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I sit there, caught between disbelief and amusement, warmth creeping through me as the moment unfolds.

“He didn’t hesitate when your mom showed up, and he offered his home without thinking twice. I was so hell-bent on disliking him that I didn’t see the truth, and I apologize for that.”

“Thank you,” I say, still in disbelief this is happening.

Brandy leans back and glares at Mia, who is still beaming. “It makes sense though.” She looks at me again, and I arch a brow in question. “Why you keep running.”

“It does?”

“It’s clear as day,” she tells me. “Your mother returned after you told her no contact, and you were catapulted back into the past—stuck in fight or flight. Your mind is reeling while your heart is reaching.” Brandy reaches for my hand. “It’s time you fight back.”

Like many kids, I was taught not to talk back. I can recall some moments when I defended myself or corrected her when she was wrong, but I was always scolded for it. At some point, I stopped and let her words run over me. The only time I truly stood up for myself was when I severed the tie between us, and she has the audacity to try and force herself back into my life.

But no more.

Instead of taking her hand, I wrap my arms around her neck and embrace her tightly. “Thank you,” I say while trying to fight back my tears. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Don’t forget about me.” Mia squeezes in and hugs us with a broad smile. “I love us.”

“Me too,” I chuckle

After a moment, we separate, and I take a deep breath. The sudden need to be with Theo overwhelms me.

“So, what’s the game plan?” Mia implores. “Jump his bones or tell him how you feel?”

If only she knew I already “jumped his bones”. . .

“I’m going to see what happens.” I respond honestly. “I’m supposed to be at his mom’s this afternoon for her birthday?—”

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