Page 127 of Just My Type of wrong guy

Not yet.

That one I’ll save for the next album, which, thanks to the day Alexandra stood up to my friends, it won’t be the only song I’ll write in that one.

“No. Get up there, Rick. Let’s get started, the crowd will be in soon,” I ask, and he walks off with a smirk on his lips.

***

New York is hosting our last shows before the holiday break, and I couldn’t be happier with the tour. Everything went exactly how Daniele fantasized about in her basement, forcing us to record the most humiliating TikToks in the world.

But that’s not what I focus on as Richard finishes introducing our musicians. The only thing I can think of is the song I wrotefor her. I rush to the back of the stage, where a guitar is waiting for me, but not without winking at Alexandra, who can’t hide her silly laugh along the way.

When I get back, my drummer’s on the right side of the stage, finishing up introducing Thomas, still with one arm slung casually over his shoulders. Guilherme’s standing there too, and the second I stop at the center mic—where he’s usually the one belting out lyrics—all three of them look up at me at once.

But Richard doesn’t even flinch.

“And now, the most mysterious man of the night,” he whispers into the mic, wiping sweat from his forehead as the crowd’s screams get even crazier.

“One Last Kiss, One Last Kiss, One Last Kiss!” they’re chanting, but Richard just shakes his head.

“There’s a rumor we’re getting a new song tonight.”

“A new song?” Guilherme asks into Rick’s mic, completely caught off guard.

“What, we’re writing and producing in secret now?” Thomas jokes, shooting me a look full of that same confusion.

“Give me three minutes, guys. It’s important!” I tease, tossing my hair back and turning to the audience as the stage lights dim, leaving a single spotlight on me.

“Good evening,myVagabonders.” I lean into that possessive pronoun, and they surge forward, practically breaking the barricade. “You’re my first love,” I tell them, and the words send them into a frenzy. “But you’ve never heard me sing my very first song live.”

Always Us was indeed a hit and conquered the world, and now, for the first time, I have the opportunity to give this song, where it all started, the audience it deserves.

I bring my mouth to the microphone and strum the first chords on the guitar.

I thought I had it all before,

the highs, the lows, the open doors,

but now I see they meant nothing at all

I tilt my neck to the left, and with my gaze locked on Alexandra, I finish the verse:

You were the reason, before the fall.

I almost miss the timing of the song when the arena erupts, and Alexandra covers her mouth in shock. Alex had no idea I’d sing this song, but I need to do this, and I need to do it looking at her. I bring my mouth to the mic and keep singing about how relationships are complex, but when we find the right person, we can’t afford to lose them.

When she pushes you away,

or pretends to be strong and tough,

hold her tight, don’t let her go.

When she goes quiet, ask why.

If she ignores you, stay by her side.

When she starts cussing out a storm,

And being all mean to you,

---