Page 29 of Wishing for La Luna
Esme swats him. “Maeven just wants everything to be perfect. Trust her. She truly is the best. By the end of the night, people will be talking about you and Rio for a different reason.”
I nod and put the earbud in my purse. Ty turns on the radio, and they’re playing a Rio artist block. I close my eyes and let his voice do what it does best: take you places. It’s impressive how he switches between lover boy andbellaqueo.
You're always going to miss me, baby
I’m like your Fourth of July.
I know the trick to make your body whistle, crackle, and pop.
Y despues viene el boom boom boom.
His smile at the park pops into my head, and I force my eyes open.Nope, not thinking about him while his freaky lyrics play out.As I listen, I take the opportunity to finalize the social media calendar for Faye & Fleur, one of the companies for which I manage social media. I’m so grateful they still let me work for their business. It’s a good distraction because thoughts about this outing have kept my hands shaking.
We arrive at Madison Square Garden as panic begins to set in, but the phone rings as we park, and I press my ear to answer it.
“Breathe,” Maeven says in my ear. “I want you to walk with a purpose, hold on to Esme like you would with Sel. Don’t make eye contact on purpose, but if it happens, give them a subway smile, fleeting without being friendly, and keep walking.”
“Okay,” I say.
“Don’t talk back or nod, no matter what they say. Just walk, and everything will be fine. Once you’re closer, I’ll connect with Rio. Let’s do this.”
Ty steps out and hands the key to the valet, and we’re walking through the main entrance. We’re moving fast. An employee in the traditional Knick’s blue-and-orange uniform parts the crowd for us, fast-tracking us to the court. Esme’s hand on my arm is keeping me at a steady pace. Otherwise, I would run.
“You’re doing great,” Maeven says in my ear. “And god, you look gorgeous.”
If you only knew I’m two seconds from a panic attack.
The pounding of the ball as the players warm up competes with the erratic beating in my chest.Why did I agree to this?I should’ve stayed my ass at home, under the covers, watchingtelenovelaswithMami. I can barely hear myself think in the cacophony of chatter, music, and practice. My throat is closing up.
“I’m connecting Rio.” There’s a slight pause, and then she’s back. “I got you both here. Rio, touch your mustache, and Luna, touch your neck.”
I do as she says. That’s when I see him. He’s wearing jeans and a white t-shirt that clings to those new arm muscles. When he sees me, his lips curve into a smile, causing an uptick in my pulse. I swallow and keep walking.
“Good job on the smile, Rio.” Maeven sounds like she’s smiling herself. “It’s a great day to launch New York’sitcouple.”
He’s sitting next to three empty seats. We make our way to him. Ty is going to sit next to him, Esme next to Ty, and I’m sitting on the other side of Esme. It’s alet’s pretend we are not on a date, but we are,situation.
Maeven says, “When you hug, I’m counting to five, and I want you to let go to the count of three slowly.”
His scent reaches me first. It’s spicy and woodsy with notes of citrus and oils, and it winds its way up my nose, intoxicating my senses. I already don’t like the way it hooks me and pulls me closer to him like a rope. But I give in and step into his arms, and the countdown begins.
“How are you?” he whispers in my ear.
“Dying.”
When I step back, he’s smiling, and his eyes do a slow perusal over me.
“Keep your eyes on her face. This is supposed to be innocent,” Maeven warns over the phone. “Luna, take a discreet step back. You’re too close to him.”
“Where the fuck is she watching from?” Rio asks.
I burst out laughing.
“Go take your seat, Luna.”
“See you later,” I tell Rio and turn to go to my seat.
“Take your eyes off her ass,” Maeven says.
