Reverting back to her nervous habit, she chewed on her pen as she glanced over her ten new things list. She carefully wrote “trip to Alabama" on the like side. Spending time with Chase and his family was a memory she’d cherish forever. She felt comfortable with them and at home there. A darkness clouded her mind as she thought back to how it all ended. Maggie added “fake dating” to her dislike side. It turns out fake dating someone that you actually like is needlessly confusing.
“What’s up Maggie?” She looked up to find Broden Dallas towering over her.
“Broden, hey… how’s it going?”
“Just getting ready. I’m up first.”
“Oh…” Maggie was shocked to learn that Broden would agree to perform at their charity event. “Thanks for helping out.”
Broden shrugged and then flashed finger guns, “No problem. See ya around.”
Maybe Broden isn’t so bad after all,Maggie mused to herself.
The lights darkened and a spotlight illuminated the stage. Arlo stepped front and center, “What’s up Santa Monica?”
The audience let out catcalls and applause. It was at that moment Maggie realized the place was packed. People trickling in had to stand along the bar and walls.Oh my gosh… Amazing, Lord. Please keep people coming so we can raise as much money as possible.
“Thanks so much for coming out to The Break’s first annual Help for the Homeless benefit! First up tonight is LA’s very own, Brodddddeeeennn Dallas!”
He said the first annual, right? Like this could be something they do again?Maggie couldn't contain her excitement. She stood and clapped her hands as Broden took the stage and began singing. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Alex, John, and Faydra enter. Maggie waved them over. “Hey, thanks so much for coming.”
“Of course, this is a great turnout, Maggie.” Alex replied enthusiastically as he looked around.
Faydra and John nodded in agreement.
“I can’t take the credit for the crowd, but I’m so glad it’s filling up. I hope we can raise a good amount for you guys.”
Arlo approached the group and Maggie introduced them.
“I’d love to have you speak when Broden’s done with his set,” Arlo explained to John, Faydra, and Alex. “He’s playing four songs. I’ll come find you when it’s time to go on stage. Can I get you guys a drink first? The owner said anything you want is on the house as our special guests.”
Whoa, the boss must be on a generous streak.Maggie remembered how Chase mentioned he was all about making a profit.
As Broden began his third song, Arlo stood next to Maggie. She so badly wanted to ask him about Chase. She wondered how he was doing and if he mentioned anything about her to Arlo, but she couldn’t figure out how to phrase the question casually.
Instead Maggie asked him, “How’d you rope Broden into playing a charity event?”
Arlo took a swig and then chuckled. “He said, and I quote, ‘Chicks dig good deeds.’”
Maggie laughed. “I guess he’s not wrong. Look at all those girls lined up next to the stage.” Many were batting their lashes at Broden as they slipped their donations into the chest. Falling to his knees, he belted a love song directly to them.Broden does know how to put on a show, I’ll give him that.
“Excuse me!” someone shrieked. Maggie saw Ada appear as she elbowed her way through a group of ogling men.
“Ada!” Maggie reached out to hug her. “You came!”
“Of course I came. Can’t let you leave for Minnesota without one last look at me.” She twirled in a circle while her skimpy cocktail dress flared.
Immediately, Arlo reached over Maggie with his hand outstretched, “Hey.”
Ada lifted an eyebrow. “And you are?”
Maggie grinned, “Ada, this is Chase’s roommate, Arlo. He organized the performers and is emceeing tonight.”
She hesitated and then extended her hand. Then she whispered to Maggie. “So, he’snice?”
“I don’t know him that well, but he seems decent. Maybe you should give him a shot.”
Arlo cut in, “Can I get you a drink… Ada, was it?”
