I hop out of the car, help her mom onto the sidewalk, nod toward my driver who brings her overnight bag to the front door.
I step aside politely as Mr.Gimble—yes, that Mr.Gimble, the craft store owner—nods and pretends he’s not waiting in his running car for Adrianna’s mom to wave goodbye to us.
Interesting.
I make a mental note to ask Mrs.Bosco about that later.
When I slide back into the limo, Bella practically vibrates out of her seat.
“Are you serious?I have a new room?Like—my own room in your house?”she squeals.
I grin at her, because her excitement is contagious as hell.“Damn straight you do.And it’s your house now too, kiddo.”
“Is it big?Does it have windows?Does it have a desk?Ooh!Does it have a lock?Because Aunt Ad says I have to earn having a lock, but maybe since you’re, um—" she lowers her voice "—famous, maybe famous people have different rules?”
I bark a laugh.“We’ll negotiate the lock situation.”
“Will I get, like, space to hang posters?And my own closet?Oh, and a laptop?Can I have my own piano or a guitar?Oh, my God—canyouteach me guitar?”
My heart actually swells.
“Sure, Bella.You wanna learn, I’ll teach you.But you should know, Aunt Ad is better than I am.”
Her eyes go huge.
“No way!Really?Like, reallyreally?”
“Really.Really,” I confirm, covering her tiny hand with mine.
She squeals again, practically levitating.
Beside me, Adrianna shifts but doesn’t say anything.Bella steamrolls on.
“Can I hear your songs before anyone else does?And is it true that you broke sixteen guitars on stage?And did you really do a song with DJ Mars?—”
“Oh my God, Bella,” Adrianna says weakly, face going red.
But I’m laughing.Really laughing.
The kind that cracks something old and tight inside my chest.
This kid is a firecracker.
A live wire.A little spark of pure joy.
Just like her aunt.
My heart squeezes for Adrianna’s sister, Bonnie.Of course, I knew her, and it makes me sad her life ended too soon.
So, right then I make a silent promise to always do right by her girl and her sister.
Because I am finally ready to admit I want them in my life.Hell, I need them.
Both of them.
Every day.
For keeps.
