“James is those things, and he’s not an asshole,” Hayley observed.
“James is rare,” Mia shrugged. “That’s why I would never cheat on him.”
“Unless you count flirting.”
“I don’t.” Mia winked at Hayley. “It’s fun,” she said. “You should try it.”
“I flirt.”
“With who?” Mia asked. “You’re always in your room, the studio, or your tour bus. Hidden away. You were the same in high school. You’re going to have to be more fun when we go to LA. I want to go toallthe clubs.”
“I flirted with Jefferson,” Hayley frowned. “How else would we have started dating?”
“You dated two months and never even did it.” Mia turned the key back in the ignition to start the radio.
“I wouldn’t do it with Jefferson,” Hayley said. “I wasn’t in love with him.”
Mia laughed. “I didn’t love half the guys I did it with.”
“Well,” Hayley said, crossing her legs. “I’m waiting. You know that.”
“Don’t wait too long,” Mia said. “Looks don’t last. At least not in guys. They all get this.” She poked at her belly. “From all the beer they drink.”
“Love isn’t just about looks,” Hayley argued. “Though, they don’t hurt.”
“Jefferson had a six pack,” Mia said. “I would have had him if you hadn’t gone after him first. I don’t do sloppy seconds. Even if you never actually took a bite.”
“He was pretty ripped.” Hayley chewed her lip. “Can’t say I was never tempted. But really, why get involved with anyone here?” She asked. “Aren’t we moving to LA?”
“Hey, I’m ready when you are.” Mia replied.
“As soon as Valerie finishes school,” Hayley said. “Two more years. I can’t just leave her and mom, and they won’t come with me.”
“Two years is FOREVER,” Mia groaned. “But plenty of time to have a boyfriend. Are you really going to stay single until everything is just right? That never happens. Look at James and me. He’s going to be gone for four years. Should I just break up with him because we’re at different schools?”
“If I met the right person,” Hayley said, “I’d date them.”
“Pickings are slim here,” Mia nodded. “I’ll give you that.”
“You’re just picky.” Hayley fanned herself with a concert flyer.
“And why shouldn’t I be?” Mia fluffed her hair in the rearview mirror. “But seriously, don’t you get tired of hanging around your little sister and me all the time?”
Hayley sighed deeply. “Yeah,”
Mia elbowed her. “Hey!”
“Just kidding.” Hayley grinned. “I mean, plenty of people we knew in school suddenly wanted to be my friend once my first song went on the radio, but I’m not going to start hanging out with them because they suddenly think I’m cool, you know? And Mom doesn’t want me to hang out with anyone new – she thinks whoever comes around now is some sort of crazy fan or stalker. The car wreck isn’t making her paranoia any better.”
“Maybe Louis is your stalker.”
Hayley shook her head. “He was harmless.”
“Was he?” Mia side-eyed Hayley. “You never know.”
“The car accident was probably just some person who drove under the influence and bailed before they could get arrested.”
“Just be careful,” Mia said. “Creeps and stalkers are everywhere.”
