“We need to make a list. During the band’s downtime, I can take you to all my favorite haunts. We can explore new places together. I’ll even pose as your prince in pictures if you want me to.”
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go to your place and figure out how this will work.”
He hugs me until my ribs crack then releases me. I glance at my phone and see a text from Alice. “I have an idea on how to mend things with Alice.”
It’ll cost me, but if I pull the right strings, I can make some calls and get her tickets to her favorite Broadway play that’s in town and sold out.
“Hell of a date,” Sully says, snickering, and envelops me in his embrace. I inhale his scent of fresh pine and musk.
We drive to his place and dive deep into web searches. With a blank notebook, we fill the pages with places to visit, restaurants to try, and beaches for me to scope out. I’ll have to find connections and see if anyone knows a good photographer I can hire. This could be the perfect excuse to create that travel blog I’ve wanted to but never have since I don’t leave southern California often enough.
I didn’t know pennies held this much magic. Or is this the universe finally shining its light on me? I can’t question it, or I’ll unravel this gift. For now, we will plan and bask in the joy of living our dream and being together.
But I will not say I’m in love. No, this is a harmony between us, the right chords and musical notes that create a song. Yet a voice in my head tells me I’m lying to myself. I should let the final impenetrable wall inside me collapse and face the truth. Iamfalling in love. And at breakneck speed, leaving me dizzy and lightheaded. It has me throwing caution to the wayside and makes me want to believe in happy endings again.
35
I’mlyinginbedwith Sully’s oversized white t-shirt on, scrolling through different travel blogs on my laptop to get an idea of unique things to do in Europe. I made a list of all the restaurants we should try and which beaches I want for my photoshoots. It’ll take some time, but I have a list of photographers to contact. The only issue is finding a good and reliable mer-handler. Sully might have to pull double duty if I can’t find one.
Sully pads into the bedroom with a pink box of doughnuts and two cups of coffee. I close the laptop and move the pillows around to make room for him to sit beside me.
“You’re my hero,” I say to the coffee, taking a loving sip.
Sully chuckles, biting into a chocolate-glazed doughnut. “Should I be offended you’re saying that to your coffee and not me?”
“A good man knows when to accept defeat,” I tease, grabbing a strawberry doughnut with rainbow sprinkles and taking a giant bite.
He swipes crumbs off my lips and licks his thumb. “You know—”
His phone rings. He pushes ignore, but it rings again.
“It’s fine. You can answer it.”
“Just one second.” He grabs the phone and hits the speaker. “What do you want?”
“You were supposed to meet me an hour ago!” a woman screams.
He rolls his eyes and bites his doughnut. “Told you last night, Gigi. I’m not coming to the studio today.”
Shame creeps into my veins. I run my fingers along the list of places I wanted to see in Paris. How could we run around Europe without answering to anyone? He’d be too busy to do half the things we discussed. I close the notebook and kill the dream of us traveling across the ocean.
“It’s okay, Sully. I should get going.” I gather my clothing and walk toward the bathroom.
“Who are you with?” Gigi demands, venom dripping from her words.
Sully places his hand over the phone’s mic. “Veronica. Please stay.”
“I have to go to work anyway,” I lie, locking myself in the bathroom to get dressed and brush my hair.
“I’m not going to make it, and if you call me again, I’ll turn my phone off. Goodbye.” Sully hangs up.
He knocks on the bathroom door. I open it and slide past him. The warmth of his chest is almost enough to tempt me back into bed and to forget that phone call.
Sully runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry about that. I don’t know why she wants to meet at the studio. We’re done recording. I think Amy’s filled her head with lies.”
“Amy’s looking out for the band, I guess. Thinks it will hype the tour if you’re dating.”
He nods. “I thought being single meant independence, not having a matchmaker. Especially when I found someone I like spending time with.” His hands cup my hips, pulling me closer to his chest.
