Jax laughed under his breath. “Fine. Let’s go.”
He led them across the rooftop, weaving through clusters of sponsors, drivers, and VIPs.
As they approached, the assistant spotted them first. She gave Aria a quick squeeze on the arm, then stepped slightly aside but stayed close—watchful.
Aria turned, small polite smile already in place—practiced, guarded.
Mia took the lead, voice warm and bright. “Aria, I’m Mia. I’m a huge fan. ‘Here’ has been on repeat in our London flat for weeks. You were incredible tonight—that energy? Unreal.”
Aria’s smile softened — genuine this time, reaching her eyes for the first time Jax had seen. “Thank you. That’s really kind. I’m glad it’s connecting with people.”
Mia laughed. “Connecting? It’s basically the soundtrack to our evenings. Lucas pretends he doesn’t sing along, but he does. Badly.”
Lucas gave a small, sheepish grin. “Guilty.”
Aria laughed softly — the first real one Jax had heard from her all night, light and surprised. “I won’t tell. Your secret’s safe.”
The two women fell into easy conversation — Mia asking about the setlist choices, Aria sharing a quick, self-deprecating story about writing “Here” in a hotel room at 3 a.m. after an argument, voice cracking just a little on the memory. Jax hung back with Lucas, watching the way Aria’s shoulders relaxed just a fraction, the tension in her posture easing as Mia drew her out.
Jax noticed as Aria's assistant glanced at her phone, expression shifting. She leaned in to Aria. “I’ve got to step out and make a couple calls—Robert’s on a rampage about tomorrow’s schedule. I’ll be right back, okay?”
Aria nodded. “Go. I’m fine.”
Her assistant gave her one last quick, reassuring look, then slipped away toward a quieter corner near the bar, phone already to her ear.
Lucas glanced over to the entrance. “Marcus just walked in. We should probably go say hi before he hunts us down.”
Mia sighed dramatically. “Duty calls.” She glanced across the rooftop toward the Ascari corner, where Eddie Hale and Etienne Laurent stood laughing with a small knot of sponsors. “I should swing by Eddie and Etienne first—Eddie’s probably charming someone he shouldn’t, and Etienne had a solid race today in the points. My young driver needs a quick pat on the back before the night ends.”
She turned to Aria with a warm smile. “It was so nice meeting you. Let’s catch up again soon? Maybe coffee next time we’re in the same city?”
Aria nodded, warmth in her expression. “I’d like that. Really.”
Lucas gave a small wave. “Good to see you again, Aria. Great show.”
They walked off—Mia heading first toward the Ascari group—leaving Jax and Aria alone in the glow of the rooftop lights.
Jax stepped closer, voice low enough to cut through the party noise. “Sorry about the ambush. Mia’s been obsessed with your music since last season.”
Aria’s lips curved faintly. “It’s fine. She’s sweet. Genuine.”
“She is.” He studied her for a second — emerald dress catching every light, eyes still carrying something heavy behind the smile. “You okay? Looked like you were carrying the weight of the world out there on stage.”
She hesitated, fingers tightening around her glass. Then she exhaled, shoulders dropping as if the words had been waiting too long to come out.
“My boyfriend just dumped me,” she said quietly. “Over text. This morning. While I was on the jet here.”
Jax’s brows lifted, genuine surprise flickering across his face. “Shit. He’s a fucking idiot.”
She gave a small, surprised laugh — genuine, a little broken at the edges. “Yeah. He is.”
“No one in their right mind would let you go,” he said simply, no flirt in it, just honest. “You’re super talented. And hot as fuck. But more than that — you’ve got this… fire. I saw it tonight on stage. Don’t let some arsehole dim that.”
She laughed again — real this time, soft and a little bashful, hand coming up to tuck hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I think.”
Then her expression shifted, something vulnerable flashing through. She looked down at her drink, voice quieter.
“I’m not sure why I just told you that. I haven’t told anyone yet. I’m still processing, I guess. It feels… stupid to say it out loud. Like if I keep it inside it might not be real.” She gave a small, self-conscious shrug. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to unload on you like that. You barely know me.”
