Page 121 of Igniting Sparks

“You okay?” Eddie asks.

Ori’s brother is a hell of a nice guy, but I’m not ready to dive into my emotional state right now.

“I’m great,” I lie, forcing a smile.

I already know what he’s calling about. See, Eddie and I aren’t buddies—not really—but he’s been working on the studio for the past two weeks.

And that isdefinitelynot a topic I want to discuss.

“I have a surprise for you, although I’m not sure if you want to hear it right now.”

I run a hand over my brow. “Go ahead.”

“We’re done. The studio is finished.”

Fucking figures. Perfect fucking timing.

“Do you want to come down and have a look? It looks fantastic, if I do say so myself.”

I draw in a ragged breath, the weight of the last week crashing down around me.

“Braden?”

I smack the steering wheel and drag a hand through my hair, tempted to chuck my phone across the parking garage.

“Braden? Are you there?”

“I’m here.”

“Do you want to stop by and see it?”

I stare up at the ceiling and blink back tears. “No, man. I don’t.”

Chapter 26

The Comeback Queen

Mina

I’m living the dream… and I hate it.

Los Angeles is big and loud and terrifying. Oh, it’s also beautiful and sunny, but I feel so lost here.

Leo warned me it would take time to adjust, but he grew up in Manhattan, so he’s used to the hustle and bustle of city living.

But all my excuses are bullshit.

I miss Braden more than I miss breathing.

Every day, I pick up the phone to call him and beg him to come get me, but I don’t—because I want him to be proud of me, not see me run back to Sparkwood like a scared schoolgirl.

So I stare at photos of him on my phone and pretend I’m fine.

I’m just dying inside.

And I know one day, in the not-too-distant future, I’ll learn that Braden is dating again. That he’s happy. That he’s moved on.

I’ll smile and wish him well—and I’ll mean it, too. Then I’ll go home, rip my heart from my chest, and put it on a shelf, never to look atit again.