Page 6

"She's gonna freak out."

"Maybe not."

"You think you know her better than me?"

"Chill, Felix. I'm just saying she's rolled with everything so far."

"Maybe she'll like the attention."

"Yeah, right, San . Not everyone lives for fame like you."

"I meant it could give her exposure as a musician."

"No one knows how she'll react."

I frowned in my sleep, hearing the whispers.

"We have to wait and see."

"I can't believe she's still sleeping."

"Maybe she wouldn't be if someone didn't keep her up last night."

"My snoring is not that bad."

There was a round of guffaws in response.

"I hear the sleepcuddler struck again."

"Santino, tell me you didn't."

"Don't be jealous, Iz . If you'd been on the bus, you know I would've found my way to you."

A scoff. "As if I'd ever sleep with you."

"Never say never."

"In this case, it's definitely never."

Santino sounded amused when he said, "Ah, you know I love a challenge."

Rolling out of bed, I rubbing my eyes and walked to the front of the bus. When I got there, all conversation suddenly ceased like the volume was switched off.

"There she is," Taylor said after a beat . Something was odd about her tone. "Morning, Aurora. You want anything to eat or drink ? Muffin, scone, doughnut ?"

I noticed the breakfast spread but shook my head.

"No, I'm okay," I said and grabbed a banana. "I'll just take this."

"Might want something a little stronger," Santino murmured.

It was then I noticed everyone staring at me. The sensation was unsettling. If I'd been more awake, I would've spotted it before . The feeling that I might be the she they were talking about hit me like a slap.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

" No…and yes. We have a problem," Taylor said, and I got the distinct sense of déjà vu. Felix was sitting in the corner, however . He obviously wasn't missing, so I knew this was a different issue. Unlike everyone else, he didn't look concerned, more amused than anything. But when he met my eyes, something shift ed in his expression. Was that…guilt? "Nothing big. But a problem nonetheless."

"Or an opportunity," the young woman standing next to her spoke up.

"Aurora, this is Izzy. " Taylor gestured to the newcomer. "She runs the band's PR, social media accounts, things like that."

"Hi," I said.

"Hi back ." Izzy looked like she was in her early 20s with raven black hair, gorgeous, clear skin, and ice blue eyes surrounded by thick black lashes . With her rockabilly hairstyle, cat eyeliner, and ruby red lips, she kind of reminded me of a punk Snow White . "It's all a matter of perspective," she went on, throwing me a smile. " You sleep okay, Aurora?"

"Not exactly," I said, slow and unsure. "B ut it could've been worse."

I glanced around the table.

"Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

The not-knowing was killing me.

Felix leaned forward, but Ryker put a hand on his arm.

"Aurora," Taylor said gently , and my eyes moved to her. "How exactly do you know Felix?"

With a shrug, I said, "We met yesterday. In the parking lot."

Her eyes went to Felix. "I thought you said you met a while back."

He just stared at me then said, "Yeah."

"Well, which is it?"

"We'll go with her story. For now."

I blinked in confusion. "That's what happened."

"Is it?" Felix said mysteriously, but Taylor ignored him.

"Hmmm. " She nodded. "And did anything else happen in the parking lot?"

She directed the question to me, but I wasn't sure what she wanted.

"Like maybe a romantic event?"

I blinked.

What was she—

"A kiss maybe?" Izzy put in.

My face flamed scarlet, and I looked at Felix. "You told them?" I said faintly.

"No, princess," he said. "I didn't."

Then how…?

"Somone took pictures and video and posted them online," Izzy said.

"What?" I stuttered.

"Show her," Taylor said.

Izzy handed me a tablet, and my eyes grew round. Sure enough, there we were. Felix. Me. Kissing. My first kiss right there for everyone to see. I couldn't decide which was more startling, the photos or video. Definitely the reel, I thought as it replayed again and again and again. After watching for the third time, I looked up in a daze.

"Has anyone else seen this?" I asked.

Izzy gave me a sad smile. "Oh honey, everyone's seen it. I caught it this morning when I was checking HERS 's socials about the tour. It's the top hit for both the band and Felix."

"Oh."

"It's not easy to go viral," she went on. "Especially when you have no online presence. So good on you—and you." Izzy nodded to Felix then looked down as the video played again. "That kiss is…stunning."

"It's okay," Santino said.

"Bet Maggie and I could've done better," Hayden added.

"Me and Izzy's video would beat yours any day."

"Nah, we'd get way more views."

"In your dreams."

Elliot and Ryker just shook their heads.

"Anyway." Izzy rolled her eyes then turned to Taylor. "Like I said, this is a great opportunity."

"For what?" I asked.

Both women looked to me.

Taylor was the first to speak.

"The fans love a good romance story," she said with a shrug.

"Absolutely," Izzy agreed. " Don't you remember how well Hayden and Magnolia's went over?"

"Oh yeah"—Taylor's eyes were bright—"it still makes my heart flutter. Remember the way he used to dedicate that song to her?"

" To the girl in the elevator ," all the guys said as one—except Hayden whose cheeks were red, but he was smiling wide.

"It had a ring to it," he said, "and Maggie loved every second—even if she'd never admit it."

"Of course, she did," Izzy said. "Wh o wouldn't? The person that captured this moment between Aurora and Felix handed us a rare gift. You can't buy this kind of exposur e . The fans will feel like they're with you from the beginning. People want something to root for."

I shook my head. "And that would be what?"

"True love," she said as if it should be obvious. "You and Felix. The shy girl and the rockstar."

My jaw dropped, and I looked at Felix for a reaction, certain he must be as shocked as I was. But his face was totally blank.

Belatedly, a laugh escaped my lips.

"You're joking," I said. "Right?"

"No, I'm totally serious," Izzy retorted. "You have to admit it's perfect. Who wouldn't want to follow a whirlwind summer romance ?"

Santino raised his hand. "I'd watch that show."

"Me too," Elliot said.

"Me three," Hayden added.

"I'd binge it," Ryker said.

I shot him a look. "Seriously?"

He lifted his hands in a 'hey, don't blame me' gesture, but my eyes landed on Felix.

"What about you? " I said. "You must have something to say about all this."

Felix crossed his arms. " It's not the worst idea."

What?!?

"I'd ship us," he said then threw me a half-smile.

Taylor put a hand on my shoulder. "This could be good for everyone, Aurora. Ticket sales already saw a bump after the video. If we play this right, we could sell out every show. HERS would gain an even bigger following. Felix will win hearts across the country. And you'll get famous right along with them."

"I just want to play music," I said softly.

"And you will," Izzy said, "but this way you'll also help HERS and Felix find even more diehard fans."

I swallowed.

"On top of that, you can give hopeless romantics everywhere a love story to end all love stories."

"But we're not in love," I said.

"But you could be," she said.

I just stared at her.

"Come on, everyone loves a fake relationship."

"They'll never believe it."

"Oh, trust me. They will ." Izzy ran a hand through her long hair. " With my help, you and Felix will be bigger than Romeo and Juliet."

"Pretty crappy ending."

"I'll work on it . So?"

Felix sat forward then. "Aurora's right. "

My eyes snapped to his.

"They'll never buy it."

"Why not?" Izzy said.

He gestured to me. "Well, just look at her."

Heat suffused my cheeks as he studied me.

"No one's gonna believe someone like her would go for someone like me."

I frowned.

"She's too beautiful," he said.

"Felix," Izzy said.

"I'm serious."

"I know. " She sighed. "That's what makes it so romantic."

Did Felix really just say… that? About me?

Beautiful.

I couldn't believe it.

Of my many issues, low self-esteem was not one of them . I was okay looking. I didn't hate my face or body. Honestly, I didn't really think much about my appearance . But as h is words echoed in my mind, it did not compute.

She's too beautiful.

I tried to stop it, but something in my chest stirred.

The words etched themselves onto my heart.

Like a secret.

Or a pretty lie that I would take to my grave.

I'd never had someone who wasn't family call me beautiful before.

Too beautiful, I corrected.

It was unreal.

And I'd always remember Felix because he was the one who said it.

"So," Izzy said finally, "are we doing this or what?"

"Your call, princess," Felix said, piercing me with his deep brown eyes.

Did that mean…he wanted to do this?

Was that even possible?

I cleared my throat, unable to believe it . "Maybe we should let it all blow over."

Taylor and Izzy exchanged a look.

"What?"

"Well," Taylor said, "even if we don't actively promote the relationship, it's already out there. Real or fake, the fans have decided you two are a thing."

Izzy nodded. " Couple vids from the concert are making the rounds . This went up about an hour ago. "

When she clicked to another window, I gulped.

"Wow," Elliot said. "You two look…"

Hayden elbowed him in the stomach before he could finish, but we all knew what it looked like.

"Is this real?" Ryker asked.

"Yep," Izzy said. "Someone just spliced all the moments together."

"I didn't know…" I said.

"Me either," Felix said, leaning forward.

My voice trailed off as a different video came up. Someone, probably one of Felix's fans, had captured us—him looking at me as I played; me looking at him as he soloed on bass; us trading glances again and again throughout the show. I remembered the electric feeling when ever our eyes met, how our music sea mlessly entwined, like we had a connection. I just didn't know it was so obvious.

"If we do this, what are we talking about?"

Izzy's excitement was palpable. "Nothing too crazy . Just some candid pics of you and Aurora, holding hands, standing together backstage, sitting on the bus, maybe a kiss or two."

One kiss with Felix rocked my world.

Another would ruin me for anyone else.

I was sure of it.

My fingers started tapping a nervous rhythm on my thigh. I thought I'd done a good job of hiding it. But a few seconds later, I felt another hand envelope mine. Warm skin, rough fingertips, a sure grip. Looking up, Felix captured my gaze.

He gave my hand a squeeze.

I instantly felt comforted.

Oh, this was bad.

"Let it go for now," he said.

Izzy opened her mouth, but Santino shook his head.

"Okay," Taylor said with a shrug, "it was just an idea."

"And a social media manager's dream," Izzy added wistfully. "But whatever. No big deal."

"Really?" I said.

She nodded and threw me a wink.

To give them both credit, neither laid the guilt on too thick. Though I knew they had to be disappointed. As Felix's hand left mine, our fingers glided slowly apart until nothing but our fingertips touched then finally disconnected. The small touch shouldn't have made me shiver. But it did.

"We've got a few hours before tech," Taylor said and clapped her hands. "You're free to go out, take in the sights, have some fun. I'll see you later."

Needing to escape, feeling too many eyes on me, I grabbed my phone, laptop, and a book.

I didn't know where I was going.

Had never been in this town before.

But I had my GPS.

I wasn't scared to explore.

Loved it actually.

And I needed space and time to process.

I ended up in a park with plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and grassy areas to sit. The tree I hunkered down beneath gave the perfect amount of shade. At first, I tried to distract myself. Reading always helped me get out of my head. It was also one of my favorite pastimes besides music. So of course, I reached for the book I took before leaving the tour bus. Unfortunately, I should've paid more attention. The paperback was a romance, one I'd read before and loved. The only problem : it featured a fake romance.

"You've gotta be kidding," I mumbled.

My eyes moved over the familiar text.

I remembered immediately loving the main characters. Their chemistry was off-the-charts. The writing was heartwarming, hilarious, swoony and sexy at the same time. It was fun too. I couldn't get enough.

This re-read, though, was not going as planned. I t just put me right back on that bus.

With Felix and the others.

Talking about my own possible fake romance.

As if I could do that.

As if I was the kind of girl that had fun, cool, no-strings attachments.

I gave the book another few pages then shook my head. I was sure I'd read more later , but for now, I set it aside. My phone pinged with a text, and I looked over. Checking my messages might be a good distraction.

Mom had texted earlier.

Mom: Good Morning, Ror ! I heard the show went well! Can't wait to talk later! I miss you and love you so much!

"Ah Mom," I said, typing out a quick response.

Luckily her and my dad didn't live on social media. They probably hadn't heard about the kiss, and for that, I was grateful.

Couldn't say the same about my cousins though.

I winced reading their texts.

Freya: You had your first kiss!!!

Freya: With a rockstar!!!

Freya: And you didn't tell me :(

Freya: But I'm still happy for you—bc I'm a good cousin. Details, Ror . I want ALL of them.

Scarlett: How was the show? Was it amazing? I bet it was amazing! If you get a second, text me. Also , you and Felix are so cute!!! 333

Viola: Ror…that kiss was everything! I watched it way too many times :). Is that guy Felix a dog lover? He looks like one. Hope you're having fun!

Was Felix a dog lover?

I'd have to ask him.

Lottie: As a romantic, I have to say that kiss was a 10 out of 10! If you need to talk, I'm here! And…just don't panic, okay? That moment is for you and Felix. Remember that.

I took all their words to heart but Lottie's most of all . She knew exactly what I was going through—well, not with the tour. But Lottie and Bo knew a thing or two about a personal moment going viral. As such, her comment really struck me.

The kiss. My first kiss. It was ours. There was nothing to panic over because…no one could take that away from us.

A sense of calm washed over me.

To be honest, I'd never gotten to the full-blown panic I expected.

And why had I been so nervous about Izzy's suggestion?

Would it really be so bad to fake date Felix?

To touch him?

And possibly kiss him again?

Butterflies danced in my stomach at that thought.

What was I so afraid of?

Contrary to Izzy's assumption, I did have social media. My account just didn't have many posts or followers outside of my family. Reason: Being online too much triggered my anxiety. I could only take so much before I felt drained. I logged on now and rewatched the videos. They made me smile slightly. If this was another couple, I would've eaten it up with a spoon. It really did look like there was something between Felix and me.

But there's not, I reminded myself.

It's all pretend.

Izzy and Taylor were right about one thing.

People were in love with love. My cousins were living proof, and I had tons of romance novels, songs, and movies to back it up too. The number of views and comments was crazy. Would it really be so bad to give them what they want?

My breath hitched.

If Felix and I fake dated, there was a very real chance I might fall for him. Honestly, I was probably halfway there.

Could I keep my real feelings in check?

Was it worth the risk?

And also…

Was I brave enough to find out?