Page 13 of Pretty When It Burns (When The Lights Go Down #1)
Chapter eleven
"Let Me Down Easy (Lie)" - Why Don't We
Mia
Rylee and I make it back to our apartment in the early evening. After ordering Chinese takeout, throwing our luggage in our rooms, and stretching out on our cream colored sectional in the comfort of our own home, we begin to do a debrief of our trip over a bottle of wine.
“So,” Rylee starts. “How are you feeling about everything?”
I honestly can’t tell her. Between kissing Brandon before boarding our plane and now with Grayson texting me to see if I’ve made it home, my head is spinning more than ever.
God. When did this become my life?
“Just trying to figure out what to do next,” I say, sending Grayson a quick reply. “Clearly, all of this isn’t just going to go away.”
“Is it Grayson or my brother texting you?” Rylee asks hesitantly, as if bringing up Grayson will hit a nerve.
“It’s Gray,” I sigh, then pause. “Hey, how did he get my number anyway?”
“I might’ve given it to him,” she admits as her cheeks redden. “There was a lot of groveling—I mostly did it to get him to shut the hell up. He didn’t give me much of a choice.”
I roll my eyes.
Of course.
“He cares about you. I can see it. The way he looks at you, Mia—I’ve told you before, I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that.
Not even Lily. But Brandon? Brandon would be perfect for you.
He’s sweet, stable, loving, and most importantly, not still technically married.
” She stops, giving me a pointed look. “I know I’m biased, but you two would be great together. You’ve got options.”
“I don’t even want options,” I huff. “I want someone who wants me and, ideally, someone who’s not married!”
“Then it’s my brother,” Rylee laughs. “With him, there’s no choices to make, no secrets to keep. He just wants you. At least, that’s my interpretation of it.”
“Maybe I should invite him here, see how things are between us without all the Grayson drama?” I ask.
“That sounds like a great idea,” she smiles as she picks up her phone to send me his contact card.
I sigh and start typing.
Mia Alexander
Hey. What’s your schedule like in the next couple weeks?
Brandon Jackson
We’ve got a few shows tomorrow and Saturday, then a week off. What’s up?
“He says he has a week off starting this Sunday,” I announce, biting my lip.
“And?” Rylee questions.
“It’s just so soon.”
Rylee pours more wine in each of our glasses and gestures to mine. “Drink up and just go for it.”
Mia Alexander
What would you think about
coming to Dallas for a few days?
I place my phone in my lap and cover my face with my hands. “I did it. What if he says no?”
“He’s not going to say no,” Rylee assures me.
“This is all so weird.”
My phone buzzes in my lap.
Brandon Jackson
I’d love that. I’ll call you tonight when I’m done with rehearsal and we can figure out the details, sound good?
Mia Alexander
Great. Talk to you then :)
“He’s coming,” I beam, proud for prioritizing someone good for me, and ultimately, prioritizing myself. “I think this is gonna be really, really good, Ry. Are you sure it’s okay that I’m doing this?”
“Of course it is,” Rylee insists. “I couldn’t be happier. I love Brandon, and I love you, not to mention you’ve both been fucked over by a Harris sibling. I think it’s great.”
“Okay, good. Because I’d hate to put our friendship on the line over something as stupid as a guy.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” she winks. “I think it’s you and me for life now, babe.”
I lay in bed waiting for Brandon’s call.
Rylee and I unglued ourselves from the couch about an hour before.
Just as I’m about to give up and go to sleep, my phone lights up with Brandon’s picture on the screen.
I slowly count to three, as one does when they’re trying not to come off too desperate, before I answer the phone.
“Hey,” I greet him. “How was rehearsal?”
“Long,” he sighs. “But good. Sorry it took me so long to call. It took longer than expected to get away from the guys.”
“No worries.”
“So, this week. I was thinking I’d fly out there on Sunday, get there around dinner time?”
“Yes,” I say as I try not to sound too excited. “That sounds great. Just send me the flight details so I know when to pick you up.”
“Will do,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to this, Mia.”
“Me, too.”
We say our goodnights and hang up. I place my phone face down on my chest, feeling just slightly like I’m floating.
I can’t remember the last time I got this giddy about someone other than Grayson Harris.
Even though I’m still longing for him and what could have been, I know this choice—the safe choice—is the one I need to make.