Page 67 of Destiny

“Both of us?” I ask.

“Yeah. We think you’d make a fantastic act.” I only ever thought of myself as a solo artist.

“We’re definitely interested,” Blakely says.

“Great. Can we set something up tomorrow?”

“Wait—I’m supposed to go back to the States today.”

He covers the microphone with his hand. “Well, extend your trip. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Bea.”

I know he’s right, and I hope Marco will understand. Although I know the girls will also be disappointed. But they’ll get it someday when they’re grown and chasing their dreams.

“Fine,” I say.

“Yes. Okay, we’re in,” he tells her. “Your offices at five. Got it. Thank you.”

That call ends, and we dance around some more.

“I can’t believe this is happening. Our dreams are literally coming true.” I’m holding both sides of my head with my elbows jetting out.

“I know. One video. One video is going to change our lives,” he comments.

“But are you okay with us being an act?” I ask after we calm down a little bit.

He shrugs one of his shoulders. “Why not? We obviously sound great together. Are you having reservations about that?”

“Well, I only envisioned myself as a solo artist.”

“Me too. But if this is how our success has to be built, I say so be it. We can always release solo shit down the road.”

“That’s true.”

Priscilla jumps in. “And if he’s going to team up with a woman, I’m glad it’s someone like you.” She hugs his side.

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.” I giggle. “If it’s a compliment, you’re insinuating that I’m a good friend who would never steal another girl’s man. Or if it’s an insult, you’re saying I’m too ugly for him to want in the first place.”

She laughs. “Obviously, the good friend one.”

“Oh. Well, then, thank you.”

“It also doesn’t hurt that you’re already in a serious relationship,” she adds.

“About that.” I slump and fall on the bed.

“What?” Blakely asks after plopping next to me.

“I’m worried Marco is going to be upset about me staying here a little longer.”

“It might be longer than a little bit, Bea.”

I sit up. “What do you mean?”

“Well, if we sign with Peninsula, they may want us to tour around here first. I mean, it was likely a British person who first posted the video, and that will always be our origin story.”

“Oh. I guess I figured we’d go to the U.S.” At least that way, I can stop back home from time to time when we get close enough. And that caveat is the only thing that made Marco say he was comfortable with me even pursuing music. I told Carrie that I had to be at least one state away every two to three weeks.

He shakes his head. “And that might be the case. I don’t know. I’m just saying.”

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