Page 19 of Mayhem

"Alright troublemaker, let's get you over to this surprise sleepover then so you're not late." Brad scoops a protesting Charlie up, chuckling as he tickles her. Their giggles wash away any remaining tension between us.

He meets my eyes over Charlie's shoulder warmly. "Meet you back here in an hour? I know a place nearby we can walk to, best barbecue in the city."

My grin spreads slowly picturing a glimpse into Brad's world beyond these studio walls. "That sounds perfect actually. It's a date." The enthusiasm bubbles out before I can let any second thoughts creep in.

Brad's eyes crease with an echoing smile that quickens my pulse and lingers long after they've disappeared through the door with a giggling Charlie.

I’ve got a date with Brad Chambers.

Holy shit.

My hands tremble slightly swiping on a layer of mascara. Brad Chambers waiting for a date across town and I'm freaking out like a teenager again.

When my phone lights up with Ivy’s face, I pounce gratefully. "Help, I panicked and wore my maroon blouse, black jeans. Too dressy? Too boring?” I ramble anxiously.

My best friend squeals through the line. "You landed a hot date and didn't tell me? Spill. I want all the tea."

I smile despite the maelstrom raging in my head. Ivy listens eagerly as I dish about the crazy audition details ending with surprise matchmaker Charlie’s proposal. "So now I'm dressing like a soccer mom about to seduce a rockstar."

Ivy coos affectionately. "Honey, that man won't care if you wear a paper bag. Just let him see that shining spirit underneath. Wear a red lace bra for inspiration, though - and easy access."

I flush wildly imagining such presumptuousness. Will tonight be more than just dinner conversation? How far am I willing to take this?

My muscles coil tightly wondering if I'm ready for wherever my impulsiveness might lead if romance knocks our guarded walls down for good.

"It's just...this is the textbook rebound fling scenario, right? Maybe I’m still reeling about Corey?" I nibble my thumbnail as I pace, phone squeezed between my shoulder and ear.

“Girl, you dumped him. And good riddance,” she snaps. “Besides, that was months ago. His name hasn’t even come up since then until you just said it. It’s not that at all.”

She’s right, of course. It’s not rebound. I’m just freaking the hell out.

"Okay, but this is a rockstar we’re talking about here. I know better than to get sucked in when the writing's basically tattooed on the bathroom wall already."

Ivy sighs sympathetically. "The heart wants what it wants, babe. Maybe the beauty is embracing the wild ride for however long it lasts. No regrets."

I smile softly despite the cartwheeling nerves in my gut. "Look at you, getting all Zen on me. But seriously, can I risk the fallout here? Jeopardizing the client relationship with the label if this crashes and burns? And where does Charlie even fit in?" My breath hitches as I focus on all the confusing emotions.

"Okay, valid worries," Ivy soothes. "But that precious girl clearly ships you two together. So, I say slip on that red lace for luck and let yourself be swept away on the tidal wave already pulling you under. The answers will come in time if it's meant to be."

"It's just...I could jeopardize everything I've built if things crash and burn here. I can barely keep my focus straight whenever Brad is in my general vicinity. People will notice how unprofessional I get." I sigh, flopping back on a pile of discarded tops strewn on the bed.

Ivy makes an exaggerated sound of enlightenment. "Oh, now we get to the real inner turmoil. Girl's got it bad for Rockstar Daddy..."

I lift my head to glare at the phone. "Don't call him that. But yeah, you're not wrong." I cover my flushed face in embarrassment.

"Hey, ain't no shame in that game. Just shows you're human. I'm sure you can set reasonable boundaries when needed." Ivy's breezy reassurance smooths my ruffled feathers.

I twist a lock of hair thoughtfully. "It's just...I catch his eye sometimes and forget what I was even doing. Those smoldering looks short circuit my damn brain." I laugh softly, nerves ebbing to cautious excitement again. "But yeah, hopefully some professionalism kicks back in when I have to actually work."

Ivy giggles triumphantly. "See, you got this. Now go rock his world."

My eyes squeeze shut as I exhale slowly, letting her advice seep in. Maybe she's right. Resistance against the untamable is exhausting. I grab my faded leather jacket as anticipation flutters dangerously across my heart. "Well, here goes nothing. Time to go catch that wave and see where it carries me. Wish me luck."

“Good luck!” she sings.

Damn her encouragement.

My boot heels click on the asphalt as I make my way toward Brad's car, fresh nerves and excitement running riotously within my chest. Get it together, I remind myself. This is just two adults sharing a casual meal.

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