Page 29 of Perfectly Wrong

For fuck’s sake, Martin! You left half an hour ago! —_—’

Of course, I’d never tell him about the tears or how much I wished he’d turn around and come back. That would freak him out and ruin everything too soon.

I know you miss me too! I’ll see you in a few weeks. XX

I pouted at the message but didn’t reply. Instead, I took a long, hot shower and got ready for work.

“Is it wrong to be this excited about the party?” Vicky asked, practically bouncing as we grabbed lunch at the cafeteria.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well, since I rarely see you this hyped, I’d say it’s great to see you so happy,” I teased. “I only glanced at the invite. Where’s it happening again? Is there a theme?”

“You’re joking, right?” She stared at me, disbelief written all over her face.

“Uh, no?”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Sam Martin is performing, Lena! He’s one of three artists doing a pocket show at the Icon Records gala!”

I nearly choked on my coffee, scalding my tongue. Damn it, why was this stuff always so hot?

“But he’s still so new,” I managed, after swallowing. “We usually see industry legends at the gala. How did they end up inviting him?”

“No clue, but I’m proud of him. He’s part of our team, and we should celebrate that, right?”

I was about to respond when my phone rang. Seeing an unknown number, I knew exactly who it was. I told Vicky I’d catch up with her at the office, and she left.

“Hello?” I answered, moving to the farthest table in the cafeteria.

“Hey, Lena.” Sam’s voice filled my ear, and I closed my eyes for a second. “Did you hear? I’m performing at the Icon Records gala!”

I could hear the surprise in his voice, and I smiled. “Actually, I just found out. But congratulations! This is huge—you know that, right?”

“Yeah, I guess...” His uncertainty was almost palpable.

“It is huge! And I’m so proud of you.”

“Really?” He sounded genuinely shocked. What was up with him?

“Absolutely. The whole team is thrilled and can’t wait for the party!”

“Thanks! I have to go; my flight’s boarding. I’ll call you when I land, okay?”

“Okay! Safe travels.” And come back safe, I almost added but hung up before I could embarrass myself.

The silence didn’t last long. On my way back to the office, my phone rang again—this time, it wasn’t Sam.

“John!” I practically shouted with relief.

“What the hell, Elena?” he barked, but I could tell he was trying not to laugh. “I’ve been working for months trying to get my top artist a spot at this damn party. Then you swoop in with your barely legal protégé and snag a gig for him?”

I threw my head back, laughing. “Only the strong survive, John!” I joked. “My boy’s got serious talent. Hard to compete with those falsettos.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s still practically a kid and already causing me headaches. I guess the only way I can secure a spot like that is to lure you to New York.”

“In your dreams, my friend.” I couldn’t stop smiling. Talking to John always brightened my day, his voice somehow both calming and exciting, much like Sam’s. “But you didn’t call just to praise my unmatched skill in turning newbies into stars, did you?”

“Well, that too, but I actually called to ask if you’d be my date to the gala.”

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