Page 12 of Flawless Aria

“Aria Mitchell, you’re such a naughty girl. If he were my boyfriend, I’d be screaming it from the rooftops so all the bitches would know he’s off limits. I can’t believe his name never passed your lips. Do tell.”

Lying doesn’t look good on me. I’d forgotten that this would be part of the ruse. That I’d need to act and play the part. The problem is there’s no script and I’m not too good at adlibbing. When in doubt, punt.

“I like to keep my work life separate from my personal one. With that said, I invited him to be my plus one since he’s in between tours.” I’m relieved when Jax shows up with drink in hand. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure as always.” He points to the bar behind Maggie and Rex and says, “This round’s on me. Cheers.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding when he clinks his glass to mine. “Relax.” Once again, his hand lands on my waist and we’re leaving the trash behind. Good riddance is all I can say. For a second, I’m giddy with excitement. If we pull this off, I’ll never need to worry about them talking shit about me while I’m enjoying a meal ever again.

It’s so hard just to sip on my wine when I want to guzzle the whole damn glass. The clock is ticking and time’s flying by as I introduce my boyfriend to a few other colleagues of mine. And when I catch Silas smiling while he’s watching us, I know baking isn’t the only thing we’ll be discussing on Monday morning.

Jax chooses the perfect moment to drop to one knee while holding my hand. Silas raises his glass to both of us as the crowd grows quiet. My glass is shaking so badly that some of my wine lands by my feet. When he squeezes my hand, I give him all of my attention.

“Our love is like a symphony, with each note representing a memory, a moment, and a dream we share. I want to continue composing this beautiful music with you, every day. Creating a new note and a new harmony with each sunrise and sunset. Aria, will you be my forever duet, and marry me?”

“Yes, oh my god yes I’ll marry you.” When he slips the ring on my finger, the crowd instantly comes to life. I only have eyes for Jax as he closes the distance between us and his warm lips capture mine. There’s so much adrenaline flowing through my veins that I’m a fool for believing this is actually happening. Whether it’s the fuel of the crowd, or the way his mouth devours mine, I don’t care. I’m too caught up in the moment.

Until he breaks our kiss, lifts his glass to the crowd, and says, “She said yes!”

Time stands still in that moment when I notice a familiar face standing next to Silas. My sister Stephanie. The glass slips through my fingertips and crashes to the floor.

“Aria, did you cut yourself? You okay, love? Talk to me.” Knowing something’s wrong, Jax follows my gaze and freezes. Next thing I know, we’re moving as the waitstaff cleans up my mess. I want to turn around so badly but Jax won’t let me. He ushers me into the ladies’ room and locks the door.

“We can’t stay here, Jax. We need to leave now. I knew this was a stupid idea and I let you talk me into it…”

“Stop. They’ll be more suspicious if we leave. Let’s clean up and go back out there. You felt faint since I surprised you, is all.” Lowering his voice he whispers, “She would never intentionally hurt you. Ever.”

We wash our hands and get back to the venue just in time to hear the big announcement. “Trent Macmillan will be running our sister magazine,Beautify.”

I don’t hear another word he says when I realize that Trent is Stephanie’s new boyfriend. And the reason she’s here tonight.

8

February

JAXON

It’s beena few weeks since the gala and our whole world exploded the minute we left the venue. Not because Stephanie confronted us or chose to air out our dirty laundry in front of Aria’s coworkers. Oh no. Much worse. She posted a bunch of pictures on all social media platforms, and now our fake engagement is very much real. In the eyes of the paparazzi and the whole media industry, that is. Oh, and our family and friends as well since she loves to send group texts to everyone. Our phones have been blowing up ever since.

We agreed to give everyone some time to calm down before we tell them the truth. Of course, our families are overjoyed and want to discuss our engagement party and upcoming wedding plans. Oh, and apparently, we need to pick a wedding date since most are booked years in advance. Those are just a few, and believe me there’s more.

I’ve barely seen Aria since the event. And when she does come over, I know, “I told you so,” is on the tip of her tongue. She’s refrained from throwing it in my face, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. And I don’t blame her and never would. If Silas had announced Trent in the beginning, then we wouldn’t be in this predicament right now. I’m not pointing fingers; I take full blame. But it’s weird that a newly engaged couple doesn’t spend time together. Aria claims she’s working late or doesn’t want to deal with the cameras going off in her face. Yeah, the paps are staked outside our homes. I give them the finger when I leave but Aria isn’t as crude as I am.

Throwing on a pair of sunglasses, I climb inside the car and head to the studio. Turning into the lot, I’m surprised to see I’m the last one to arrive. Zander and the guys are usually late and I’m the first to arrive. I guess there’s a first time for everything. We’ve been in the studio for a month working on our third album, so it was necessary to let them in on the whole fake engagement thing. Don’t tell Aria because she will flip the fuck out, but these are my bros and they won’t spill the beans.

“Sorry, Jax, but today you’re inside the booth. The rest of you gentlemen can take a seat.” Zander snickers because Bruce, our record producer, just called usgentlemen.

“Are you up for this, Jax?” our sound designer Chuck asks. Apparently, he has somewhere else to be.

“I’m fine and dandy. Let’s just do it.” I don’t wait for a response, closing the door behind me. I debate taking off the glasses but decide to leave them on. I can play by rote so no need to see the kit.

Once I’m in position, I grab the headphones just as Zander belts out the words toI’m Losing Controland all the hair on my body stands at attention. Who knew when we first wrote this song that it would have a double meaning?

You’re slipping away

Like sand through my fingertips

Wasting all my days and nights

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