Page 117 of Engulfing Emma

“I know, and I’m grateful.”

Bonnie thumbs at Bria, who is practically bouncing up and down on the couch. “Your sister has been very patient, but she’s about ready to burst out of her skin. Go on, honey. Tell him.”

Bria smiles. She smiles big.

“Oh my God, you got it?”

She jumps off the couch and into my arms. “I got it!”

I hug her hard. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“You needed time with Leo. I didn’t want to interfere with that.”

We sit on the barstools at the kitchen counter. “Tell me everything.”

“I don’t know much yet. I only got the offer last night. We’ll practice in New York for two months and then in late October, we go on tour. Three months, forty cities.”

I look at her, amazed at what she’s accomplished. “My sister, the backup singer for White Poison. I’m so proud of you, Bria.”

“We should celebrate,” Bonnie says. “When you’re over your jet lag.”

“That’s a date. But tonight, I need to go to bed and sleep for ten hours straight. Oh, that reminds me. Bonnie, can I borrow your bedroom window at eight o’clock?”

“Borrow mywhat?”she asks in confusion.

I laugh. “It’s a long story, but it started in a storage closet.”

Chapter Thirty-two

Emma

My alarm goes off. It takes me a minute to figure out where I am and what’s going on. Then I look at the texts on my phone and smile.

Brett: I know we said eight, but I couldn’t wait.

Brett: Are you there? It’s your boyfriend. Do you have any idea how good it feels to say that?

Brett: You’re probably asleep, which is what I should be doing. I wanted to see you one more time before bed. I won’t be able to concentrate at work tomorrow, thinking about seeing you Monday night.

I smile. I almost thought the whole thing was a dream, but he’s my boyfriend now. That really happened. And I’m not freaking out about it.

Me: I’m here. Sorry. I fell asleep, but I set my alarm so I wouldn’t miss our talk.

Brett: You set your alarm? Man, you must really dig me.

I laugh out loud.

Brett: Come to the window.

I do what he asks, but I don’t see him in his living room window. I look at Leo’s. He’s not there either. Then I see him.

Me: What are you doing in Bonnie’s room?

Brett: I wanted some privacy.

I remember who he needs privacy from. I strain to look into his living room to try and see his ex.

Me: How’d it go when you got home?

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