Page 94 of Engulfing Emma

“That was damn impressive,” he says after I slump into my seat. He glances out the window. “And I’m not just talking about the sunset.”

It feels good to laugh with him. It feels good tobewith him.

He hands me my panties, and I put them on while he pours us more wine.

I drink as I gaze out the window. “Did we just join the Mile-High Club?”

“Technically, no, but we’ve got another hour up here to remedy that.”

I have a hard time not smiling. But it fades when I have an unsettling thought. “Unless you’re already a member.”

He takes my hand in his. “I’m not.”

Even though we can’t end up together, the thought of having a first with him makes me happy. “As long as what happens in Vegas …” I shrug.

He sighs and shakes his head. He gets what I’m saying. But he doesn’t push back.

An hour later, after we’ve joined the clubtwice, we’re making our approach at the airport.

He holds my hand. “Did you ever stop to think about how we met? You told me your dad always said things happen for a reason. Maybe there was a reason you were taken hostage at the school. Maybe there was a reason I was the one who volunteered to help you.”

“What are you saying?”

He points a finger between us. “You and me. Maybe this is the reason.”

I look out the window and watch the houses get bigger and bigger. “My dad was wrong,” I say. “Not everything happens for a reason, Brett. There was no reason for him dying. No bigger picture. No good that came from it.” I put his hand back in his lap. “He was wrong.”

Chapter Twenty-seven

Brett

I put down my hamburger and look at my little sister. “Do you have any idea how proud I am of you?”

Bria smiles. “I don’t have the gig yet.”

“But you made it to the final cut. And you’re going to meet the band.”

“Eeek!” she screams. “I can’t believe it. If nothing else comes out of this, I’ll get to say I know Adam Stuart and the rest of White Poison.”

“Something will come out of this,” I say. “I know it.”

“Do you really think so? I mean, do you think I have what it takes to be their backup singer?”

“Bria, you have what it takes to be theirleadsinger.”

“They are aguyband, Brett.”

“I know that. What I’m saying is you’re that good. You should be the lead singer of something. I predict someday you will be.”

She puts her head on my shoulder. “You’re always there for me, aren’t you?”

“You just remember that when you get rich and famous. You remember who supported you along the way.” I nudge her in the ribs. “And maybe get me some backstage passes?”

“You know it.” She bounces in her seat. “Can you imagine if it really happened? This whole thing is kind of freaking me out.” She shows me her hand. “See, I’m shaking. I’m so damn nervous. I don’t even want to think about what a wreck I’ll be when I actually have to sing in front of them.” Her eyes get huge. “What if I throw up? It would be humiliating. What if I have an asthma attack? What if I’m sick that day, and my voice totally sucks?”

I grab her shaking hands. “Bria, you haven’t had an asthma attack since you were ten. You’re not going to throw up. You sing better when you’re sick than most people do healthy, but if you’re worried about it, double up on the vitamin C and maybe stay away from Leo for a week before your audition—that kid is cesspool of germs.”

“That kid is freaking amazing,” she says like a doting aunt.

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