Page 13 of Aria

I bobbed my head, wrapping my hands around my mug and taking a quick sip. "Born and raised.My parents moved down to Florida to retire, but my home is here."

"Do you have any siblings?" he inquired.

"Nope, only child. It’s certainly had its pros and cons."

"I've got four brothers. Consider yourself lucky."

My lips pursed with thought."Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.It would be nice to have that special bond with someone. I mean, I had friends, but they came and went.Lisa, the redhead you met last week, has known me most of my life.” I lowered my eyes as a wave of guilt passed through me.“And my parents and I haven’t spoken for a long time.”

Devon's expression softened. "Do you ever get lonely?"

Lonely was the perfect word to sum up my life."Nah," I lied."My cat keeps me company and my job keeps me busy.I have no complaints." I wondered if Devon could see the wounded girl beneath the cheerful façade.Was I transparent, or did I hide my demons well? All I knew for certain was that I wasn't ready to confess how depressing my life truly was.

"Well, that's good to hear," Devon replied. "As long as you're happy."

I was quick to turn the conversation off myself, clearing my throat."What about you?" I asked."What's it like to be a rock god?"

He smirked."I really can't complain. I'm getting paid to do what I love, and I'm traveling the world with my best friends.Not to mention… I've discovered quite the compelling young woman."

I dismissed him with a good-natured shake of my head."Smooth.”

Devon leaned back in his seat, folding his hands behind the nape of his neck. "You know, I was hoping to take you and your friends out for drinks tonight.Something fun and casual. Miles and Tad are still in Los Angeles, but Noah’s back in town if you think you can stomach his presence. Maybe we can all get to know each other better."

My grip tightened around my cup.Just the sound of Noah's name made my claws want to come out."Absolutely," I forced out.“That sounds great.”

Devon clapped his hands together and sat up straight in his chair. "Awesome. It's a date, then."

I smiled brightly, and we continued our conversation for the next two hours.

We spoke of Devon’s career, his friendship with his band members, and his life before the spotlight—he was an auto mechanic who played Nirvana covers in his garage. I listened with interest. Devon had a charismatic way of making something as mundane as tire pressure sound exciting.

I, in turn, shared small details about my life in the big city—my hobbies and aspirations, my dreams of making a difference someday. I had always wanted to go back to school to become a guidance counselor, but rent and bills forced me to work long hours at the lounge. Being a cocktail waitress had not been my life goal. I’d always wanted to help people, not carry around heavy trays of junk food and clean up spilled drinks.

Devon didn’t look down on me, though, nor make me feel ashamed of my hampered ambitions. He reminded me that everyone starts somewhere, and that it’s not where we begin, but where we end up that truly matters. Everyone has the ability to change their path.

When we left to go our separate ways, I felt a yearning in the pit of my stomach. I was enamored with Devon, and he seemed to reciprocate my feelings. It felt like I was in some kind of alternate reality.

As he sauntered out the door with his J. Crew blazer, luxury sunglasses, and endless amounts of modest swagger, I sighed dreamily. It had only been thirty seconds and I already missed his company.

Later that evening, Julia barged into my apartment, attacking me with a monster hug asLisa strolled in behind her. "Girl, you are my hero. I can't believe you scored me a date with Noah tonight,” Julia squealed.

I steadied my balance as I recovered from the hug. "He's a douche, remember?"

"Yeah, he's a total douche,” Julia agreed. “But he's fine as hell, and I amsogetting me some action tonight. Finally!"

I cringed at the mental imagery. "Gross.Just keep him away from me, okay?"

"That will not be a problem.”

A few hours passed by, and we were putting the finishing touches on our makeup and wardrobe accessories when the doorbell buzzed. I could hear Lisa and Julia giggling with excitement from the bathroom.

Running a nervous hand through my freshly straightened hair, I opened the door. I’d expected to see some sort of bodyguard or personal assistant, butboth Devon and Noah stood before me in the entryway looking more handsome than I’d remembered. Devon wore a white collared shirt with fitted blue jeans and a chain around his neck, while Noah was dressed more casually in a snug black t-shirt with a band logo I didn't recognize. The scent of masculine cologne infiltrated my senses as I stepped back to let them enter.

"Hey," I greeted, flashing a bright smile in Devon’s direction before shifting my gaze to the man on his left. "Hi, Noah.”

My tone was noticeably less enthusiastic.

"Hey, Chelsie," Noah replied.

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