Page 53 of Hot Set

“It is,” Brandon said, “But I’m good at it. That’s what matters. To my father anyway, but I… well, it’s not an issue anymore.”

Seth arched an eyebrow. “Did you finally kill the old man?”

“You can’t solve all your problems with murder, Seth,” Logan said.

“Can’t I?” Seth asked.

“No,” Brandon replied, “But my dad isn’t happy with me.”

“So, what’s new?” Mark muttered.

Brandon nodded. “I know. But he’s especially unhappy with me now. Because I quit.”

“You quit?” I asked.

What did that mean? My heart gallivanted off in a million different directions.

“I did,” Brandon said slowly. “I was thinking that maybe—since I really like working on films, I ought to keep doing that instead of resigning myself to business my whole life.”

“How are you going to fund that?” Seth asked.

“Someone suggested crowdfunding,” Brandon replied, his blue eyes softening as he looked at me.

He’d really taken my advice.

“So,” Brandon continued, “I figure I’ll take the plunge. I’m going to open the movie set again, and we’ll work it out. I’m sorry to steal your thunder, Alex, but I thought this would be a good time. Since everyone is already here. If you guys still want to do this.”

I could go back to the movie and do make-up. And with Brandon’s bright blue eyes fixed on me, that suddenly sounded like a wonderful idea. Even if it meant abandoning my FBI aspirations.

Just stay in Bluehaven and do make-up. Just being around Brandon. Maybe that would be enough.

“I don’t know,” Seth said. “Youdidleave us hanging.”

I wasn’t sure how he managed to find his voice at all. My mouth was drier than the Mojave Desert.

“I know,” Brandon said, his voice softening, “And I’m sorry. You’re all right to be mad at me. I should’ve taken more risks. I shouldn’t have just dropped this on you all the way I did. It was a jerk move. For sure.”

“But it wasn’t all you,” I said in a rush. “I was really mean about it, and I should’ve been more understanding.”

After I said that, I felt ridiculous. This wasn’t all about me, after all. But there was still something freeing in saying it, in admitting that I’d spent every moment since agonizing over how I’d reacted to Brandon’s announcement.

“I’m pretty sure it was mostly me,” Brandon said. “And it’s not just you. I left everyone—”

“For God’s sake,” Seth said, “I’m not going to sit here and be talked over. Mark, come on. I wanted to show you this certain kind of liquor, but I can’t remember what it’s called.”

Mark furrowed his brow, clearly confused. “What?”

“Oh, yeah,” Logan said suddenly. “You mentioned that earlier. Out!”

Mark adopted a look of mock offense as Logan ushered him from the booth.

With a mischievous smirk, Seth stood and edged out, too, leaving Brandon and me beside one another.

Bioncia gave me a knowing look before standing, too. I realized suddenly how many people were leaving at once, and I wondered if this was some sort of ploy to get Brandon and me alone. Was that too much of a reach, or was that reasonable to assume? Had Seth told her about my crush on Brandon, or had she figured it out?

“Hey, Sean,” Bioncia said, “Do you remember where you parked the car? I think I left my phone in there.”

“What?” Sean asked. “Haven’t—”

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