Page 83 of The Spotlight Effect

“No, it’s just that door is made to lock and become part of this soundproof room. It unlocks by a blue button out there,” I tell her.

“Are you serious?” She looks at me, jaw dropped. I nod and she rushes over to the door, yanking at the handle. Unfortunately defeated.

“No, no, no, no,” she cries. “Can you call or text someone?”

“I’ll try,” I tell her. I know everyone’s plans for today's day off. Austin is visiting his mom with Bridget, and I do not want to interrupt that. Shawn is spending the day with Zara, at least right now, taking her on a date. I’d have a shot calling Charlie so that’s what I do.

I let it ring a few times, but it goes to voicemail, so I try Scarlet but same thing. I send a text to the band group chat instead, so maybe they will see it.

“I sent everyone a text,” I tell Alexia.

“I called Raven and Scarlett and texted them too along with Emerson,” she says.

“Now we wait,” I say.

“And do what?” she asks, the frustration very clear in her voice.

“We could watch your favorite movies,” I suggest.

There’s no way I’m letting this fail because of some movies. “I mean, sure, I did bring my iPad,” she says, going over to her bag.

“Are you feeling better?” I ask.

“Yes, actually, thank you,” she replies.

Alexia brings over the iPad, and I grab a blanket out of the corner basket and lay it on the floor. We sit on top of it and get comfortable to watch whichever one she puts on.

“You’re very dedicated,” Alexia says, looking at me.

“What do you mean?” I look at her, confused.

“Like you’re dedicated to knowing about me, making me feel better, my favorite things,” she answers.

“You're special.” I shrug.

“Were you like this with Jazzlyn?” She sets up the iPad with the movie 10 Things I Hate About You in front of us.

“You know, I can’t say I wasn’t at some rate, but it’s not the same way with you. I’m consumed by you. I’m obsessed with you, Alexia. You’re my Grumpy. My Astéri mou.” I’m truly honest with her. I never planned on dating, not any time soon. I was fine alone. I wanted to be alone but now, I don’t know if I want to be anything without her.

“Wow. You can literally date anyone. You’re Grayson Archer.” I stop her because I know where she’s going with this.

“I don’t want anyone. I want you to give me a chance.” I place my hand on her. “Please.”

“Grayson Archer, I think you just earned the honor of taking me ononedate. Don’t mess it up,” she tells me and presses play on the movie.

Yes! I got a date. We’re getting somewhere.

I’m getting the girl.

ALEXIA VS. NEVEA

GRAYSON

Alexia turns off her final favorite movie,Beetlejuice. I can’t believe I just spent the past three hours and thirty minutes watching these movies. They weren’t bad, especiallyThe Nightmare Before ChristmasandBeetlejuicebut the romance one wasn’t my favorite. The main girl, Kat, I think her name was, reminded me of Alexia.

“So what did you think?” I ask her. I turn my head over to her and notice we’re pretty close, so I pull her onto my lap, placing my hands on her hips.

“I think I really like this position.”

---