Page 96 of The Last Dance

‘I’ll be right back,’ I say, holding a single finger up, glancing at Henry, hoping he reads my mind that I need a moment and covers for me.

I make my way to the bathroom, immediately calling Claire.

‘Did you know about this?’ I say as soon as I hear her answer the call.

‘Know about what?’

‘Claire…’ I say in my most authoritative voice.

‘OK… I knew.’

‘Brad Winston, Claire. And Henryknowshim? They’re out there shooting the shit like they’re BFFs.’

‘Hedidsay he’d do anything for you.’

I stare at myself in the mirror. He did say that. A few times.

‘Does he…?’ I ask her, trying not to say the word that is doing the most damage to my already hesitant heart.

‘I think you probably already know the answer to that.’

I sigh. ‘I’m going to break up with Noah.’ I lean against the wall, my heart racing in my chest. ‘I hate breaking up with people, Claire.’

‘I know. But for now, just focus on one thing at a time. Right now you probably better get your ass out there and talk to Brad.’

‘Right.’ I stand up, glancing at myself in the mirror again. ‘I can do this. I can interview a mega superstar.’ I say it mostly to myself for motivation.

‘Of course you can! This is your life now, mingling with the local celebrities.’

I giggle into the phone. ‘This is so not the life I expected.’

‘Go!’

‘Bye.’

I tap the end call button and force myself to breathe. This is what I wanted. A contact that could get me a story that would get the site seen. Henry found it.

I walk back into the coffee shop. I can totally act like a normal human being while my heart both falls apart and falls in love. Should be no problem. I make my way back to the table, Brad and Henry now sitting and chatting like they truly are friends. I sit down across from Brad with Henry on my left.

‘Sorry about that. I had to compose myself. You kind of caught me off guard there.’

‘Not a problem.’ Brad smiles, clearly getting a bit of a kick out of this. I’m sure he had no idea how starstruck and tongue-tied I’d be when he arranged this.

I pull a notepad and pen from my bag.

‘You have a show here this week?’

‘Yup. Playing at the Crystal once again.’

I glance at Henry. I knew the show was at the Crystal but the fact that it keeps coming into my life with moments I’ll never forget is beyond my comprehension right now.

‘Listen, I’d love to have you guys come hang out with us for the night.’

‘That would be amazing,’ I say with an enthusiastic nod.

‘Perfect. I hate to cut this short, but I’ve got another meeting. Henry’s got my digits. If you need anything between now and then give me a call. I’ll see you guys soon.’ He and Henry both stand, me lagging behind a little trying to process everything.

I finally stand, holding my hand out, touching him for the first time, trying desperately not to let out another ridiculously embarrassing giggle. ‘Thank you.’

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