Page 95 of Starstruck
Sadie’s lips quirk as she pulls her hand away. “What are you guys doing here?”
I hold the album up. “Had to get this for Baxter. What about you?”
She looks up at her brother, whose eyes still haven’t left Isa. There’s definitelysomethinggoing on between them, but I can’t tell what. I make a mental note to ask her about it when we leave.
“Just browsing,” Sadie states, looking back at me with a confused look. Clearly, she’s sensing the same thing as me. Steeling her expression, she adds, “I know I told you a few days ago, but I’m really excited for the concert.”
“I’m really happy to hear that. I am, too.” I smile. “Actually, speaking of the concert, I have something I want to talk to you about.”
That phrase finally pulls Colt’s attention from Isa. I’m sureBaxter’s already told him about my plan to ask Sadie to extend her set.
“It’s nothing bad, promise. But would you mind coming by my office on Friday around nine thirty so we can talk about it there?”
“Oh, um…” Sadie’s cheeks flush pink again as she looks to Colt. With a slight tilt of his head, she turns back to me and says, “Sure. I’d be happy to.”
I get the sense she’s not used to trusting people, hence why she looks to Colt for approval. And maybe it’s because of his unnaturally cold exterior and walls even higher than mine, but it fills me with warmth to know he seems to believe I’m trustworthy.
I grin. “Great. Well, I need to be getting back, but it was great running into you both. I’ll see you Friday.”
Sadie nods. “Okay, bye. See you then.”
Colt grunts his response as I grab Isa by the arm and drag her toward the cash register.
After I pay for the album, we make our way out of the store and into the hot July sun. Isa’s pace as we begin our walk back to Revolution is faster than usual, so I grasp her hand to slow her down.
“Isa, wait.” Now that we’re out of earshot, I hiss, “What the fuck wasthat?!”
“IF TODAY WAS YOUR LAST DAY” BY NICKELBACK
A few days later, I head into my office with Baxter, Colt, and Levi trailing closely behind. Baxter immediately takes the seat across from me at my desk while the other two make themselves comfortable on my couch, Colt with his arms crossed over his chest and Levi with his signature goofy grin spread across his face.
After Lilia Love cancelled, I thought long and hard about which new sign’s set to extend. The concert is only a month out now, so I knew I needed to make a decision soon. After getting to spend some time with Sadie last week at Baxter’s concert, I decided I wanted to offer the extra time to her. That’s what today is about—I’m meeting with her to see if she’s comfortable going on right before Isa.
After I met her at Baxter’s show, I told him I decided on her, and he was super supportive of it. I get the sense that Sadie basically has three big brothers, not just one. He insisted I let them all join in, and at first I was hesitant because I don’t want to overwhelm her, but I finally agreed when he told me that Colt would want to be here for Sadie much like he wants to be here for me.
Levi…well, we agreed he’d want to come because he goes everywhere they do. Plus he’d hate to miss out on a chance to flirt with Sadie and me.
I don’t know why I’ve been so nervous about this meeting since we set it up earlier this week, but despite the confidence I felt while asking her, I’ve been constantly worried that she won’t say yes. Baxter keeps reminding me that a) she will, and b) if she doesn’t, I have six other new signs I can ask instead, and I know he’s right. But that hasn’t really done anything to calm my nerves.
Seeing as I’ve only met Sadie twice, I worry she may think it’s weird I’m asking her first. But something tells me that Sadie and I could be good friends. She’s pretty much the exact opposite of me in every way, with her bright features and shy but bubbly personality—a stark contrast to my dark hair and eyes and my outgoing yet moody self. But I think that’s what draws me to her. She helped me out when I needed it the night of Baxter’s concert, and that was enough for me.
Something tells me Sadie could use a friend, too, even if just for a little while. I know from the guys that she’s planning on moving back to Nashville after the benefit—much to Colt’s chagrin—but that’s not going to stop me from making her feel welcome aroundhere until she goes.
At exactly half past nine, there’s a slight knock on the door, so I stand and round my desk to open it for her.
“Sadie!” I exclaim, pulling her in for a hug. I figure killing her with kindness is the best way to go about this.
“H-hi, Lennon,” she stutters as she makes her way into the room, glancing at the guys. Her shoulders visibly drop in relief when she sees Colt, which in turn makes me feel relieved, too.
“Hi, Sadie Bear,” Colt says as he stands to pull Sadie in for a hug, too.
Her cheeks tinge with pink as she replies, “Hi, Colty,” with an eye roll. “Hey, guys,” she adds, greeting Baxter and Levi.
“Sadie.” Baxter nods from his seat in front of my desk, keeping his face neutral in typical Baxter fashion. Levi flashes her his classic boyish grin paired with a wink that would make every other girl’s panties wet, but Sadie just shakes her head and laughs.
“Hey, little Wat—shit, I mean Armstrong. Never gonna get used to you two having different last names,” he teases.
“My last name has been Armstrong the entire time you’ve known me, dumbass,” she chuckles. “But hey, Levi.”
