Still, she’d been the catalyst for some massive changes.
She’d left before hearing Van’s response, so she had no idea what they’d decided to do about their contract with the label. But even if they actually went through with it and ended the band, they wouldn’t cancel the remaining two shows in LA.
Right?
What a terrible mess. She glanced at the time on her phone, wondering when it was safe to go back and get her belongings. Never. It will never be safe. Because with the whole twin thing, the brothers couldn’t both be out and about in Las Vegas. That meant one of them would likely stay on the bus.
If she knew Bex was alone, she’d go there. But what if he didn’t want to see her? What if he was having make-up sex with his bride right this minute?
She’d be devastated. In that moment, she realized everything Van said had fanned the flames of hope until they’d ignited into full-blown desperation.
I want him.
I want Bex to choose me.
She needed Micky. And while her first reaction was to think about the time and not disturb her friend, she remembered what Micky had said. I’m the one hurting the friendship by behaving differently. So, she opened her phone.
And found countless messages and voicemails.
You dummy! She’d forgotten that she’d turned off the sound for the wedding.
Quickly scrolling through them, she found a few from Micky, three from Martin’s assistant, and dozens from Bex.
Bex: Where are you?
Bex: You on the bus? Heading there now.
Bex: You’re not here. Where did you go?
Bex: I get that you’re angry, but I just need to know you’re all right.
Angry? Oh, no, I’m anything but angry.
I’m scared.
And I want you so much I’m sick to my stomach.
Bex: Did you get a hotel room? Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I’ll pay for it. This isn’t coming out of your savings.
Look at him. At the most stressful time of his life, he’s thinking about me. Putting my needs first.
This man.
I want him.
I can’t lose him.
Bex: I understand if you’re quitting, and I will pay you for the full month. You’ve been invaluable to me. For so many reasons.
Bex: I’m sorry I got you involved in my drama. If you’re angry, I apologize. If you’re feeling guilty, don’t. You haven’t done anything wrong. If you’re having a wild night at the craps table, getting drunk, and flirting with high rollers…I wish I could be with you.
Bex: I guess that’s the problem. I’d rather be with you than with anyone else.
Della nearly dropped her phone. Her heart swelled so big she thought it might burst.
He wants me.
Lost in the maze of rooms, Della raced toward a server. “How do I get out of here?”