Page 81 of One Week Wingman

I shake my head. “No,” I say slowly, my heart suddenly beating faster in my chest. “Actually, I never stopped playing. I took lessons, all through college, and now… Well, I teach a little on the side. And I’d like to do more. Maybe play in a band, or some open-mic nights.”

I don’t know what possessed me to admit it, I guess I’m caught up in all the love and celebration, but I can see from the shadow on Mom’s face, I’ve gone too far.

“Really, music?” she frets. “I thought you would have learned by now, it’s the last thing you should be thinking about. Honestly, honey, the way you just flit from one idea to the next—”

“I’m not flitting,” I protest. “In fact, music has been the one thing I’m committed to, through everything. Because it’s my passion.”

“Is this why you dropped out of law school?” she demands. “You’ve been having fantasies of being some kind of star?”

“No, Mom, I just want to play—” I try to say, but she doesn’t let me finish.

“Because I can tell you right now, there’s nothing glamorous about living paycheck to paycheck, always chasing the next big break. Honestly, how could you be so irresponsible, after everything—”

“Roxy is the opposite of irresponsible.”

Sebastian steps between us and takes my hand. “Look, I don’t want to get in the middle of things,” he says calmly, “but I can’t stay quiet about this any longer. All week, I’ve watched you needle away at her,” he says, and my mom gasps. “Criticizing her job, and her life in New York, and now her talent, too. I know you want the best for Roxy,” he adds. “I know you don’t mean to hurt her. But that’s what you’re doing, treating her like she’s a failure. And she’s not,” he says firmly. “She’s happy, and talented, and pays rent, and is working hard to do something meaningful. And I think she’s incredible—and you should, too.”

He stops, leaving my mom and Phil gaping in disbelief.

And me, too.

“Now, your amazing daughter owes me a dance,” he says, and pulls me away from them before anyone can say a word.

“I… can’t believe you just did that.” I manage, as he spins me expertly around. I don’t know whether to swoon at his feet, or kiss him senseless, but either way, I’m overcome with emotion.

“I had to,” Seb says, as if it’s no big deal. “Your parents are wonderful, but they seem to have a blind-spot when it comes to you.”

I look up at him, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat. “I don’t think anyone’s ever stood up for me like that before,” I manage to say. “Thank you.”

“Always,”

Sebastian loops his arms around my waist, somehow moving us in perfect time to the music, even though I’m an emotional mess right now.

Always…

I feel that ache in my chest again, wondering if that word means anything at all. Anything like what I so desperately want it to mean.

Because the way he just stood up for me with my family, saying all those wonderful things about me…

Sebastian is being more of a partner, a supportive boyfriend, than basically any man I’ve dated before.

My feelings for him are real. And there’s only one way for me to know if he feels the same way.

I take a deep breath.

“Sebastian,” I start, as he sways against me. “I know we haven’t talked about it, but…”

“The answer is yes,” he says against my ear, his voice amused. “We are definitely getting second helpings of that mac and cheese.”

I smile. “That’s not it. I mean, yes, we will, but…” I draw back a little, so I can look at him. “It’s about what happens, when we get back to New Yo—”

“Roxy?” My mom interrupts us, with impeccable timing. “Can I have a quick word?”

I bite back a groan of frustration. “So you can lecture me some more on how I’m wasting my life?” I can’t stop myself from saying.

Hurt flashes in her eyes. Hurt, and regret. “I want to apologize,” she says quietly. “Stefano, could you give us a moment?”

He looks back and forth between us. “I’ll go fix that plate,” he says, and tactfully disappears.

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