AlyEuphoriaEvents:She did.But if we fight it, she’ll lawyer up.And the truth is, it might be cheaper to just ...surrender.
MustLoveMusic:Don’t.Let me make a call.Eddie’s legal team will be at your office before you even finish your morning coffee.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:I can’t afford that.
MustLoveMusic:But I can.And before you say it—I know you’re perfectly capable.You’re brilliant—and terrifying—when you go into planner-mode.But sometimes ...it’s okay to let someone carry part of the load.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Jules says thank you.She’s already making a list of legal clauses for future contracts.
MustLoveMusic:And you?Do you say thank you?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You shouldn’t do it.But I appreciate it.
MustLoveMusic:Let me invest in you.In your business.At least let me help you find a space that’s not your kitchen and dining table.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:We don’t know each other that well.
MustLoveMusic:I think we do, but we can fix that.Go out with me.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You’re asking me on a date, Mr.Vaughn?
MustLoveMusic:I am.Our first official date.How does Monday sound?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Just to warn you, I don’t put out during the first date.
MustLoveMusic:That’s okay.I’ll wait until you’re ready.Though I seriously doubt you’ll resist me.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You wish.
MustLoveMusic:Every night.But I also wish for more than that.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:More?
MustLoveMusic:Yeah.The sound you make when you laugh without filtering yourself.The way your mind works when you're mid-chaos and somehow still graceful.Your playlists.Your rants.Your coffee orders that make no fucking sense.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Are you trying to seduce me with sentiment?
MustLoveMusic:Is it working?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Maybe.You keep talking like that and I might let you hold my hand after dessert.
MustLoveMusic:Ooh, living dangerously.I’ll take it.And when you're not looking, I’m going to fall for you a little more.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Dex ...I really miss you.
MustLoveMusic:Me too.Get some sleep.You’re going to need it if we’re making this happen soon.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Goodnight, rockstar.
MustLoveMusic:Goodnight, future date.
ChapterFifty-Three
Alyssa
March 11, 2001
The ballroom smells like panic and wilting florals.