Page 93 of She’ll Steal Your Heart
“I’m a defense attorney, and I obviously think Sam Whitaker is a total badass,” Mia told her.
“Sam’s my hero,” Lauren managed, trying desperately to find her composure, because Piper Sheridan was here, and Lauren was totally blowing the moment. “She—and you—got me through some hard times. I can’t tell you how much it meant to see you on my TV, this out-and-proud actress playing one of the most incredible characters on TV. I’m just… This is such an honor.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to hear.” Piper extended her arms and pulled Lauren in for a hug, and when she released her, Lauren was crying again. Happy tears. So many happy tears.
Chloe held up a copy ofMeet Me at Midnight. “Could you sign this to Piper and me?”
And so Lauren found herself signing a book to her idol. Her hand was shaking so badly that her handwriting looked weird. Talk about a surreal moment…
“We need pictures,” Josie announced when she’d finished.
“Oh geez.” Lauren wiped her cheeks, because apparently she was still crying.
“Here.” Mia brushed her fingers beneath Lauren’s eyes, touching her up.
They posed for pictures, one of Lauren and Piper, Lauren and Mia with Piper, and several group photos too. Chloe and Piper even posed for a picture with Lauren, holding their copy of her new book.
“Feel free to share these on your social media,” Piper told her. “Just don’t mentionthat”—she pointed to the diamond on Chloe’s left ring finger—“until after we’ve made our public announcement, please.”
“Oh, of course,” Lauren gushed. “And congratulations. That’s amazing news.”
“Thank you.” Piper gave Chloe an adoring smile. “We’re really excited.”
They shared more hugs and a few more photos, and then Piper and Chloe went out through the back, leaving Lauren and Mia alone with Josie and Eve.
“Well, this has been an eventful day,” Mia said. “Josie, you know how to pull off an epic surprise.”
Josie grinned. “Piper and Chloe come in here semi-regularly, so when I found out you two were mega fans of the show, I couldn’t resist asking her if she’d be willing to meet you. I had a feeling she’d say yes.”
“I drink at the same bar as Piper Sheridan.” Lauren mimed her head exploding.
“You’vemetPiper Sheridan now,” Mia said with a laugh. “The rest of the gang’s going to lose it when they find out.”
Lauren turned and flung her arms around Mia. “This day… Mia, I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say a word, because I see it all on your face,” Mia murmured, bringing their lips together for a kiss. “Now, what do you say we head home for a little private celebration before we go to the Airbnb later?”
Lauren nodded, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. A little quiet time with Mia was exactly what she needed before she celebrated with her friends again later.
They said goodbye to Josie and Eve, thanking them profusely before they walked outside together. Lauren could hardly feel her feet on the pavement. She was literally walking on air. “I can’t believe I signed books today. I met Piper Sheridan. Piper and Chloe areengaged.”
“And Josie and Eve are having a baby. So much good news.”
“So much,” Lauren echoed.
“Remember the first time we went for drinks together at Dragonfly?” Mia asked.
“The night you got drunk,” Lauren said, grinning.
Mia rolled her eyes. “Never going to live that down, but yes. I was drinking a Midnight in Manhattan, and you reminded me about the myth.”
“If you drink one at midnight, you’ll fall in love before the end of the year,” Lauren said breathlessly. Oh yeah, she remembered.
“At the time, I thought there was no way I’d fall in love that quickly, and yet barely a month later, I was head over heels for you.”
“The drink works. Josie always said so.”
“I’m a believer.” Mia’s thumb brushed against Lauren’s ring finger, and Lauren forgot to breathe, because Mia had stopped walking, and she was looking at Lauren like…like… “Marry me,” Mia blurted, gripping Lauren’s hand in hers.
