Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
EchoZone – Private Message Thread
AlyEuphoriaEvents: Thank you for the flowers.
MustLoveMusic: Hey. You got them?
AlyEuphoriaEvents: Yep. They’re beautiful. I didn’t know they made peonies this soft in March.
MustLoveMusic: It’s my way of saying I’m thinking of you. And that I’ll be home soon.
AlyEuphoriaEvents: How soon is soon?
MustLoveMusic: We’re hoping Sunday. Do you have an event that day?
AlyEuphoriaEvents: (groans loud enough to wake the neighborhood)
MustLoveMusic: Talk to me, baby. What’s going on?
AlyEuphoriaEvents: It’s a vow renewal (from hell). The bride is unraveling. Suddenly blue’s not her color—it’s coral. But not just coral. Coral with “sunshine-infused undertones.” She also wants yellow. Everywhere.
MustLoveMusic: You’re kidding. Coral and yellow? Sounds like a tropical fruit bowl.
AlyEuphoriaEvents: I wish I were joking. She wants to swap out everything. Linens, drapes, flowers, and menu cards. Because she “had a dream.” Jules is hiding under her blankets. I’m considering joining her.
MustLoveMusic: Didn’t your client sign off on everything already?
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.