Page 131 of Madness

And as she embraces her brother in a tight hug, I press my hands into my pockets. My finger hits the cold, circular band that’s been burning a hole in these jeans for what feels like months, even if Reed and I only found it yesterday after a few weeks of searching.

God, I hope she likes it.

Reed gives me a poignant stare over Andi’s shoulder, brows raising like he wants me to get down on one knee right there.

I answer with the slightest shift of my head.

Not here.

Not in public like this.

I’ll ask her later when we’re alone and spent, and I can celebrate with her in a way that doesn’t include a long cab ride home and cameras threatening to swarm around us.

Andi faces me again, and I inhale the deepest breath I’ve taken in a while.

Music may be my savior, but she’s my fucking keeper.

Fuck everything that says she shouldn’t be.