Of Course, It's You

Chapter 20

HANNAH

Between temporarily putting off the inevitable with Mike, and Carmen now suddenly being nice—dare she say attentive—Hannah's head felt like it might explode from too much whiplash. And yet, for the first time in a while, she didn't feel like the walls were closing in around her. There was no pent-up anxiety clawing at her chest. And her body felt freer somehow, open even.

She was genuinely happy to have her best friend meet one of her favorite artists. Emryn's music carried both heart and edge, which were two qualities Hannah admired her for. It was pure heart and soul that she bared when she performed. Tonight, she just wanted to forget about the mess of feelings tied up in Carmen and ignored the persistent weight of the whole Mike situation.

What she couldn't seem to ignore, was the low-level dread that stirred when she noticed Mike now sitting next to Carmen.

Carmen Mills, a dedicated, hardworking, infuriatingly composed, and yes, the type who only dated women who stepped off the runway, had become a puzzle Hannah couldn't stop trying to study. If rumor had it, while her father technically made the money, it was Carmen who was trying to grow the business. Pushing boundaries to reach a new potential. Hannah wasn't sure how much was truth or simply cubicle gossip. But, she believed it.

A tap on her shoulder broke her from her thoughts.

She turned and immediately grinned.

"Hey bitch!" Emryn Ashford threw her arms around Hannah, her bright blue hair practically glowing under the overhead lights. Her makeup was unapologetically bold and dark. Coconut-scented hair enveloped Hannah as they hugged.

"Oh my god. I love your hair!" Hannah said, pulling back.

Emryn cupped her face, as usual. "How the hell are you?"

Hannah tried to step out of the embrace. Emryn was always a bit much, in the most endearing way possible. "I should be asking you. Last I checked, your single was still in the top ten."

Emryn winked. "Just for you, babe."

Ah, Emryn. Still a big flirt.

In the beginning, Hannah had worried it might cause problems. Especially with people assuming how Emryn landed her spot at the label. Carmen certainly had. But over time, Hannah realized Emryn just liked to rile her up. She flirted with everyone, but Hannah's flustered reactions? Those were like gold to her.

More introductions circled around the group.

"I hear you're about to do some wild things." Carmen said, smooth as ever.

Emryn raised a brow. "Is that an invitation?"

Hannah choked on air.

Carmen remained calm and frustratingly unreadable. "I heard you're set to start recording soon."

"Ah, yeah." Emryn said, eyes scanning Carmen up and down. "Sometime this week or next."

Watching Emryn look at Carmen like that did something to Hannah. It lit a small match inside her.

The band began strumming behind them.

"We're testing a new single tonight." Emryn added. "We want to see how it lands. Probably going to record it first."

"I'd love to be there." Carmen replied far more casually than she had a right to be.

Emryn's eyes darkened. "I'd love to see you there."

Carmen nodded, completely unbothered. "Since I own the studio, I'd like to see how they're using it."

Emryn tilted her head, not even phased. "So the boss wants to watch me work? Hmm. I usually prefer being the one in control... But I might make an exception."