Between the Lines

Cinderela gone wrong

*Brianna*

Friday night found me curled up on the couch in my pajamas, a half-eaten slice of pizza in hand, as I watched the cheesy romcom playing on the TV. The plot was predictable: two people who didn't like each other at first were slowly falling in love through a series of awkward and endearing moments. I used to love these kinds of movies, but lately, they just felt like salt in the wound. Still, it was comforting in its own way, like eating junk food when you're sad—something familiar and mindless to keep the loneliness at bay.

A few days had passed since that lunch with Alex, and I'd made it my mission to ignore every single DM he sent. He even had the nerve to give me his number, but I didn't respond. I saved it, though. You know, just in case. I knew I'd have to deal with him soon enough; the Burnley game was coming up, and then there was the rehearsal dinner. It was like an impending storm I couldn't avoid.

My phone buzzed beside me, and I reached for it without taking my eyes off the screen. It was Olivia. I answered, grateful for the distraction.

"Hey, what's up?" I mumbled, stifling a yawn.

"Not much. Just checking in. You sound... cozy," Olivia teased.

"Yeah, I'm just chilling. Leftover pizza, bad romcom, you know the drill."

"Aren't you the life of the party," she said with a chuckle, but her tone quickly shifted. "So, any updates on the Alex situation?"

I sighed, slumping further into the couch cushions. "Well, you're not going to believe this. A few days ago, after that press conference, he suggested we make a deal."

"A deal?" Olivia's voice perked up, curiosity piqued. "What kind of deal?"

"Okay, don't freak out, but he offered to be my plus one for the wedding."

There was a brief silence on the other end before Olivia practically screeched into the phone, "Brianna, are you serious? That's perfect! Why didn't you say yes right away?"

"I mean, come on, Olivia! It's not that simple. I barely know him, and besides, it's Alex Cooperfield. He's... I don't know, too much."

Olivia snorted. "Too much? Girl, he's exactly what you need right now. Someone to make you look like a badass at this wedding and rub it in Elena's face that you're doing just fine. You are doing just fine, right?"

"Of course I am," I muttered, even though the tone of my voice didn't quite match the conviction of the words. I picked at the pizza crust, suddenly losing my appetite.

"Then what's the problem? He's hot, famous, and he offered. Take it as a win!"

I laughed softly, but it was more from the absurdity of the situation than anything else. "You really think it's a good idea?"

"Absolutely. Plus, think about the stories you could write after spending more time with him. Not to mention the look on Elena's face when you walk in with Alex Cooperfield on your arm. Priceless!"

"I guess it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world," I conceded.

"Exactly! So, what's your excuse tonight? Are you seriously staying in on a Friday night in Europe? Alone?"

"I'm in my PJs, Liv. I'm not exactly dressed for a night out."

"So change! Put on something sexy and go out. It's Friday night! You're in Europe! It's pathetic for you to be sitting at home watching romcoms and eating cold pizza."

I sighed, knowing she was right. I had been moping around too much lately, and maybe going out would help clear my head. "Fine, fine. I'll call Mia and see if she's up for it."