SO AMERICAN | max verstappen

fifty.

"This is too much, guys."

We were at an Airbnb in Los Angeles for my album release party. It releases tonight at midnight and so for the last few hours before it does, I'm spending it celebrating with my friends and people from my label.

Kika ran over to give me a hug, according to Ella, I had to be the last to arrive since I was the guest of honor – I think it was also so I couldn't complain that they were all doing too much. "It's honestly not enough to celebrate you. We could've done so much more."

I'm not sure how they would seeing as this place is decorated to the nines and the food they had catered looks decadent.

I froze the moment I looked over Kika's shoulder, immediately calling for Ella. The girl rushed over, used to being at my beck and call.

"Yes, ma'am?"

I broke from my hug with Kika, gripping Ella's arm as I lowered my voice. "Is that fucking 5 seconds of summer?"

Ella giggled. GIGGLED.

"Yes, and Lando's been mad that I've been fangirling the whole time. Apparently, flirting with Calum isn't okay when you're in a relationship, but oh well."

How is she being so casual about this? Our literal favorite band is standing 20 feet away at the refreshments table.

"I mean, I'm not complaining that they're here, but why are they here?"

Ella giggled, again, "Kate told me that they were in the building one of the days you were recording and asked to be invited to the release party so they could talk about the potential of a collab."

I screamed.

Multiple sets of eyes shot to me and frankly, I didn't care. I'm supposed to be the center of attention anyway. "You're kidding?"

"I'm being deadass."

Max walked over to me, putting a drink in my hand and raising his eyebrows. It was obvious he had heard me scream and now he was wondering why.

"Did you fucking see 5 seconds of summer?" I don't know why I'm whispering.

He laughed, nodding, "Is that why you screamed?"

I'm so glad he matched my vibe without questioning it.

"Exactly." I downed half of the drink, reaching out and gripping his way too muscular bicep. "They might want to collab with me in the future, Max."

"That's amazing, Ri." He looked genuinely happy for me.

"My favorite fucking band might want to collab with me."

Max smiled at me, leaning over and kissing my forehead. "Can we stop whispering now?"

Oops.

How'd I forgotten we were still doing that?

"Oh, yeah." A blush settled on my cheeks. "But isn't that crazy?"

He ran his hand down my arm, sliding it into my own, "Insanely."

I don't even think Max truly cares that much, but man am I thankful for a boyfriend that supports my interests and celebrates with me regardless of whether or not he feels the same way. If you had told March Riley about January Max's actions and about January Riley's feelings for him, she'd tell you were lying. I could've never pictured how far we'd come.

"Riley!" I heard Kate and Taylor calling for me.

I looked away from my boyfriend and in the direction of the two women, heart nearly stopping when I saw them standing with the band in question – all staring this way. Taylor was waving me over and I was frozen in my spot.