by Carla Krae
"Do you, now..."
"Mm-hmm..." I nipped his ear. "Did you just growl?"
"Playin' with fire, love," he said, shifting his hips to get the point across.
I immediately abandoned his earlobe. "I forgot about… Sorry." Hard-ons were more than I could deal with right now.
“You only have to be sorry if you don't intend to do somethin' about it."
"Understood."
"Good. Kiss me."
It was the first make-out session either of us had started that didn’t threaten to lead to sex—which was good, right? A mature thing. Though, aside from wanting to build our relationship on a stronger foundation, my scar kept me from losing control. Vanity, sure, but I didn’t want him to see it, maybe ever.
I reluctantly went home an hour later. It was going to be several days 'til I saw him again, but at least we had the airport tomorrow morning.
Celebrity News Zone has exclusive photos of Jake Lindsey and his new love interest. Looks like Jake is into brunettes this fall.
****
Our goodbye was discreet, even in the private hanger. We strung it out until the last minute, and then Jacob was gone, promising to call as soon as he landed.
With nothing else to do but get back to normal life, I did some errands, stopping by the office--Celeste was out--and going to the market. My stomach flipped when I got into the checkout line and glanced at the tabloids.
The front page asked "Who Is Jake Lindsey's Mystery Girl?" above a picture of us kissing in the park. You couldn't see my face, but his profile was clear as day. Another magazine had a smaller picture of us embracing by the cars taken through the gate to his house. It was only a matter of time before they got a clear shot of what I looked like.
I kept my head down as I paid for the groceries and hurried out of the store. Don't panic, don't panic...I knew this would be an aspect of our relationship. Don't panic...
Yeah, right.
Engrossed in looking through my lens, I jumped when my phone rang.
“H-hello?”
“You alright, sweetheart?” Jacob’s concerned voice came through the line.
“Yeah, um…yeah… The ringing just startled me. I’m working.”
“You’ll have to show me later.” Airport sounds were in the background. “I miss you already.”
“Mm, that’s nice. Listen, Jacob…”
“I don’t like that tone, Bethie.”
“No, nothing like that. Have you looked at a newsstand?”
“Not yet, why?”
“We’re in the papers,” I said. “Well, you are. I’m still ‘Mystery Girl’.”
“Oh, God, baby, I’m sorry you had to see that. You should have called me.”
“I was leaving the market and I had cold stuff to get home. Then I went to work. It’s… I always knew this would be a thing, you know, so, it’s okay.”
“You don’t sound okay.”
I sighed. “It was just a surprise. They don’t have my identity, yet, and you’re in another town, so the cameras will follow you. I’m okay.”
“Are you sure, love?”
“Yeah…” I’d already said it twenty times that day, hoping it would make it true.
“I don’t think I believe you. Nothing has changed, alright? I’ve already talked to Lynn about us, so the second they get too invasive, it’ll be handled, okay? I want you to promise me you’ll spend time out while I’m gone; keep doing your normal things.”
“I’m at work now, aren’t I?”
“Beth…you know what I mean. Go out with your friends, or your dad. No hermitting.”
“I don’t…hermit.”
“Says the girl who already confessed to burying herself in paperwork to avoid life.”
“Yeah, yeah…break a leg tonight.”
“I’ll call you after the gig,” he promised. “I love you.”
“I know. Bye…” Hearing him get into a car, I hung up.
I cycled through the pictures on the memory card. Half of them were rubbish, but I only needed five good ones for the spread. Figuring I was too distracted to get any more work done, I packed up my equipment and went to the office to drop off the memory card.
Celeste greeted me with a smile. “Hey, stranger. How’s the glamorous life?”
“About to get a whole lot more public.”
“What? How so?”
I placed the card in the reader attached to her computer. “The photogs are spying on us already. There are pictures in the tabloids.”
“Revealing pictures?”
“No! Get your mind out of the gutter. Sneaky pictures. They didn’t show my face, but it’s just a matter of time.”
She glanced at the screen. “Huh. These are a bit…plain, for you.”
“Sorry. I was a bit distracted today,” I snapped. “I know they’re crap.”
She didn’t take offense. “Well, your crap is still better than a lot of what we’ve had in the past. I can use these.” She slid a file across the desk as she cycled through the shots. “Your assignments for next week.”
“There’s more than one?”
“It’s the rush season--last call to get the East coast buildings in before it snows,” she said. She smirked as I read the file. “The scheduling is quite…convenient, if I say so, myself.”
My eyes lifted to meet hers. “You are one sly fox.”
“Better believe it, honey.”
She called it an early day and dragged me shopping.
“I don’t need anything new.”
“Of course, you don’t, but you’re surprising your new sweetie--you want something new.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Are you conspiring to get me laid?”
She smiled sweetly. “Do I need to?”
Sulking, I sunk lower in the seat. “Very funny.”
“Look, he’ll be happy to see you no matter what, I know that, but it won’t hurt to appear like you’ve made a little effort, okay? It makes a man feel special. I promise not to tart you up too much.”
I sighed in defeat. “As long as we’re done by the time Jacob’s supposed to call.”
Jacob was exhausted when he finally managed to call, but I still found it very sweet he took the effort to remember. The next show was in New Jersey on Sunday, so he was leaving Philadelphia midday tomorrow after a guest stint on a radio show. Monday through Saturday morning, they were in New York City for press events, more radio shows, and concerts. The last concert of the US tour was in Boston next Sunday.
I was looking forward to having him back home.
This Sunday morning, I was having breakfast with Daddy. My phone chimed with an instant message.
Blueyedevil: I am so bloody bored.
I giggled, and typed back: What are you doing?
Blueyedevil: I’m stuck in the hotel waiting for the puppy to bring back lunch. They won’t let me leave the building until it’s time to go to the arena. There is not a single thing on TV on Sunday!
Bookworm01: Aww, poor baby. Dad says hi. We’re having pancakes. Why don’t you order a movie?
Blueyedevil: Naughty girl… I’d be thinking of you, though.
I blushed and shifted in my chair to hide my face from my father, though he seemed busy reading the comics.
Bookworm01: Not that kind!!!
Blueyedevil: I can use my imagination, then. I’m picturing a tall, hot brunette librarian just itching to reprimand some bloke for turning in a late book.
Bookworm01: My father is sitting right here!!
Blueyedevil: Can he see the screen?
Bookworm01: No…but!
Blueyedevil: Then I’ll continue. She’s been watching this same punk turn in his books late every month and charm the other birds out of paying the fee, so she’s going to teach him a lesson…
Bookworm01: Jacob!!!
I got up from the table and went into my room.
Blueyedevil: But he’s been waiting for it to be her, see…has seen her glare at him behind those
sexy wire-frame glasses in her tweed skirts, silk blouses, and sensible shoes. There’s a fire hiding behind all that buttoned-up primness and he’s just the bloke to coax it out of her.
Bookworm01: I’m signing off now…
Blueyedevil: Okay! Okay, I’ll stop. Don’t go.
Bookworm01: I’m here. You panic too easy, lol.
Blueyedevil: What are you wearing?
Bookworm01: *sigh* Sweats and a t-shirt. It’s Sunday morning, duh.
Blueyedevil: Aww, you’re no fun.
Bookworm01: If I say something different, the puppy’s going to catch you in a compromising position.
Blueyedevil: Not gonna play, are you?
Bookworm01: Nope!
Bookworm01: Think you’ll sell out tonight?
Blueyedevil: I never know that stuff ‘til after. As long as it’s a good gig, doesn’t matter too much. Wed, Thurs, Fri. are going to be hardcore. Thank God we break for Saturday or I’d drop.
Bookworm01: You need a vacation.
Blueyedevil: Probably. Gotta go, baby, the puppy is back. Can’t wait to come home.
Bookworm01: Miss you, too.
Signing off, I closed the device and smiled, thinking of my surprise for him this week.
****
When I boarded the plane, Celeste was in the seat next to mine.
“I don’t need a chaperone,” I said, putting my carry-on in the overhead compartment.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m on vacation.”
Shaking my head, I said, “I was wondering how I ended up in first class.”
“Frequent flyer upgrade. I can talk my way into anything.” Boy that was the truth.
I sat down and stowed my purse under the seat. “I’ve noticed. What’s the real reason you’re coming to New York with me?”
“I’m your best friend. I’m going to keep you company while your better half is oh-so-busy.”
“Code for you ‘are hoping to hook up with someone in the band’. I’m just not sure whom.”
She sighed. “You know me too well, but I’m not telling who I’m meeting.”
“Have your secrets. I’ll find out on my own. Gum?” I held out the pack.
She took a stick. “Thanks. Just think—we could double-date to the Grammy’s.”
That made me laugh. “Another groupie is born.”
“Oh, shut up.”
It was late afternoon in New York City when we landed. Celeste pre-arranged everything. It was amazing what that girl could do on short notice. In moments, we were in a shuttle on the way to our hotel.
Looking in our room, I was shocked. “Whoa! Now, I know the magazine didn’t pay for this.”
“You’d be surprised.” Off my look, she elaborated. “Okay, they’re only paying part of it. But, since you actually are on a business trip, there are write-offs, Miss Freelancer. And I’m on vacation. Why shouldn’t I upgrade? Oh, god, look at this tub!”
Hopeless. She’s completely hopeless.
I shook my head and started hanging clothes in the closet. “I can’t believe you brought that enormous suitcase just for five days.”
“It’s New York City! Have to be prepared for anything. Besides, cold weather stuff is bulkier. I even brought waterproof boots.”
“It’s supposed to be sunny all week.”
She wagged her finger at me. “You never know…” Her beauty stuff spilled over the bathroom counter. “So, what’s Jake’s schedule?”
“Very busy. His people are pushing heavy promotion while he’s here in addition to the concerts. Reggie said he’d call when Jacob is back at his hotel for the night.”
“Well, is there anything we can show up to?”
“If you want to stand in line for hours…”
“Oh.”
“Yeah. I need to look up where my locations are, then we should grab some dinner.”
My cell phone rang while we were trying to decide what to order in.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Beth. Jake should be back to his room by eight.”
“Thanks, Reggie. Has he eaten?”
“Not that I’ve seen.”
I double-checked the hotel name and suite number, let Reggie go, then picked up the restaurant directory that came with our room and dialed out.
“Who are you calling?” Celeste asked.
“Pizza place… Hi, do you take credit cards? Great. I want to have a pizza sent to…” I gave the information, had it repeated back, and hung up, grinning.
“That was the grossest pizza I’ve ever heard of.”
“I know, isn’t it? Jacob loves it, though. And, he’ll know who sent it.”
“You’ll make a very good wife,” she teased.
“Shut up.”
“No, seriously…have you thought about it? You’d have these genius supermodel children.”
I rolled my eyes. “You spend way too much time thinking about my love life.”
“Just sayin’…”
“Decide where you want to eat, already!”
She zipped her lips shut and pointed to a page in the directory. We’d never spent extended time together before. It was possible I might kill her by Saturday.
I left my cell charging in the hotel room, so there was a voice mail message waiting when we got back.
“Hey, babe, I don’t know how you arranged it, but THANK YOU. Today was just horrid until I opened the door to see the pizza boy. Miss you, especially on days like this.
Love you.”
I sighed happily and saved the message on my phone.
“So, what did he say?”
“He was very grateful. Sounds like it was a Monday.”
She shuddered. “Ooo, I hate Mondays.”
“Uh-huh. I think we should go to the Today Show tomorrow.”
“I’m not standing in line over there by myself, you know. Just so we’re clear.” Celeste wrinkled up her nose in distaste.
“I promise I won’t make you go alone.”
****
Celeste started to think if it was up to Beth, Jacob would never know his girlfriend was in New York. She hadn’t called him, yet, though she had his suite number as well as his personal phone. And when the band came out to sign autographs after taping their TV appearance, where was Beth? At Starbucks, getting tea.
Jacob didn’t come out that way, but it would’ve been easy enough to pass on a message through the band. Now, it was late afternoon, and Beth was with the client.
The whole purpose of coordinating this trip now had been to give the new lovebirds more time together. If Beth didn’t surprise the boy soon, Celeste was going to take matters into her own hands.
But that was tomorrow.
Tonight, she had a date.
****
Jacob smiled and shook hands with people like he was supposed to, but his mind wasn’t on the party. He wanted to be back at the hotel working on the new songs, or preparing for tomorrow’s concert, or talking to Beth on the phone. These industry parties were all flash, no substance. Before, he would have gotten a little buzzed and picked up the nearest single hottie for the night, but now…
“Skip out and call your girl,” Bob said, breaking Jacob’s reverie. “We’ll cover for you.”
“Yeah, you look bored stiff. No offense,” the girl on Bob’s arm added.
“None taken,” Jacob said. “Hey, I know you…”
The redhead stuck out her hand. “Celeste. We met after your concert last week.”
“Beth’s friend. What are you doing in New York? With him?”
“Hey!”
“I’m on vacation,” she said, and grinned. “You should call Beth. She’s probably sitting around. You know.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. He downed the last of his champagne and headed for the back exit, pulling out his cell phone.
He hoped to avoid photographers by going out the back way, but was sorely disappointed. Flash bulbs blinded him as soon as he opened the door. A
security guard took him by the arm, guided him out of the throng of paparazzi, and hailed a cab.
“Here you go, Mr. Lindsey.”
“Jake! Jake! Can we get a statement? Look this way, man!”
He got in the taxi, relieved when the car pulled away from the curb, and tried dialing Beth again.
****
Celeste turned back to her date and smiled. “I hope that did the trick. If she doesn’t tell him, I’m going to kill her.” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Bob’s neck.
“You’re really pulling for them, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Beth deserves to be happy, and if he’s who she wants, then I’m going to help. All she ever talked about, anyway, for the past few months.”
He laughed. “No kidding. Same thing on our end, except with an influx of love songs. I knew it had to be big when Jake is writing love songs. Songs about a hot girl, a hot night…yeah, but he’s never written love songs.” He rolled his eyes.
“Never? Wow.”
“Not in three years of playing together.”
“Huh. Enough about them. Let’s dance.”
****
I sat in a chic little bistro, candles on the tables and soft classical music playing in the background. “You’re right: it was the best gnocchi I’ve ever had.”
“I know my food. Dessert?” Nathan asked. What were the odds of him being the client I came to meet?
“Oh, no, I couldn’t eat another bite. I can’t believe I ran into you here.”
“Well, I do know the owner of your magazine. Meanwhile, look at you. I have to confess, I didn’t recognize you until you spoke.”
My cheeks warmed. “People grow up, Nathan.”
“That they do.” He handed the waiter a credit card. “How long are you in the city?”
“A few more days. I have a couple more assignments to complete.”
“I hope you’ll take some time to see the city. I’d be happy to play tour guide.”
“My friend has me on a pretty full schedule.”
“You still have to eat, Beth,” he teased. “And we still have more meetings scheduled.”
“Nathan… I’m seeing someone.”
“An exclusive someone?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Does he appreciate you?”
I sighed. “Nathan…”