by King, C. M
“You know how I always keep my promises and I did pinky swear after all.”
My eyes wrenched open to be greeted with a huge Foo Fighters headlining sign. We were outside Wembley stadium.
Holy shit!
“No way,” I squealed, almost stunned in silence.
“Yep,” was all Joel replied looking like the cat that got the cream.
“How did you manage to keep this quiet for so long?” Something like this I could not have contained, I would have been bursting at the seams.
“I have my ways, just seeing your eyes come alight was enough for me to bite my tongue and keep schtum.”
Oh my.
I pulled him in closer so our noses were practically touching. “Oh you will be getting thanked tonight for this alright,” I breathed. That was a certainty.
“Well I know that already.”
Hmmm cocky but I’d let him have his moment, after all he’d just surprised me with the best present ever.
“What tickets do we have?”
“Standing so we can get right up close to Dave Grohl. I know you have a crush.” His eyes scrutinized my face waiting for my usual blush to give me away.
“I do not,” I protested.
I so did.
His fingers stroked along my heated cheek. “I think this cheeky blush of your only confirms it, don’t you?”
Fuck.
“I’m just hot, that’s all,” I protested in the vain hope he would just drop it. “If I can’t see can I hop on your shoulders?” I wanted the perfect view of Dave while he performed.
“Of course, you know one of my favourite places is my head between your legs.” The smirk on his face only grew even wider seeing my face go an even a deeper shade of red.
“Joel, keep it down,” I hissed. My eyes flashed around to see if anyone had heard. I would die of embarrassment if they had.
“Oh you can’t deny you love me and my amazing tongue,” he continued. Now I wanted to escape under a rock and hide until the blush subsided.
“Seriously, people are listening,” I whisper yelled. I could see a small crowd look out way, the smirks that they wore only confirmed it.
Joel pulled me into him, tenderly placing a kiss against my forehead. “Still my sweet, shy Izzie. Come on, let’s get some beers and then head inside.”
Now that was a plan.
The queues were horrendous, but we weaved our way through the crowds eventually working our way towards the stage. We ended up being a few meters back but it was enough to avoid the mosh pit. When those guys got going, well, it could get a little crazy. Joel enveloped me in a hug from behind drawing me tighter into him. I rested my head against his chest unable to believe that within the hour Dave Grohl would appear and perform right in front of me.
“Did Mike not want to come tonight?” I asked. He was a huge fan too, but to be fair he had seem them a few times.
“Yeah, he was pissed when I told him I’d got us tickets. I deliberately waited till they were sold out before I did though. I didn’t want him crashing my surprise this night is for you and me. It’s what I’ve waited to give you so long.”
“Thank you.” I turned to face him and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. He truly was so thoughtful, I couldn’t have asked for a better fiancé.
“No thanks needed, baby, I told you I’m going to spoil you.” His piercing blue eyes bore deep into mine, and I knew he would keep to his word and who was I to protest?
“I can’t believe you remembered about our pinky swear.” It had happened so long ago I was certain it had long been forgotten about. Guys never remembered things like that. My dad was always getting into trouble when I was younger for forgetting all the big anniversaries, so I just assumed that Joel would be the same, but to remember this was just amazing.
“How could I forget something like that?” His fingers lovingly stroked my face, his eyes telling me everything I needed to know.
“You were so cute to do that, most guys would have laughed in my face.” I was such a geek when I proposed that promise. I slightly cringed at the thought of introducing him to the concept, but he had been so sweet to go along with it.
“Hey, I’m not most guys, I’m the only guy.”
I sighed at his words. “I don’t need anyone else.”
“You got that right.” He grinned.
I smiled and leaned in for a kiss but was quickly pushed aside.
“Watch it,” Joel barked, pulling me into him protectively. I always felt safe in his arms.
The guy in question spun around to be met with Joel’s icy glare. “Sorry, didn’t see you there. Oh hey, Joel.” He looked happy to be bumping into him, but I couldn’t say the same thing about Joel, his smile was now more of a grimace.
“Hey Rob,” he bit out, looking pissed at his arrival.
Rob’s eyes soon widened when he caught sight of me. “Izzy, is that you? God, the last time I saw you—”
“You had your tongue down blondie’s throat,” I finished. It didn’t take him more than a second to move on, but I for one was happy I’d had a lucky break, he literally slept with anything that walked.
“Oh yeah, she was hot.” He smiled just at the thought.
“Cheers,” I huffed.
“Not that I don’t think you’re not hot cause fuck you are.” His eyes looked me up and down, and I grimaced not liking any form of attention he sent my way.
“Eyes on me, Rob,” Joel barked, glaring hard. His eyes almost boring through him in rage. Rob smiled, almost enjoying winding him up.
“I can’t believe Mike let you go there. I thought he’d murder anyone that went near his sister. If I’d have known, maybe I would have worked harder.”
Oh fuck.
“Do you want to see The Foo Fighters, Rob? Because you’re going the right way to being spark out on the floor right now,” Joel warned, squaring up to him. My fingers squeezed his bicep trying to catch his attention. I didn’t want Joel getting too carried away and spoiling our special night.
“Calm down, Joel sheesh, anger management,” Rob scoffed, but I could see the fear present in his eyes despite the humour.
“My anger levels will die down when you stop eye fucking my fiancée.”
“Fiancée? Fuck, you act quick. I never thought the top shagger would settle down. I’m quite shocked but as they say more for me.” His response was not doing anything to bring down Joel’s anger levels, I knew I had to step in.
“Do you not have somewhere to be? You’re kind of butting in on our big night.” I gave him a look of warning to move on already before Joel took it upon himself to do it for him.
“Okay, okay, don’t say I’m not one to take the hint.” He raised his hands in a form of surrender and began to back off, slowly walking backwards.
“But Iz, if all this marriage malarkey goes south, you call me okay.” He winked.
Oh he just couldn’t help himself.
“Are you kidding me?” Joel growled, his bicep tensed as I felt him go rigid with anger.
“Joel, don’t bite,” I whispered, grabbing his face so his eyes met mine to plead with him just to calm down. He scowled and huffed loudly.
“He does it every time that’s why I love it. See you at football next week,” Rob replied, goading him even more.
“Fuck, I’m going to punch him,” Joel warned, giving me a look. I was about to punch that smirk off his face myself.
“Hey, this is my night, right?” I had to talk sense into him to make him forget and not retaliate.
“Yeah.” He sighed almost in defeat.
“Well, calm down. You let people get to you. Do you actually think I’m remotely interested in him?” Not even if he was the last man on this earth would I ever look his way.
“I’d hope not.” He snorted, his eyes flashed at mine for confirmation.
“See this ring?” I held it up to his face. “It means everything to me, you are my world, and I wear it with pride. I don’t want anyone else e
specially that tosser.”
“He is a tosser.” He grinned.
“A complete tosser. Well, now we can agree on that I need for you to kiss me already.” I grabbed him pulling him in tight so our chests were firmly pressed together.
“That I can do.” He pressed his lips against mine and I sighed, this was exactly what l I needed.
We kissed and tried to generally keep it within reason, though Joel pushed the decency boundary a few times. But a few light slaps and he soon got the message. I flinched in Joel’s arms when the loud speakers came on introducing the Foos onto the stage. I quickly kissed Joel hard before turning back ’round not wanting to miss a single moment. The first few chords of Pretender blared out and shivers filled my entire body. I’d waited so long this was everything and more but to feel Joel’s arms around me sharing this moment together was just the cherry on top.
* * *
“I don’t want to go home. I want them back on stage.” I pouted, feeling the big comedown after all the amazingness.
“We can come back again when they are next here on tour.” Joel tried to soothe me but it wasn’t working.
“That will be forever away.” I sighed. I couldn’t wait that long.
“Oh don’t exaggerate.” He chuckled at the sad face I was pulling.
“I’m not.” I frowned. I was being truthful, and now that I had a taste, I wanted far more.
“Did you enjoy your surprise?” he whispered, nibbling lightly on my lips to bring my attention back to him.
I smiled. “Loved it, you’re getting thanked when we get home.”
“Hmm and what does that entail?” he asked looking intrigued
“I think you know.” I winked and he grinned.
Oh, he knew alright.
“Then we’d better hurry because traffic is murder, and I for one can’t wait. He barely gave me time to answer before lifting me up and throwing me over his shoulder.
“Joel, put me down,” I shrieked. It was a good job I was wearing jeans and not a skirt, else the entire arena would be seeing my bottom right now.
“Not a chance, you in heels will take us all night. I need to speed this process up.”
“That eager, huh?”
“Oh, you know it.” He spanked my bottom playfully.
“Joel,” I shrieked again, frantic of who would be watching us.
“Baby, when I get you home, I will rock your world.”
Well that, we could both agree on.
Chapter Seven
“So any luck on the job front?” Elijah asked, devouring another bite of his sandwich. We were spending time at our favourite café bar, which always made me happy. I had already eyed up a strawberry cupcake I was ready to devour later.
“Nope, I went for some auditions but nothing came of it. I’ve signed up to lots of agencies, but the phone has been practically dead. I know we’ve only graduated over a month ago, but it’s pretty dire. I hope working at the pub is not destined to be my permanent job.” Although I loved working with Joel, I needed more in my life than pulling pints.
“Something will come along. I have an audition later on in the week. I’m crossing all my fingers and toes.” His eyes lit up with excitement just at the thought of it.
“What is it? Anything good?” I asked, intrigued.
“It’s just for a small dance role but you have to start somewhere. Although I love working in the boutique and have my online design business. I just come alive on the stage. This is what I was born to do.”
“I know, I think reality is kicking in now. It’s all so depressing. I might have two cupcakes.”
“Now, now, remember those hips.” He pursed his lips and I grimaced.
“I barely carry any weight,” I protested. I deserved those cupcakes.
“I know, you bitch, but at least I have an amazing tan.” He marveled at himself in the mirror that was beside us as I rolled my eyes.
“So how was the holiday?”
“Err amazing. The weather was scorching hot. I walked around in the tightest shorts, giving the locals an eyefuls.” He grinned, not looking at all bothered about regaling his shameless display.
“I can only imagine.” I smiled just at the thought, but I couldn’t help but feel envious having that kind of confidence.
“Sam wasn’t as brave, he kept his mid-thigh, but I don’t do tan lines. I like to expose every part of me.” He leaned back raising his arms and folded them behind his head.
“Well you’re certainly bronzed, you must have tanned a lot.”
“We were on the beach all day. Sam was busy reading his John Grisham book while I had my iPod in and kept up on the latest gossip with Cosmo.”
I smiled just picturing them both. “You know you two are so completely different and yet you seem to work.”
“They do say opposites attract.” He winked.
“Don’t they just.” They were complete opposite.
“I just don’t tan, even in Australia I only mildly got a hint of colour.” I shrugged, it was useless even trying I would forever be pale.
“I tell you go see Lori at The Tanning Booth and she will see you right, mention my name and you’ll get discount.” He winked and I snorted, he was no doubt a regular. “I might have to go myself.”
“Trust me, you’re brown enough.” He could not possibly get any darker.
He flicked his tongue over his lips waiting a few moments before he spoke. “So now we’re graduated, we can maybe talk weddings?” he asked hopefully.
Oh boy.
“We have just literally graduated,” I protested. It didn’t take him long to start badgering. I might have known.
“I know but I need this, Iz. My holiday is over, and I’m on a come down. If I don’t get this audition, I have nothing to look forward to. You know I have to have a busy schedule. I like to have things going on. At least get your dress sorted,” he all but ranted.
Sheesh.
“I have no idea what I want,” I hesitantly replied. I had no clue what style, shape or colour. It was not something I had put a lot of thought in, marrying Joel was my only concern not what I actually looked like on the day.
“Long, short, patterned, sparkles, lace, sleeves, sleeveless, bows—”
“Just stop, I don’t know.”
His eyes widened in annoyance. “Right, that’s it, I’m doing a mood board and we are starting to finalise things, because all this I don’t know is driving me crazy.” He threw his hands up in the air, like he couldn’t be even more dramatic.
“Fine, do your mood board.” If it kept him happy and off my back, I’d gladly let him takeover.
He smiled, delighted by my quick defeat. “Great, then we discuss the cake, the groom attire, the bridesmaids, the favours, the wedding song.” He grinned. He was completely in his element.
“Elijah—for the love of god, stop.” The whole organizing side was enough for me to crawl under a rock and hide till the whole thing was over.
“Too much?”
I let out a long sigh. “Yes.”
He smiled sympathetically, I think he could see from my face I was two seconds from hyperventilating. “Okay, I’ll take it down a notch. Would you like a strawberry cupcake while we chat colours?”
I nodded and he smiled, distracting me with cake would be the only way to keep me sane. He came back with three cupcakes and took one for himself, sliding the rest over to me. I willingly grabbed them and then my eyes widened when he pulled out the wedding note pad, which he had spent time lovingly decorating with crystals, pearl and all kinds of other craft stuff.
“Oh do you like it? It makes me smile every time I see it, and now I finally get to use it. So first thing—colour. Do you want to go more pastel, or more jewel toned for the bridesmaid?”
“I’m not a pastel kind of girl.” I grimaced, that was my kind of hell.
“How about a rich purple for the groom, best man and bridesmaid?”
“I love Joel in purple and Kara has
the right colouring to pull it off.” I could definitely work with that colour.
“Let me pick up some samples and we can look at different shades to see which one works best for you. Well, that’s the first thing decided; now that wasn’t too painful, was it?”
“I suppose not,” I said, taking a large bite of the cake and sighing at the amazing strawberry icing. It was to die for.
“When will you be ready to tackle the next thing on the wedding agenda?” he asked, his eyes quickly perusing my face.
I took a large bite of the sweet delicious goodness. “Hit me.”
“Flowers, what is your favourite?”
“Roses,” I said without hesitation, they always would be .
“Oh I prefer lilies, far classier.”
“Is this my wedding or yours?” I snapped.
“Yours, of course, but you want more sophistication to the day, they will look more beautiful in the pictures, trust me. We will visit some flower shops, and I will show you just how better they are. Roses are so last decade.”
“Elijah—” I warned.
“Okay, next, the venue,” he said completely ignoring my protests.
Oh jeez.
“Can we talk about this some other time? My head is spinning.” There was no way I was making any more decisions today, plus something as big as the venue I needed to discuss with Joel. He deserved to have some input.
“It might be with all the sugar you’ve scoffed down in the last ten minutes,” he retorted, laughing.
It was true, I was on one hell of a sugar high.
“Seriously, Elijah, I’ve had enough. You know you have to take this step by step with me,” I urged, it was the only way I would make it through. I didn’t need him firing question after question at me.
He threw up his hands in defeat. “Okay, fine. I’ll start on the mood board, and then we’ll get back to the chat about the dress. It’s the most important thing, and it can’t be pushed aside for much longer.” He started to pack away his things.
“Elijah, we don’t even have a date yet.”
“See this is it, how can I plan when everything is up in the air? I can’t wave my magic when I don’t have half the information.”