Oh yes, this is a good idea. A very good idea. It relaxes me for sure.
Tru Bennett isn‘t going anywhere. Well not without me anyway, especially with what I have in mind for her.
“Oh yeah, and why’s that?” she asks interested.
Enjoying my new found relaxed state, I run my hand through my hair. “I’ve just had a recent addition to my team and I know for sure she’ll make things different, interesting … better.”
I see hint of what I think is jealousy in her eyes.
Nothing to be jealous of Tru. But I like that you are.
“And this new addition,” she questions. “I’m taking it she’s not new a band member?”
Lips pressed together, I shake my head.
“So she’s part of the team putting the tour together?”
Yep, she’s definitely jealous. “I put the tour together,” I assert.
“Right. So she’s…?”
“Let’s say she does … PR.” I hold back the smug grin I feel.
“So tell me about your personal favorites on the album and where the inspiration for them came from?”
Ah this is more like it. Talking music with Tru, I can get on board with this.
We go through the next half-hour talking music. It feels like old times, and it passes far too quickly.
I like the fact that she doesn’t ask me a single question about Jonny, as I know for sure the next bunch of idiot interviewers will try to do just that.
And it’s for reasons like this I love her. Because she has compassion, she cares about people.
She cared about me once. I want that back.
I watch her as she finishes scribbling down my answer to her last question.
Then she closes up her notebook and puts it in her bag.
Fuck, she’s done. Time’s up.
I don’t want her to go.
Even though I’m sure my little plan will work, I have this odd sense of loss creeping up on me.
I need to know when I’m going to see her again.
“Thank you,” she says.
“It’s been really good to see you, Tru.”
“You too.” She smiles at me and it almost cracks me wide open.
She picks her bag up and gets to her feet. I stand too.
“Did you bring a coat?” I ask.
“It’s in my bag.” She turns to me, looking up at me with those beautiful brown eyes of hers and my heart starts to fucking hurt. “Thank you again for the interview,” she says. “It was great.”
“You don’t have to thank me; I’d do an interview for you anytime.” I’ll give you my whole world if you’ll let me.
“I might hold you to that,” she laughs.
“Do.”
“Thanks again for your time.” She’s making for the door.
“So you’re heading back to work now?” I ask, following behind her like a lost fucking puppy dog.
I want her to stay. More than anything I want her to stay, but I can’t think up one reason to make that happen.
“Yes,” she answers.
“Do you need a ride? I can get Stuart to drive you,” I offer.
I see a flicker of disappointment cross her face.
Stupid fucker, why didn’t you offer to drive her? It would have given you more time with her you dickwad.
“It’s okay, thank you,” she says softly. “I’ll walk, it’s not far.”
Maybe I could offer to drive her now? No, it’ll sound too lame and desperate, dumbass.
“You’re sure?” I ask, just for the sake of something to say. Anything to keep her here for a second longer.
“I’m sure.” She smiles and glances at the door.
She wants to leave. Fuck.
I reach for the door handle, then stop.
Dinner. Ask her out for dinner.
“Do you have plans tonight … because I was wondering if you would have dinner with me?”
She looks a little stunned. Good thing or not?
It seems like forever before she answers. “No I don’t have plans, I’m free. Completely free.”
A good thing.
I nearly sigh with relief.
“Great. Cool. So we can catch up properly without the threat of an interview hanging over us.” I give her a cheeky smile.
“Yes,” she says, her voice has gone all pitchy. She clears her throat and adds, “Sounds like plan.”
“Eight o’clock okay?” I ask smiling again. It’s hard not to around her.
“Eight o’clock is great.”
“Write me down your address and I’ll come pick you up.”
She pulls her notebook out and writes down her address for me.
She hands it over. We touch in the exchange. My body heats again, heading straight to my groin.
I notice her hand is trembling slightly and her skin flushes.
Do I have the same effect on her as she has me? Maybe, just maybe.
I hold in the huge smile I feel.
A quick glance at her address, then I fold this piece of gold up and put it in my pocket.
I open the door for her, letting her through first. I’m a gentleman for no one but her.
When we reach the main door, I stop and face her.
This is it. Now or never. I need her to leave here thinking of me.
Taking the plunge, I lift my hand to her face, skimming her soft skin, I tuck her beautiful, thick hair behind her ear; I would love to get my fingers tangled up in it.
Leaning down, I press my lips to her cheek, kissing her.