I take a deep breath. “I know, I guess … it’s just this – us going on our first date, and we have to bring Dave and Ben along with us, and Stuart has to call ahead to prepare them for your arrival – at the Louvre for god’s sake! That’s how famous you are, and it just feels … a lot crazy. And a little un-date like,” I add quietly, wringing my hands together in my lap.
“It is crazy, baby.” He takes hold of my hands, trying to soothe my tension. “And it’s a part of my life, granted – but not all of it. I know this part isn’t great and I’m sorry if this doesn’t feel like a date.” His lips turn down at the corners. “But I’ve never been on one before, so I’m kind of new to all this. You’re gonna have to help me out with this stuff, okay?”
“Of course I’ll help … I’m just – I guess I’m just a little scared.”
“What of?” He looks concerned again.
“The fact that my life is going to change, majorly, by being with you, and because of that, I might not be able to do things I used to.”
“Don’t be scared.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “Nothing will change for you – I promise. I’ll make sure your life stays exactly the same, just with the added bonus of me in it.” He grins. “And this here today is a small thing. The people who come to the Louvre won’t have a care or a clue about who I am.”
“Yeah ‘cause art fans never listen to music, Jake.” I raise my eyebrow at him. “Everyone knows who you are.”
“Not everyone. I bet there are millions of people who don’t know me. And I bet every single one of them is in the Louvre today.”
“You’re an idiot,” I say, laughing.
“Takes one to know one.”
“It does.” I put my hand against his warm cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too, and everyone else will love you when they get to know you.”
“Except for your legions of female fans.”
“Yeah, well, maybe not them,” he grins.
I roll my eyes at him.
“But they will love you when they see how happy you make me … and you do, Tru – make me happy – you always did. I don’t know how I coped all those years without you.”
“Jonny,” I say gently.
He looks down.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you.” I put my fingers under his chin, touching his scar, as I lift his head.
“You didn’t.” He meets my eyes. “It just makes me sad that Jonny’s never going to get the chance to feel about a girl, like I do you.”
“Then we’re just gonna have to live it twice as large for him.” I lean in and kiss his lips gently. “Come on, superstar. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Jake holds my hand tightly, as we walk toward the lift, us being led by the attendant and Dave, with Ben walking behind us.
I feel like I’m under armed guard because I’m carrying a precious cargo into the Louvre.
It’s so surreal.
We all ride up in the lift in silence. It’s making me a little fidgety.
We get out on the first floor, and standing outside the lift is a smartly dressed man, tall, dark wavy hair, and obviously waiting for us.
“Mr. Wethers,” he says, stepping forward as we exit the lift. “I’m Alexander Baudin. It is very good to meet you. We are absolutely delighted to have you visit us here at the Louvre today.”
His English is excellent, although heavily accented and very sexy sounding.
Jake shakes his outstretched hand. “Call me Jake, please, and this is my girlfriend, Trudy Bennett.”
“Lovely to meet you, Ms. Bennett,” Alexander Baudin says, taking hold of my hand to shake.
“So what were you looking to see today?” Alexander Baudin asks, walking forward. We follow.
“This wing of the Louvre we are currently in is where some of our many prints, drawings and paintings are home too. The likes of The Young Beggar, and of course our resident lady, the Mona Lisa.” He turns, smiling at us. “I am happy to accompany you today, give you a guided tour.”
“Thank you for the offer, but we’ll be fine,” Jake says, coming to a stop. “I’m sure you’re a busy man and I don’t want to interrupt your day.”
“It is no problem,” Alexander Baudin smiles.
“I appreciate the offer,” Jake says kindly, leaning closer to him. “But I’m here on a date with my girl, and we have enough company as it is.” Jake tilts his head in Dave and Ben’s direction, who are loitering nearby.
“Ah, I understand,” Alexander Baudin says in a lowered voice, nodding. “Here is a guide of the Louvre.” He pulls a leaflet from the inside of his jacket pocket and hands it to Jake.
“I hope the both of you enjoy your day here, and if you need anything at all, please let me know.”
“We will, thanks,” Jake says.
Alexander Baudin smiles at us both once more, and departs.
“Okay, baby, so where to first?” Jake says, opening out the guide for the Louvre.
We’ve been in the Louvre for just over an hour looking at paintings. We haven’t got very far because there are so many, and I keep getting stuck, because some of them are truly amazing, so very beautiful, and I’ve been feeling quite emotional just looking at them.
It makes me wish I could create something so wonderful.