I don’t think Jake’s as taken with them as I am though. If the wall was covered with guitars he’d probably be more interested, but I love that he’s showing a keen interest for me.
And he’s being so lovely, so attentive, constantly touching me, holding my hand, and I’m having the best time with him.
I’m just ignoring the fact that Dave and Ben are following us, and that we are getting stares from people who either recognise Jake immediately, or recognise him but are not sure where from.
It’s not too horrendous; weird, but bearable.
I hear a phone ringing, and turning, I see Dave pulling his phone from his pocket.
He turns away from us to take the call.
I focus back on the painting in front of me, ‘Woman With A Mirror’.
“This painting is so beautiful,” I say to Jake. “I think it’s my favourite so far.”
“It’s not as beautiful as you,” he whispers in my ear from behind, sliding his arms around my waist.
“You’re such a charmer,” I laugh, resting my head back against his chest.
“Jake,” Dave comes over. “That was Stuart on the phone. There’s some pictures of you and Tru, here in the Louvre which have just hit the networking sites, and they're doing the rounds, making it to the paps sites. I just wanted to let you know things could get a little busy when we’re leaving.”
“Okay,” Jake says, sighing.
“What does he mean – busy?” I turn to face Jake.
“It means there’s a high probability there will be paparazzi waiting for us outside when we leave.”
My stomach knots.
“How did they get pictures of us?”
“Camera phones, baby.”
“Gotta love technology.” There goes our lovely date.
I start to chew on my lip.
“Should we leave now?” I ask.
“No.” Jake shakes his head. “Just forget about it, I want to keep enjoying my day with you.”
“But what if we get mobbed?” My voice has gone a little shrill. In all honesty, I’m starting to freak out.
“We won’t get mobbed,” he chuckles, tucking my hair behind my ear. “And if we did, that’s what Dave and Ben are here for. They’re very good at their job, Tru. The best in the business, and that’s why I have them working for me. You’re completely safe, don’t worry.”
I don’t feel safe. I suddenly feel exposed and vulnerable.
Is this how it’s always going to feel? The thought haunts me a little.
“Come on,” Jake says, taking me by the hand. “We’ve got a lot more of this place to see.”
I let him lead me along, but I’m not interested in the paintings anymore. I just feel tense and have visions of getting mobbed by hoards of screaming girls and the paparazzi, and I can’t let go of the feeling.
After another fifteen minutes and a little further into the Louvre, I’m starting to notice the volume of people near us increasing.
Dave and Ben obviously notice too, as they have moved in closer to us.
Where we had space before, now we have very little.
I can feel Jake getting tense.
I don’t think it’s because the attention gathering is bothering him, I think he’s frustrated because he knows it’s bothering me, and he just wanted us to have today together.
Our first date together, we are now sharing with not only Dave and Ben, but about fifty other people.
A member of the security staff from the Louvre comes over and speaks quietly to Dave.
The security guy stands back, staying with us, and that only causes to make me feel even more edgy than I already do.
Dave makes a quick call, then comes over and speaks into Jake’s ear.
Jake moves back away from me to listen to what Dave has to say.
I’m trying to focus on the painting before me, but I can’t. I don’t even know what this one is called. I’ve barely taken it in.
I’m trying to ignore the eyes around me, but my whole body feels like it’s on fire, burning under their scrutiny.
I don’t think I’m cut out for this.
I hear Jake sigh loudly, then see him nod his head to Dave.
He comes over to me, standing in front of me, he takes my hands and says in a quiet voice, “Baby, the paps are here, outside … they’ve somehow found out which car is ours in the parking garage, and … there’s a load of them waiting out there for us.”
“How many?”
“Enough. And the loitering has obviously brought some attention, and well … now the crowd has grown because people know it’s me in here.” He sounds really uncomfortable and embarrassed saying this to me.
“Oh,” I say.
“The staff here are trying to clear the parking lot, but Dave has called Stuart and he’s on his way to come collect us now in the other car.”
“Okay.”
“I’m so sorry about this, Tru.” He puts his hand on my face, but I can’t even enjoy the feel of his skin on mine, because I’m so conscious of the fact that people are staring.
I feel like I’m in a zoo and I'm truly on the wrong side of the fence.
“It’s okay,” I say trying to keep my voice even. “It’s not your fault. This is just how things are. I understand. Come on let’s go.”