16. All You Need Is Love – Dakota
16
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
DAKOTA
I pull up to Lauren's house, my fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. The brick house looms before me despite its small size, ordinary yet somehow intimidating. I've played sold-out stadiums, but this... this feels bigger.
I check my reflection in the rearview mirror, running a hand through my hair. The guy staring back at me looks more vulnerable than I'm used to seeing. Is this what Lauren does to me?
Taking a deep breath that smells of the jasmine blooming nearby, I approach her door. The muffled sounds of laughter and a child's excited chatter filter through. My hand hovers over the doorbell. What am I getting myself into? But the memory of Lauren's smile pushes me forward.
The door swings open, and there she is. Lauren's smile lights up her face, her eyes crinkling at the corners. For a second, I forget how to breathe.
"Hey," she says softly, stepping forward. Before I can respond, she rises on her tiptoes and presses a quick, soft kiss to my lips. It's brief, but it sends electricity through my entire body.
"Hi," I manage, grinning like an idiot. The scent of her perfume, something light and floral, lingers between us.
"Come on in," she says, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm almost ready."
I step inside, still a bit dazed from the kiss but immediately aware of the curious gazes fixed on me. A young woman with Lauren's eyes but with red hair, who must be Shannon, is sitting on the couch. And there, peeking out from behind Lauren's legs is a pair of big brown eyes.
"Dakota, this is my son, Roman," Lauren says, her voice softening as she looks down at the boy. The love in her eyes is palpable, and I feel a twinge of... something. Admiration? Longing? "And this is my cousin and soon-to-be-former roommate, Shannon."
I crouch down to Roman's eye level, ignoring the twinge in my knee from an old stage injury. "Hey there, buddy. It's nice to meet you."
Roman regards me seriously for a moment, his eyes wise beyond his years. Then, a shy smile breaks across his face. "Mommy says you play guitar," he says quietly.
I can't help but grin. "That's right. Maybe someday I can play for you. Do you like music?"
Roman nods enthusiastically. "I love drums!"
Lauren groans playfully. "Don't give him any ideas. The pots and pans have suffered enough."
As I laugh, I catch Lauren watching our interaction, a soft expression on her face that makes my heart skip.
Standing up, I meet Shannon's appraising look. She rises, extending her hand. "So, you're the famous Dakota," she says, her tone a mix of friendliness and caution. Her grip is firm, challenging. "I've heard a lot about you."
I match her grip, feeling like I'm being sized up. "All good things, I hope."
Shannon's smile is enigmatic. "That remains to be seen, doesn't it?" Her eyes flick to Lauren, then back to me. The protective intent is clear.
Lauren rolls her eyes. "Alright, enough with the interrogation," she says, grabbing her jacket. She kneels down to Roman's level. "You be good for Aunt Shannon, okay? Mommy will be back later."
Roman nods, wrapping his arms around Lauren's neck. As they hug, I'm struck by the depth of love between them. It's beautiful and intimidating all at once. Can I fit into this picture? Do I want to?
As we head out the door, Shannon calls out, "Have her back at a reasonable hour, rockstar. And remember, I know people."
Lauren groans, but I can see the affection behind her exasperation. "Ignore her," she tells me as we walk to my car. "She thinks she's funny."
"Nah, I get it," I say, opening the car door for her. "She cares about you. That's a good thing."
Lauren pauses before getting in, her eyes meeting mine. There's a moment of understanding between us, an acknowledgment of the complexities we're both navigating. She reaches out, squeezing my hand briefly before sliding into the seat.
As I close her door and walk around to the driver's side, I take a deep breath. The night air is cool against my face, grounding me in this moment.
I slide into the driver's seat, stealing another glance at Lauren. She's beautiful, the streetlights casting a soft glow on her face. But it's more than that. There's a strength in her eyes, a determination that draws me in.
"Ready for a night under the stars?" I ask, my voice softer than I intended.
Lauren's smile is a mix of excitement and nervousness that mirrors my own feelings. "Ready as I'll ever be," she says, reaching over to squeeze my hand again.
As we pull away, I glance in the rearview mirror. Roman and Shannon are waving from the window. I wave back, feeling the weight of their gazes. This night suddenly feels like much more than just a date. It feels like the start of something big, something that could change everything.
And as I look over at Lauren, bathed in the soft glow of the dashboard lights, I realize I'm okay with that. More than okay.
The elevator dings as we reach the Rooftop Cinema Club, and I feel Lauren's hand tighten in mine. As the doors slide open, the cool night air rushes in, carrying the scent of popcorn and the city below.
Lauren's soft gasp of wonder makes me smile. The Los Angeles skyline stretches out before us, a glittering tapestry of lights against the indigo sky. The rooftop has been transformed into an outdoor cinema, with rows of chairs and loveseats facing a large screen. String lights crisscross overhead, casting a warm glow over everything.
"This is incredible," Lauren breathes, her eyes wide as she takes it all in. "I've lived here for years, and I've never seen the city like this."
I can't help but grin at her reaction. "Come on," I say, gently tugging her hand. "I got us a spot in the back."
We weave through the crowd, the buzz of excited conversation and the faint strains of Beatles music surrounding us. I lead Lauren to an Adirondack loveseat nestled in the back corner, offering a perfect view of both the screen and the city beyond.
"Is this okay?" I ask, suddenly nervous. "We can move closer if you want."
But Lauren's smile puts my fears to rest. "It's perfect," she says, settling into the seat. "I feel like we're in our own little world up here."
I sit beside her, acutely aware of how close we are. Our thighs touch, and I can feel the warmth of her body next to mine. I reach behind the seat and pull out a thick blanket.
"Thought we might need this," I say, draping it over our laps. "It can get chilly up here."
Lauren snuggles into the blanket, her shoulder pressing against mine. "Always prepared, aren't you?" she teases. "Let me guess, you were a Boy Scout?"
I chuckle, feeling some of my nervousness dissipate. "Hardly. More like I've had my share of uncomfortable outdoor gigs. You learn to be prepared."
As we wait for the movie to start, I can't help but steal glances at Lauren. The city lights reflect in her eyes, and the gentle breeze plays with her hair. She looks relaxed, happy. It's a good look on her.
"So," I start, wanting to hear her voice again. "Have you seen this movie before? Across the Universe ?"
Lauren shakes her head. "No, but I've heard good things. You?"
"I've seen it a couple of times," I admit. "The music... it's incredible. I think you'll like it."
She turns to me, a curious look in her eyes. "Is that why you chose this movie? The music?"
I feel a blush creep up my neck. "Partly," I confess. "But also... I don't know. It's a story about love and dreams and finding yourself. It felt... right."
Lauren's expression softens. She reaches out, her fingers intertwining with mine under the blanket. "It does feel right," she says softly.
The lights dim, and a hush falls over the crowd as the opening notes of " Girl " start to play. As the story unfolds on screen, I find my attention split. Half on the movie, half on the woman beside me.
When " With a Little Help from My Friends " plays, Lauren leans in close. "This reminds me of Shannon," she whispers. "She's always been there for me."
I nod, understanding. "It's good to have people like that," I say, thinking of my bandmates and Connor. "People who have your back, no matter what."
As the movie progresses, I feel Lauren lean into me more. Whether it's because of the cooling night air or something else, I'm not sure. But I'm not complaining.
During " Come Together ," I notice Lauren tense slightly. On screen, the characters are dealing with the draft and the turmoil of the 60s. I squeeze her hand gently, and she squeezes back.
"You okay?" I whisper.
She nods, but I can see a hint of worry in her eyes. "Just thinking about the future," she murmurs. "Everything's changing so fast."
I feel a pang in my chest, knowing I'm part of that change. The tour looms in my mind, a bittersweet reminder of the complications in our budding relationship.
"Change can be good," I say softly, trying to convince myself as much as her. "It opens up new possibilities."
Lauren looks at me, her eyes searching mine. For a moment, I'm afraid I've said the wrong thing. But then she smiles, a small, hopeful smile that makes my heart race.
"You're right," she says, snuggling closer. "New possibilities."
As " All You Need Is Love " fills the air from the movie speakers around us, I wrap my arm around Lauren's shoulders. She fits perfectly against my side, as if she was always meant to be there.
At that moment, under the stars with the city spread out before us and Beatles music permeating the space, I realize I'm exactly where I want to be. Whatever challenges lie ahead, whatever complications we might face, this feels right.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t think about Chloe.