Chapter 11 #2
“You think your band is going to break up?”
“I don’t know, but I want to be prepared if it does.”
“You could do that? Just jump to another band?”
“I don’t want to, but I need music. It’s hard for me to not be playing.
These last two months have been hell for me.
Every one of them have been enjoying the break, but it’s killing me.
” He runs his hand through his hair, looking out the window.
“Obviously, I would pick playing with them if I could, but if they don’t want to do it anymore, what else can I do? ”
I shrug.
I didn’t realize how much music meant to him.
I’ve been around band guys a bit, given my brother’s passion for music.
A lot of them just enjoy the fame that comes with being a rock star.
Sure, they liked music, but I think if they could be famous, make good money and rarely have to play the music, they’d be just as happy.
Not Ben. He seems to crave it. Maybe he can’t do commitment because he is too committed to music.
“What are you going to school for?” He glances at me.
“Nothing really. I never really had a passion. I’m just trying to get my AA while deciding what to major in. I think Cameron got all the passion in the family. I go to school, get good grades, and stay out of trouble so our parents don’t make a big deal about him wanting to be a rock star.”
“That’s very sad.”
“What?” My jaw drops at the nerve of him. I think it’s pretty nice of me, not sad.
“You have nothing you are passionate about? Nothing at all? There isn’t a single thing that brings you joy?”
“I guess at some point I gave up all my dreams so Cameron could live out his.”
“What did you want to be when you were a kid?”
“The same as any other kid. A teacher, a vet, president. I did like art when I was younger. I’m not very good at it, but I do like to draw and paint when I have free time.”
“See! That’s something. Why don’t you do something with that?”
“I’m not good at it.” I shrug. “Plus, it’s not like my parents would pay for art school. They want me to have a useful degree.”
“What do they consider useful?”
“Honestly, something that looks good on paper. I don’t think they expect me to have a career.”
“What’s the plan for you after college then? Marry that dick and pop out a few kids? Be some wine drunk housewife?”
“Pretty much. That’s what they expect of me.”
“Fuck that,” he says. “You should do what you want to do, Prue. You don’t owe them anything. What do you want to do with your life?”
“Not be the golden child anymore,” I say softly. “I want to do something stupid and not have to worry about what people will say or how much it will disappoint my parents.”
“Okay. We can work with that. What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’m open to suggestions.”
“I think a sex tape could be a good start.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes. “No? Hmm. What about nipple piercings?”
“Sounds painful. Plus, I could easily hide those.”
“Not if you made a sex tape after.”
“I’m not making a sex tape.” I laugh.
“It was worth a try.” He laughs.
“A tattoo,” I say, grinning at him. “I could get a tattoo.”
“Oh right. Tattoos are frowned upon by some people. I tend to forget that.” He glances down at his body. Even as it is covered in a jacket, a few peek out on his wrists and neck.
“Does it hurt?”
“Depends on who you ask.” He shrugs. “I find it very relaxing, but I know others who hate the feeling.”
“Do you regret any of yours?”
“Most, but at the same time, not really. They all meant something to me in the moment. They each come with a memory I rather have than not.”
I nod.
“Prue. Do you want to get a tattoo tonight? I know a guy who owes me a favor. One text and it’s done.”
“No.” I shake my head. My parents would be mortified if I came back with a tattoo. While being rebellious is the reasoning behind the idea, I can’t risk getting on their bad side any more than I will be when I demand to not marry Charles. “I’m not trying to end up with an infection.”
“He is legit. Has a shop a few blocks from the restaurant.”
“I can’t get a tattoo. That’s Cameron’s thing. My parents would freak out if they knew I got one too.”
“Is that not the point?” he asks, as the car comes to a stop.
“No.” I sigh.
He slides out of the car, offering his hand out to me. I take it, letting him help me out of the car. Pulling me close for a moment, his ocean eyes sparkle with a glint of desire. My heart skips a beat, as time seems to freeze for a moment.
His lips tug up into a smile. My head bends forward just slightly, desperate to feel his soft lips against mine again.
“I bet a tattoo would look great on you. I think underneath the prim and proper outfit you put on, is a very wild girl who wants to rebel. And you know what, Prue? I’d love to meet her.”
I laugh. “You are insane. There isn’t a single part of me that is rebellious. That’s all Cameron.”
“The way you deep throated my cock tells a different story.” He smirks.
I shove him and he releases his hold on me with a laugh.
“Can you not say that so loud?” I roll my eyes.
He just laughs again, leading me to the front of a restaurant, holding the door open for me.
It’s small, but the décor screams that it’s high class.
I see some kind of award pinned to the wall behind the hostess.
For some reason I assumed it would be a dirty hole in the wall when he mentioned burgers, not an actual restaurant.
He strides up to the hostess and I follow behind him.
“Table for two.”
The lady looks up from the screen she was staring at. She must know him because her lips scrunch up as her eyes turn into daggers. I almost want to check to see if I’m bleeding even though they aren’t pointed at me.
“Ben,” she says his name like it’s poison.
“Hello, Sherry. I’d prefer a booth in the back, but whatever is available is fine. Who’s cooking tonight? Paul or Stan?”
“We don’t serve your kind here,” she snaps.
Ben chuckles and she intensifies her glare.
“I highly doubt Victor would approve of you talking to such a loyal customer that way. And in front of a guest, no less. Tsk tsk.” He shakes a finger at her.
“Now there is no need to get your panties in a bunch, if you are wearing any, that is. I made it perfectly clear it was a one-time thing.”
“You failed to mention you also fucked Claire.”
“That wasn’t my information to share.” He shrugs. “There is no need to be hurt. She wasn’t nearly as much fun as you.”
“Is she as much fun as me?” Sherry nods in my direction.
“No. She isn’t fun at all.” Ben flashes me a grin. “She is an old stick in the mud, but I think I can loosen her up.”
“Run,” Sherry says to me before grabbing two menus. “Follow me,” she huffs over her shoulders.
“You are terrible,” I whisper to Ben.
“Yes. Yes, I am.” He smiles at me.
I didn’t need further proof that Ben was a playboy. Though seeing it in person reminds me, I may have his attention right now, but that’s not going to last.
I should be grateful, but I only find myself disappointed. I could get used to having him around.