Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Knox
“ H ighs and Lows. The birthday boy starts,” I announce to the table. This is a tradition we do often, but not after every meal. Tonight, I need to hear her talk. Find out what makes her tick. This is how I make that happen.
“It’s not my birthday, but fine. My high would be the early birthday celebration. My low is having to get back on yet another plane to fly to Philly tonight.”
Agreeing groans float around the table. We can’t wait until all of this travel is over with. Granted, six months from now, we’ll forget how exhausting it is and think going on tour sounds great, but right about now, we’re over it.
I’m barely listening as we go? around the table. I’m watching her. Taken in by all the different emotions she shows while everyone gives their highs and lows for the day. The way her face softens for the highs, and she purses her lips at the lows is fascinating to observe.
My heart rate accelerates when she clears her throat for her turn.
“Well, my low would be the not-so-great update I received about on my pops back home. And my high is how grateful I am to be here experiencing this with all of you.”
The table goes quiet at her very real comment about her grandfather. She looks uncomfortable, but she quickly puts everyone at ease.
“Another low would be how unfair it is that a certain lead singer has such long, luxurious locks. It’s really very cruel.”
Matt yells, “Gross!” and Jay pretends to gag.
Was that a compliment?
Does she really like my hair?
What about the rest of me?
I’m sorry to hear about her pops though. With something so personal happening back home, I’m sure she’d rather be anywhere but here.
Trevor hits me in the arm. “Your turn, dipshit.”
Once again, Ryan has taken control of my mind and ran away with it.
“Sorry. My low would be missing the end note at the show earlier.” Voices around the table attempt to assure me I’m the only one who noticed. That my performance was great, but I ignore them. I sang my ass off, but I still missed that last note. “My high is being here with all of you idiots.”
Two minutes later, we’re done with our highs and lows, but I need more.
“So, Ryan.” Her eyes go big and her lips part, surprised I’ve addressed her. “What do you do for fun besides hanging out with rock bands in private rooms at Nobu?”
Straightening in her chair, she twists her mouth to the side while she thinks. “Well, growing up, it was riding horses. That used to be my escape, but New York City isn’t really conducive to having a horse or riding.” She shrugs. “These days, working out is kinda my thing.”
The guys boo her answer about working out being what she does for fun. Like a ninja, she catches the last piece of a California roll Matt hurls in her direction.
Giggling, she holds her hands up in surrender. “I know. I’m lame, but it’s addicting. When you travel for work as much as I do, it’s hard to find things to do that aren’t self-destructive.”
Once again, her reply silences the table. Several pairs of eyes look in my direction. She doesn’t know how right she is.
“So, you’re saying we’re not the first band you’ve been on the road with?” Sean asks, thankfully, taking everyone’s attention off me and directing it to her.
“Nope. Bands, solo acts, actors, you name it, and I’ve traveled with them.”
Now that I’ve started, I can’t stop, so I ask another question. “Was this what you grew up wanting to write about?”
The light in her eyes dims, and I feel shitty the moment they do. I wish her gaze wasn’t directed at me. Because as shitty as I feel, my dick has a completely different reaction to her unrelenting stare.
“Honestly, no. My internship with Vanity Fair during college went really well and miraculously, they hired me to do a profile on Josh West right out of school. It ended up being huge for me and they kept sending more and more projects my way. They let me work freelance, so I’m not under contract with them.
Not only are the opportunities out of this world, but they pay me well enough to have a cute little apartment in the city.
I hate to say it’s not my dream job, because I know how fortunate I am to be where I am with my career at this age, because I am extremely grateful.
But this wasn’t exactly what I set out to write. ”
“I remember that story on Josh!” Marie gasps. “I didn’t know that was you. Horse girl has got some skills!”
“Josh is so sweet,” Kristen chimes in. “Crazy to think he came from an even smaller town than Goose Hollow and only twenty minutes from us. I can’t wait to see his new movie with Nicolette Gwen.” She turns to Jennifer. “What’s it called again?”
Our connection breaks now that the conversation has moved on to Josh West and his new film, but I wasn’t done.
Knox
What did you want to write?
My stomach does this strange flip-flop thing when I see the bubbles of her reply dancing across my screen, but then they stop.
Looking up, I find her watching me and I don’t even care that she caught me staring at my phone, waiting for her reply.
Hell, I don’t care that she knows I want to get to know her. All my bullshit excuses are exhausting.
Still looking at me, her thumb pushes the send button, my phone vibrating in my hand.
Ryan
Fiction
Knox
So novels?
Ryan
Yep
Knox
U only giving one-word answers?
Ryan
I learned from the best.
When I glance in her direction and find her smartass grin and lifted eyebrow, my dick twitches in response.
Knox
Cmon now you’re better than me. What kinda novels?
Ryan
Family, relationships, love, suspense... I’ve outlined countless stories.
Knox
Why haven’t u written them?
Ryan
Time or lack thereof.
Knox
If u want it bad enough you’ll make it happen.
Knox
You’re a talented writer.
Her eyes go big. Her cheeks turn that shade of pink I love to see on her.
Once again, Trevor interrupts, informing us it’s time to leave for the airport. Of course, I don’t get a reply.