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That’s the way it used to be. He’d sit me near the stage or backstage so he could look at me from time to time while he sang.
He had told me that I was much better than booze to get him kicked up and ready to perform.
“Just like old times, songbird.” Looking deep into my eyes, his smile fades for a second, and he squeezes my hand. “I’m really glad you’re here, Lucy.”
The intensity of his stare and that nickname destroy me.
My breath falters, and I’m at a loss for words.
In little more than a breath, I say, “Thank you for saving me from that jerk.”
“That asshole had it coming.” A short kiss to my cheek nearly knocks me out of the chair and then he’s standing, looking out at the crowd as they cheer for the band currently on stage. “This crowd is great!”
I can’t even think straight from the little kiss he gave me. And I’m sure he knows that too. Apollo is not one to do anything that’s not designed to shock and awe the people around him.
All the old feelings he is stirring up inside me are dangerous and will only lead to me being crushed all over again. Except this time, I’m not sure I can pick myself back up. And I have a little one at home who needs me desperately, because I’m all she has.
And I will not kid myself because I know she is all I have too, no matter how good these last couple of minutes felt.
“I really have to go.” I try to stand up, but his hand on my shoulder holds me in place. “Apollo, don’t.”
“Please stay. You’re already here, might as well enjoy it.” His blue eyes dance as he looks into mine for way too long.
He knows his eyes are mesmerizing. Hints of gold flecks scatter around the ocean-blue irises, surrounded by thick, dark lashes I believe have mascara on them.
“You wear a lot of makeup now.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s all for the show.”
“Anything for the show.” I look away.
His hand on my chin pulls my face to look at him. “Hey, I’ve missed you. We’re going to be in town for a bit. I want to get together with you while I’m here.”
If only things were different.
“I thought you guys were only here on a layover or something like that.” My voice cracks a little at the end.
He laughs, shaking his head. “You Googled me or what?”
“Sort of.”
“I see.” He smiles. “Well, we decided to stick around for a bit. This is our hometown. We all have friends and family in L.A.”
“How long are you gonna be here?” I frown.
“You look a little worried. Why?” Winking at me, he adds, “Oh, I know. You’re afraid we’ll fall right back to where we were before fame and fortune stole me away from you, aren’t you?”
“You’ve gotten an even bigger ego than you had before you left. You know that, right?” And though that is true, I still feel the same pull to be with him as I did years ago. Except, now there is a lot on the line.
“Maybe I do. That’s why I need to spend some time with my best girl. You have this grounding effect on me. I need a good dose of that from time to time.”
“Your best girl? I’m not your anything, Apollo Reynolds!”
“Wow, my last name? I am getting to you,” he says with a quirky smile,
“Glad you think you’re so hilarious. Look, I really have to go.” I try to get up again.
But this time, he puts both his hands on my shoulders and leans in close to whisper, “Stay put. You’re not going anywhere.” His entire demeanor, and the sound of his deep voice; they all combine to make me want to comply, no questions asked, consequences be damned.
