Page 31 of Animal Beats

“Oh my! Thank you so much!” The one in black jumps up and kisses my cheek. She doesn’t stop there, and peppers my face with more kisses, ending with my mouth. Around me, I hear people gathering.

“Ladies,” Hayden walks up to us and clasps my hand. People swirl behind her.

See, Hayden? I didn’t do anything and a group is surrounding me.

She pitches her voice lower. “We need to leave. Now.”

“Lead the way.” I pat myself on the back for being so agreeable. My babysitter, however, is finding it difficult to scoot out. Especially when a piercing “Untamed Coaster!” ricochets throughout the eatery.

My babysitter tugs me toward a side door and I take a couple of steps before three ladies block my exit and break my connection with Hayden. Shit. I’m gonna have to stop this before things spiral.

“Hello, everyone!” I do a three-sixty. “How are you all doing?”

Various forms of great and awesome bounce around me. A chick wearing a crop top over tight jeans puts her head on my shoulder. “Te amo,” she says.

“Sorry. I don’t speak Spanish, but you’re pretty hot.”

Someone translates for her and long eyelashes bat up at me. “Want to fuck?”

No translation needed. Usually I would be down for such blatant seduction, but not today. My mind’s firmly set on spending more time with my interesting babysitter. Who is standing by the door, hands on her cheeks.

My eyes widen, and I give her the universal “Need Help Here” signal. She comes up to the group around me. I’m ready to point out that I didn’t invite them. More like her need for an Instagram photo did. This isn’t the right time, though.

“Río!” All eyes swing to the strawberry blonde wielding the camera. “We have to make our next press appointment. Sorry, folks.”

Words are spoken in Spanish, presumably translating what Hayden said. The brazen chick leans close to my ear. “Later, alright.” She slips something into my pocket, probably her key.

“See you then,” I reply to her. I have no intention of taking her up on her offer, but I’ve learned the best way to divert attention is to be agreeable.

“Everyone, gather around Río! Let me take a photo for Untamed Coaster’s social media.” Looks like Hayden has another idea.

We all return to the Instagram wall, where Hayden snaps several photos. Even the restaurant’s owners get into the act. After a while, I’m waving goodbye to my new friends, happy to have escaped with only the key and down two tickets at Will Call.

I fall into step next to my babysitter. “I forgot how well-known you are.”

“Easy to do,” I reply.

“That came out wrong. I know you’re a member of UC. It’s just you’re more of a regular guy to me.”

Her words worm their way into my heart. I’m many things to many people, but “regular” isn’t an adjective I hear often. It bounces around in my mind for a minute. I sort of like it.

“If by ‘regular,’ you mean someone you could see going to the grocery store or the movies with, I’ll take it.”

“Do you?”

I turn my head, and look at her. “I haven’t been to a proper grocery store in years,” I admit. “Not due to fame, though. More like I hate shopping. I have gone into the movies. They can be a great escape.”

“Nice to know, sort of regular guy.”

I hug her to my side. “Accepted.”

She disengages from me and we enjoy the quiet streets of Barcelona in this area. After walking for a while, we come upon an open plaza, surrounded by hotels and restaurants. People are eating and drinking and having a good time. “What I wouldn’t do for a Gold Rush right now.”

“You’ve mentioned this several times. Exactly what is a Gold Rush?”

“Only the best drink ever invented. It’s pretty simple with bourbon, lemon juice, and—wait for it—honey.”

She works out what I’ve told her. “So it’s lighter fluid with some sugar.”