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“No, my dear. Not me, personally. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to lose myself in a good book as long as I’m the manager of that rowdy bunch.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Do ya?” And he broke into a big laugh again. Dressed in his casual clothes, Don could’ve passed off as an elderly tourist on the island, but Rory had no doubt that under that cool demeanor, he had a lot to worry about.
“I came to see if the wall was getting fixed and pay the guy.”
“Thanks, Don. I appreciate it.”
“No. Thank you, my dear. If it weren’t for you, Arsen probably would’ve gone to jail and the resulting media storm would’ve made matters much worse. I, personally, really appreciate you taking him in that night.”
There was no doubt in Rory’s mind that Don was genuinely grateful. Not just as the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, but as a personal friend of Arsen. What is it about Arsen that makes everyone take care of him? Why did I look out for him and take him in that night?
“On second thought, maybe I will take a look around the store. Maybe something will catch my fancy.” Don looked around thoughtfully, rubbing the scant stubble he wore, in a thoughtful fashion.
“Be my guest. We’re right here. Give us a shout if you need anything.”
After about twenty minutes Don was back at the counter with about fifteen books in a pile.
“Whoa! You surely did take a look around,” Rory exclaimed.
“Oh well. It’s not every day that I go to a bookstore. Might as well stock up.” He smiled and pulled the wallet out of his pocket.
As Rory put the books in the bag, she wondered if Don really was going to read all of them. They were on various obscure topics and were without a doubt some of the most expensive books in the store. Did he really want books or is he just trying to help me out?
There was no way Rory could bring that up with him without it being awkward. Don was a worldly guy, and perhaps he had realized that she had financial difficulties.
With every new book that Rory put in the bag, she grew more certain that he had picked them out solely based on their price tags. Her conscience tugged at her tongue to say something, but at the same time she did not want to insult the generosity of this kind old man. She was distracted out of her thoughts by Lizzy’s excited voice.
“How is Mickey, Uncle Don? I haven’t heard from him since yesterday.”
“Well, Lizzy my dear, why don’t you come and see for yourself?”
“Really?” Hope was sprinkled all over her voice, coupled with an ever-growing excitement.
“We’re throwing a goodbye party at the villa tomorrow and I’d like both of you to come.” Don looked at Rory. He wants us to come. But does the band want us to come? Besides, who knows what kind of wild parties they are throwing in there?
“And Arsen told me to extend the invitation on his behalf as well.” Don smiled a knowing smile at Rory.
“Well. You know I am not really a party sort of a…” Rory started then stopped. “Wait. A goodbye party?”
Then it sank in that Arsen was going to be leaving Montcove.
“Yeah. The band has to head to LA for an award show, and sadly our stint here is at an end. Given the fact that we are soon going to head on a world tour and probably won’t be back here for a long time, the boys decided to throw a goodbye party for all the new friends they’ve made here. You have to come. Have a couple of drinks, eat some lobster, some nice caviar, though I prefer a nice, juicy steak myself, and you dance and you make merry. What’s not to like about that?” He grinned.
As much as Rory wanted to see Arsen again, a party full of rockstars and their celebrity friends was not her idea of a great time. Besides, the idea of being around so many popular, successful people intimidated her. But worse still was the idea of not meeting Arsen again. It was not like she was expecting something out of it, but she felt that they both had built a connection the few times that they had met.
“I don’t know, Don.”
“Well, what I know is that all of us would really like it if you two lovely ladies would make an appearance. We think of you guys as friends of the band.”
“Really?” Lizzy exclaimed. “Rory, c’mon. You have to come. It’ll be so much fun.”
“You ladies let me know and I’ll send a car around to pick you up.” Don slid his card on the counter, picked up the bag of books, and waved them a quick goodbye. His generosity had eased things for Rory and for that, she was thankful to him. Don had no need to buy books but he still had. Rory only wished now that he would take the time to read through all of them.
“Oh my God, Rory, you gotta come. It’s not like we are invited to these kinds of parties every day.”
“Lizzy, you know I am not a party girl.”
