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I put my hands over my face and laugh. “Oh my god, Simon. I thought...never mind.”
“What? Surely you didn’t think I was going to pull out my one-eyed trouser trout in my mum’s kitchen. What kind of man do you think I am?”
I laugh even harder, and tears runs down my cheeks.
He takes his thumb and wipes the tear away. “Now, whenever you think about something long and hard, you’ll always think of me.” He smiles and for a minute our gaze’s lock.
I clear my throat. “I think we should be getting back to the hotel.”
“Yeah, the morning comes early. I’ll go get the others.” He exits and I take a few minutes to cool off. That laugh took me out of my element. But I must admit, the way his focus is on me, the gentle way he wiped my face, plus he made sure I felt at home, I’m starting to think Simon Ashton is not a bad guy after all. I hang the towel across the rack and stroll into the living room where everyone is gathered and saying their goodbyes.
“Thank you for a wonderful meal, Mr. and Mrs. Ashton. It was perfect.”
“My dear, you can just call us Emily and John.” His mother pulls me in for a hug and a tight squeeze. “Now don’t be afraid to pop them upside their noggins if they get out of line.”
“Or you can call us, and we’ll straighten them out for you.” Mr. Ashton adds.
“Yes, sir.”
“Sebastian, be sure you call us when you make it back to the states. It’s your turn. Simon called Thursday and told us you all were coming with your new manager.”
“What?” I glare at Simon, and he shrugs.
“She has her days mixed up. But anyway, bye Mum and Dad. Stephen, say hello to your wife when she comes home from work tonight, and Jenny, I’ll send you a package when we get back home.” Simon hurries through his goodbyes and rushes us off to the waiting car.
I barely had time to wave bye before he gently nudged me inside.
“So, you had this planned all along. It wasn’t a last-minute thing.”
“Myka, you were so sad after well, you know, and I just wanted you to get away. So yes, I convinced Lenny to call your boss, and I told my parents so that you can have your favorite comfort food available, and I don’t feel sorry for what I did. You are a remarkable woman and I think sometimes you need to be reminded of just that.”
My crying turns into uncontrollable sobs. Simon pulls me into his arms and once again he is proving to be the comforter I need. Someone who is a friend, oddly enough, but no one I am romantically involved with so there is no promise of sex. As much as he is a ladies’ man, he does have a sweet side.
I pull away from him and wipe my face with a tissue I have in my clutch. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be crying in your arms.”
“It is becoming our thing,” he adds comically.
“Thank you It is odd saying that to you seeing how I’m your publicist, but I feel like you’ve been better at damage control than I have.”
“It’s easy when you’re the one usually hurting the people to help those who have been hurt. Especially when they didn’t deserve it.”
We lock eye contact for just a minute. He goes to wipe my face and I’m in a position to let him do just that when we come to a stop.
“We have arrived back at the hotel, miss.”
“Well, I guess that means our evening has come to an end. Tomorrow is a busy day.”
The door opens and the door attendant helps me out, and Simon follows, meeting up with the other cars as the rest of the band climbs out, including their guests.
“Good night gentlemen. See you in the morning. The car service will be here at six a.m.” I make the announcement when we are all waiting for the elevator. When the doors open, I step aboard.
“Simon, aren’t you coming with me?” I say, not paying attention to my choice of words.
“No. I think I’ll go grab me a soda from the bar.”
“Okay. You have your key, let yourself in.”
The doors slide close but not before I catch a glimpse of Simon in a whole new light.
