AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What are we doing?
If our “relationship” is a secret, does it even count? I thought secret relationships were for mistresses and adulterers. And, more generally, is what we have here even a relationship?
Or is Ben trying to tell me something when he’s urging me to focus on the professional aspect?
My relationship history is so scant, I’m no expert on this stuff. And I have no idea if what Ben and I are doing qualifies. Are we just playing house at Rose Manor, and then he’ll be done with me?
I want to ask him, but I feel weirdly uncomfortable talking to him about it. And, usually, I’m comfortable talking to Ben about everything, I realize with a pang.
Why do I not feel okay talking to him about this?
Chapter Sixteen
Benjamin
Forourlastnightin LA, I want to take Lacy somewhere special. I’ve opted for a piano bar. It’s my favorite piano bar in town, with a great group of people and a one-of-a-kind, party vibe. Everyone knows me there, so it’s a must-hit stop on my LA trips. Of course, true to LA, traffic was so bad getting there, once we were a few blocks from the spot, I proposed that we just get out of the Uber and walk. Lacy, cool as ever, gamely agreed.
“So, LA traffic really is as bad as they say, huh?” She jokes as we stroll down the sidewalk together, close enough so we’re just touching shoulders. It’s a balmy night, humid and warm, and Lacy looks stunning as ever in a simple dark-green slip dress and wedge sandals.
“Hey, I wanted to make sure you get the fully authentic LA experience,” I reply with a smile. “And that includes sitting in a traffic jam, of course.”
“Fair enough. I’d hate to miss out on that! Where are you taking me tonight anyway?”
“A piano bar. The best one in town.”
Lacy lets out a yelp of sweet delight.
“I wouldn’t take you for the kind of guy who likes piano bars,” she says teasingly once she’s recovered from her fit of mirth.
“Why not? I mean, Iama musician,” I reply with a sheepish shrug.
“I don’t know, what’s it like? I’ve never been to one, to be honest. I’m picturing like a sedate gray-haired gentleman in a tuxedo playing piano while some sexy, voluptuous blonde in a feather boa sings along. Doesn’t seem like your scene.”
“Well, true, what you’ve just described would not be my scene. But this isn’t that kind of piano bar,” I reply with a grin. As if on cue, we hear a roar of loud cheering from up the street. “In fact, that sound you just heard is probably coming from the place we’re headed to,” I say eagerly, quickening my pace.
“Seriously?” Lacy pauses, looking momentarily terrified as she cocks her ear toward the raucous sound.
“Yeah, it’s a lot fun! You’ll see. Not stuck up. Everyone’s singing along, taking turns at the piano, cheering each other on. It’s a really cool vibe.”
“If you say so,” Lacy says. I can see the trepidation on her face. “It sounds kind of intimidating, to be honest.”
“Intimidating? Toyou?” I say teasingly. “Hey, you kicked that interview’s ass earlier today. I think you can easily handle some drunken rowdies at this piano bar.”
“Maybe you’re right,” she says smiling and looking reassured.
I breathe a sigh of relief. After the press junket yesterday, the #IncestRocker blowup, and today’s interview, I’m emotionally exhausted. All I want to do is have some drinks, say hey to my friends, sing some songs, play some tunes, and party for a little bit. I can’t be babysitting Lacy when I want to let loose.
“So, are you ready to do this?” I ask, turning to her as we pause in front of the club’s entrance. I can hear shouts of laughter and rollicking piano music from inside. I look at Lacy impatiently, waiting for her answer. I’m ready to go in and start the fun.
“Yes,” she says after a small pause, giving a slight nod as she eyes the entry anxiously.
“Good.”
I stride ahead, Lacy following me, as I head to the entrance. The bouncer gives me a warm greeting and stamps my hand, before pausing at the sight of Lacy.
“She’s a friend of mine,” I say quickly.
“Then she’s a friend of mine,” the bouncer says with a grin, stamping Lacy’s hand too.
