Beth was surprised at his candor. “I guess I never really thought about it that way. You always imagine the rock star life is glamorous and fun, but it doesn’t sound like you get to have much of a life at all.”
He shrugged, giving her a sheepish smile. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s been a grand ride, and I’ve loved it for the most part. The music’s great and the fans are amazing. I’m looking forward to some peace and quiet, though. Staying in one place for a while, maybe…” he paused in midsentence and took another sip. Beth’s gaze was riveted to his softly pursed lips wrapped around the straw. She shook her head to clear the tantalizing mental images those lips inspired.
“So how about you?” James asked lightly, throwing her question back to her. “Got a boyfriend tucked away somewhere?”
Trying to pretend he didn’t just ask her that, she swallowed hard and shook her head no, then swiftly changed the subject. “Have you decided where you’re going to go back to school?” she asked. You’re fishing again, the voice warned.
He gave a start as his phone beeped again. Checking the caller ID, he frowned and pressed ignore then slipped it back into his pocket. “My manager. I’m not really interested in talking to him right now,” he explained.
Just then their lunch arrived and James tore into his with relish. “This is deadly good,” he said in between bites. He ate with gusto, smacking his lips and rolling his eyes in pleasure. “Jaysus, best burger I’ve had in ages,” he groaned. Beth nodded in agreement, her own mouth too full to answer.
After they had finished, James answered her earlier question. “I went to college full time for almost two years including summers. I’ve been doing distance learning since then, trying to get my credits in. Leeds would take me back of course, but I rather like the idea of settling here. Ian says there’s some good universities nearby, and Meg says she’ll even feed me once in a while if I stay.”
Beth’s heart did a little Snoopy dance at that revelation. It was difficult, but she managed to keep her face impassive. “There’s quite a few, but I guess which school depends on your major. What were you studying before?”
He flushed as if embarrassed. “Classical guitar and voice. Never had any interest in playing rock guitar, odd considering what I do for a living.” He paused as the server came to clear their plates then continued. “I like the old music, medieval, renaissance. I think there’s some sort of recessive gene that causes that. Meg, Ian and I all got it,” he laughed.
She smiled at that. “I love it too,” she said. “You know I work for Meg and Dan at the fortuneteller tent. I get to hear that kind of music all the time. Did Meg tell you they’re going to start doing historical shows for school kids? It’ll be loads of fun.”
“Sounds like it,” James said as he stretched, his spine making noisy settling pops. “I haven’t had much chance to visit with Meg. She’s in full-on wedding mode. Did you meet the rest of the family?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t met Sean and his wife yet, but I’m sure I will,” she said, ignoring the siren call of the dessert menu. “I’m looking forward to the reception. I’ve never been to a real Irish wedding before.”
James brightened at her admission. “Do you dance? It’s required by law at all Irish weddings, you know.”
Heat flooded her face. “A little. I haven’t had much practice.”
He reached across the table and took her hand. “And that in itself is a shame and a sin. A beautiful woman like you should be dancing every day,” he said, clucking his tongue in disapproval. “I’m afraid I’ll have to insist that you save at least a dozen or so dances for me tomorrow night.”
Mutely, she nodded her agreement. A bright light suddenly flashed, then another and another. James swore under his breath. “I think we’re going to need to get moving. I’m sorry,” he apologized as they slid out of the booth.
Beth looked at him, shocked. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault. Besides,” she added pertly, “how do you know they weren’t taking my picture?”
Startled, he turned to look at her and a big, beautiful grin spread split his handsome face. “You know, darlin’, maybe they were doing just that.”
Holding hands and humming the Mission Impossible theme, they dodged and ducked their way around corners, behind potted plants and through more clothing racks than was necessary to get back to the car without being seen. Safe behind the tinted windows of the sedan, they doubled over laughing like a couple of children at their narrow escape.
James wiped his eyes and gave her a grateful glance. “You know, I can’t remember having laughed this much in a very long time. Thank you,” he said sincerely.
She didn’t reply, but surreptitiously admired his profile out of the corner of her eyes as he maneuvered through the crowded mall parking lot.
They arrived back at her apartment much too quickly. “Thank you for throwing caution to the wind and having lunch with me today; I truly had a wonderful time,” James laughed, offering his hand to help her out of the car.
“I did too, thank you,” Beth grinned, accepting it. “You know, you’re really not at all what I thought you’d be like.” She groaned inwardly as soon as she said that, not believing she actually said it out loud.
He raised a quizzical brow. “And just what, pray tell, were you expecting?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess all the things I’ve read about you–”
“The majority of which aren’t true,” James interjected.
“I just thought you’d be…I don’t know…I never would have thought you’d enjoy hanging out at the mall and eating a burger like normal people. Not to say you’re not normal or anything,” she added in a rush.
To her relief, he laughed heartily. “I’m just as normal as you or anybody else, I reckon. I just happened to have a job that’s a little on the different side. “ He didn’t release her hand as they walked up the stairs to her apartment, coming to a stop in front of her door. Beth hesitated and James chuckled.
“It’s not that,” Beth blurted out, “it’s just that it’s…a mess. I wasn’t expecting company.” Straightening her back, she pointed a finger at him and ordered, “Give me two minutes. Don’t go anywhere.” She unlocked the door and darted inside, slamming it behind her.
His voice followed her through the door. “At least this time you asked me to wait before you took off. I’m inclined to think that’s promising. I’ll just, ah…hang out here on your stoop. Patiently and without complaining.”
Only a few moments had passed before Beth opened the door again. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought,” she said by way of apology. “Wanna come in?”
He jumped up from his seat on the stairs, brushed himself off and stepped through her open door into her apartment. He looked around slowly and grinned. “This is a great apartment. I like it.”
Beth flittered around like a fluffy red bee in a bottle. “Would you…ah…like something to drink?” I know I would, she thought, her mouth suddenly dry as a bone.
James headed straight for the overloaded bookcase, tilting his head to read the haphazardly stacked titles. “No, thanks,” he said, perusing her music collection. “Wow. You have all our CDs. ‘Tis complimentin’ you I must be on your grand taste in music,” he said in a thick brogue. When she giggled in response he grinned at his successful joke. “You have a nice