don’t generally think of oranges that look like that.” She points to the deformed thing in my hands. “Tell someone to think about a rock star and the same thing happens. They have the stereotypical image of what they think a rock star is. I know I did. Until I met you. On the outside you try really hard to be the bad-boy rocker, but that’s not what I see when I look at you. Because I know you’re different. You’re really a good guy deep down inside. You defy the stereotype. Just like this orange.”
I’m not sure what to say, so I keep my pie hole shut. If she thinks I’m more than just a rocker I don’t want to burst her bubble. But Rayne was absolutely right. The more she thinks of me, the scarier it is. What if she finds out I’m really not that different from every other jerkoff rock star? What if I’m really nothing more than an asshole trying to get laid like everyone else?
Three
Brooke
“Since when do you jog?” I struggle to keep up with Harper who is already yards ahead of me.
For the first time in all the years I’ve known her Harper actually looks normal. She’s not wearing a skirt that looks like she got it from the back of her mother’s closet or some peasant blouse circa 1970. She’s wearing 21st century jogging shorts, an Always Rayne t-shirt and brand new sneakers.
My lungs are already burning, but I don’t think we’ve gone that far. While Harper seems to be enjoying the exercise I feel like I want to punch someone.
Hard.
“Stop,” I manage to get out between wheezes and pants.
Harper turns around and jogs back to me. She’s still running in place while I’m doubled over, gasping for breath, as I try filling my lungs up with oxygen.
“That wasn’t even a mile,” she complains. She doesn’t seem to be out of breath at all, which pisses me off even more.
“How long have you been torturing yourself this way?” I ask when I can finally speak again.
“A few months. I sit in front of the computer so much these days I needed something to keep in shape. Nic’s property is so beautiful I figured I’d take advantage of the awesome views.”
“Maybe we can walk for a while,” I suggest. “I can’t keep up if you run.”
“Sure. No problem.”
We both start to walk at a brisk pace. It’s still a challenge for me, but at least I don’t feel like I’m going to die.
“So how would you feel about being a bridesmaid in a wedding?” she asks as we walk by an enormous fountain.
“He finally talked you into it, huh?”
“When I told him I’d give some serious consideration to his proposal he took that to mean yes. He’s ready to drive down to the courthouse at a moment’s notice.”
“You don’t want a big wedding, do you? I never pictured you as the fairytale wedding type.”
“No, not at all. I’m all for eloping, especially if it means avoiding the paparazzi. But I still want it to be special.”
“You could just get married here. This place rivals a lot of five star hotels. And he’s got enough fountains. You’ll have no trouble finding spots for photographs.”
“I thought about that. I’m just not sure…”
I stop walking and turn to face her. “Not sure about getting married right now…or getting married period? Or are you not sure about marrying Nic? There’s a big difference.”
Her brow furrows and she seems to be giving my questions serious consideration. Then she says. “There’s no one I’d rather spend my life with than Nic. I do want to get married and I do want to marry him. I guess I’m just scared. It’s a big step.”
“If you weren’t scared I’d be concerned,” I tell her. “You’ll know when the time is right.”
She nods. “Thanks. We’d better keep going. I don’t want our heart rates to drop.”
“Again with the torture,” I tease. “I feel like I’m in rehab again with all this exercise. Just don’t make me sit through any group therapy sessions, okay?”
She laughs. “I won’t. I
Frances and Richard Lockridge
David Sherman & Dan Cragg