“I want to ensure I always have your favorite wine on hand,” I say, peeking into the box.
“It’s tiramisu,” she confirms. “If you’d been home last night, I would’ve let you watch me make it. It’s one of the easiest desserts.”
We haven’t started our cooking lessons yet, but we have penciled in time on Saturday to begin. “For you, maybe.” My stomach rumbles appreciatively as I gaze upon the gorgeous creation with hungry eyes. I set it and the bottle of wine down on the hall table as the delivery guy parks outside.
“For you, too. I’ll make a chef out of you yet.”
If it means I get to spend more time with her, and I can learn how to cook a romantic meal, then sign me up.
Stones crunch on the driveway as the delivery guy gets out of his van and stalks toward us. His eyes pop wide when he notices me. I use a credit card in the name J. King to purchase stuff so I can stay under the radar. I know it won’t take long for details of my new home to leak to the press, but I’m enjoying the anonymity while it lasts.
“Ugh, delivery for Mr. King,” the young guy says, stuttering a little.
Sydney smiles softly. “I’ll take that.” She takes the two bags from his trembling hands as we watch his cheeks burn brighter.
“You know who I am.”
He bobs his head. “I’m a big Ruminate fan. I’ve been at every L.A. event since I turned fifteen. My mom wouldn’t let me attend before then.”
“Your mom sounds smart, and thanks for the support. We appreciate it.” I quickly tap out a message to the guys. “Would you like an autograph?” I offer, and his eyes almost bug out of his head.
“Yeah, that’d be cool.” His head whips over my shoulder at the sound of approaching footsteps. His eyes widen farther, and he looks like he’s about to piss his pants. “Oh my god. You’re all here,” he blurts as Wilder and Linc approach. “This is the best fucking day ever.”
Sydney smiles at my bandmates as she steps aside to let them get to the door. Pulling a notepad and pen from the drawer of my hall table, I scribble my signature before handing it to the guys.
The delivery dude looks fit to burst he’s so excited, and I love it. This is what it’s all about. Making the fans happy. I try to never forget they are the reason I live my dream. “Would you like a photo?” I ask, and the guy almost keels over.
Wilder and Linc chuckle.
“For real?” His tone has elevated a few notches. “Yeah, thank you so much. This has just made my day. My whole life really.”
“Aw, I love that.” Sydney smiles at him as Wilder hands him a page with our autographs.
“I’m gonna get this framed,” he says, handing his cell to Sydney.
“You should,” she agrees, placing the bags with the food down as we step outside and surround the guy. She snaps a few pics before handing it back to him with an even bigger smile.
“I love you guys even more now,” he says, hugging his cell to his chest like it’s precious treasure. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome,” Wilder says.
“Give me your name and address, kid, and we’ll get some merch sent out to you,” Linc says, handing him the notepad on his phone.
“Best. Day. Ever.” The kid taps in his details with a wild grin.
“Do me a favor, mate, and don’t tell anyone where my house is.”
“I promise I won’t. I’ll just say I bumped into you at the mall or something.”
“Have a good one, dude.” Wilder hands him a fifty as a tip.
It’s a miracle he doesn’t shit his pants as he leaves, and I hope to fuck he makes it back to the takeout place without crashing.
“That was adorable.” Sydney beams at all of us as we come back into the hall. “You guys are super sweet to do that for him.”
Linc snorts out a laugh as he grabs the takeout bags. “Babe, we’ve been called a lot of things, but super sweet is a new one.”
“Own it, Lincoln,” she says as if they haven’t only just met. “Because that was one of the nicest things I’ve ever seen.”
