|
|
|
The tour continued. I finished my Patricia Cornwell book and moved on to Dan Brown. I actually got Josh to start reading Patricia Cornwell but unfortunately the way I got him to read it was to promise to play games with him as often as he’d like. And surprisingly enough I was getting quite good at it! He wasn’t liking that at all and pouted a few times when I kicked the crap out of him. He got even by switching games. What an infant! The morning before the show in Washington, Josh was to appear at a record store and sign autographs. Cassie made it my job to make sure he was there on time for his appearance. He’d asked one of the roadies to come with for the trip and they brought along a baseball and gloves to entertain themselves. Much better then the alternative, a ping pong ball and paddle I thought! I sat inside with the store manager, making small talk and drinking Diet Pepsi while Josh and Andre snuck out back and played ‘toss.’ The manager had left the room a while ago and now re-appeared with the news that Josh was expected to appear any moment now. I hurried to the back door and opened it.
“Josh!” I called to him as the ball slammed into his glove. He ignored me. Assuming he didn’t hear me I hollered for him a little louder and waved my arm. “Hello! Josh!” He laughed and said something to Andre as he tossed the ball. Andre caught it and rifled it back to Josh. I glanced down at my watch and felt my anger flare. “Josh and Andre!” I yelled once more and again they ignored me. I stomped out the door and stood with my hands on my hips. “You’ve got quite a hearing problem you know that?” I snapped. Josh turned his head and upon seeing me pretended to throw the ball at me. I flinched as he laughed and tossed the ball to Andre. “It’s time you know.” When he continued to disregard my warnings I went over and stood between the two of them. Josh sighed disgustedly and dropped his hands.
“Come on, Teddy, get out of the way.”
“Come on Joshie, it’s time to go inside and sign autographs.” I countered.
“So soon?” He whined slapping the ball into the glove.
“Yessssss … now let’s go.” He tossed the ball over my head. I stomped my foot. “Dammit, Josh.” He mocked me and said,
“Dammit, Teddy.” And then both the boys followed up with laughter. I gave him a light shove and turned my back on him.
“Fine, you immature little brat, you can stay out here all night. I’ll just tell your fans you’re too busy being 5 again. Obviously you’re not too old to need a babysitter again.”
“Wooohooo hoooo!!” Andre hooted. Josh chucked his glove to the ground and lumbered over to me. He put his hands on his hips and he looked slightly peeved.
“For your information ma’am, I don’t need a babysitter. And I don’t get a lot of time to myself Teddy, I’m sure you know that.” I looked up timidly at him.
“I do know that but it’s time to go in.” I said quietly. He leaned down and picked me up, slinging me over his shoulder.
“Fine, then let’s go in!” He panted as he carried me back into the building. Right before he set me down he smacked my ass. “And don’t holler at me again or I’ll spank you again!” He warned shaking a finger at me. Glancing in the mirror he checked his hair and after taming a few curls he headed out to the store. I sighed heavily blowing air out of my mouth in relief and sat down. My legs were shaky after Josh carried me inside. He could be such a child sometimes. I leaned my head down on my arm. The counter was nice and cool and my face was hot as hell. I hated myself for feeling the way I did about him. It was useless. I never would have believed that the little boy I grew up with could be breaking my heart and making my panties wet. He was a great guy, fun and intelligent, not to mention extremely talented. I wasn’t surprised that he would never even consider dating me. Jan was gorgeous, a model, she had prestige and a fantastic career, I didn’t blame him for loving her. She doted over him, gave in to his every whim. Me, I was just a mother figure. Yeah, this relationship would go no where. I raised my head and wiped my damp eyes then headed out to the inside of the store.
There was a knock on the door of my hotel room. I turned off the TV and went to the door. It was Josh. He pushed past me and stood by the bed.
“What’s up?” I asked. He flopped backwards onto the mattress and scooted himself up to the headboard where he crossed his feet and laced his fingers behind his head.
“I have a favor to ask you.” I smiled and sauntered over.
“Oh really, what is it?” I kneeled one leg on the bed.
“I have been invited somewhere and I need an escort.” I raised one eyebrow.
“Is that so? And where have you been invited?”
“The Playboy Mansion.” My face fell. Oh boy, big deal, Playboy bunnies.
“Well isn’t that special?” I sat down on the bed.
“Hey, Miss Teddy, I would like for you to accompany me.”
“To the Playboy mansion? I would feel so uncomfortable there. Why isn’t Jan going?” He looked out the window and sighed.
“She’s in the Caribbean on a photo shoot.” I stared out the window as well. I’m second best but hey, he didn’t have to ask me at all.
“Can I let you know?” I asked. He turned to me and smiled.
“Sure.” He said scooting off the bed and heading for the door. Before he left he wheeled and came back to me. He tilted my head up towards his with a finger under my chin. “Just don’t take too long making a decision.” Before he closed the door I called out to him. He poked his head back in. “Yes?”
“I’d be honored to go with you.” He winked at me and then was gone. I flopped down on the bed, a huge grin spread across my face. I couldn’t believe it!! Josh and I were going out on a date. My heart pounded in my chest. Incredible! I allowed myself a moment or two of unbridled hysteria before I came to my senses and took a few deep breaths to calm down.
“Okay, Theodora, relax here. This isn’t a date.” I told myself out loud. “It’s because Jan’s not here that he chose you.” I took in air and exhaled slowly laying my arms palms down on the cool bedspread. Still the smile stretched across my face and made my cheeks hurt. Yeah, I said in my head, but he could have asked anyone and yet he asked you! I giggled like I was 15 and asked to my first prom. I sat up suddenly, my eyes big like saucers. “Oh shit, what do I wear?”
