Hard Rock Love Box Set, page 3
“Well, they’re absolutely delicious, they really don’t mess around with sauces or flavoring. We’ll get some for lunch after we walk around for a bit.”
Lillian followed behind Ash as he took her on a tour of the area, snapping candid pictures and letting him do silly poses and make strange faces every so often. They stopped, to her surprise, in a skincare store, and Ash picked up a few sheet masks and an emulsion, winking at Lillian and saying by way of explanation, “These rugged good looks don’t maintain themselves. And I was running out of product anyway.”
Lillian stifled a laugh, and took a few more photos, of Ash checking out, joking with the shopkeeper, exiting the store with a clean little white bag and a couple of extra samples.
“So, you come to this area for more than just food,” she prompted as they left.
“Of course, this place is good for all sorts of things. For example, there’s a lot of stores that have really good accessories and statement pieces that work well for shows and what not.” He pointed to a clothing store that was selling what looked like very punk trendy clothing, in a way that was minimal, laid back, and clean. “Want me to show you?”
“We’re here to do whatever it is you usually do,” Lillian said, lifting up her camera.
“Haha, of course, how could I forget. The public wants to see Ash Bennett as he is off-stage. Let’s go in then, why not.”
It was a perfect opportunity for more photos, Ash doing a little fashion show, trying on hats and consulting Lillian’s opinion on some earrings. She was beginning to understand also this other side of him, the one that wasn’t a mask for the stage, the one that joked and teased and had fun while doing it.
“Shall we go get something to eat?” he asked as he made his purchases, adding another bag to the one from the skincare shop.
“That would be great, I’m famished.”
“Follow me, your highness.” Ash bowed mockingly, gesturing in a direction, and then starting off. Lillian kept pace with him, and they arrived at a lovely little restaurant, advertising delicious Korean tacos and other food.
Lillian was completely overwhelmed by the choices, as she had never eaten in such a place before. Noticing this, Ash came up from behind her, and whispered in her ear. “Having trouble deciding?”
She nodded, trying not to think about his proximity, his hand hovering just above her hip. “Everything sounds pretty good.”
“Is that so? Would you like me to order for you?” For some reason, his tone was oddly intimate and suggestive. Lillian swallowed her reply.
“Or, better question, do you trust me to order for you?”
“Just, nothing too spicy.”
“Of course not, princess, definitely not on the first date, what do you take me for?”
Lillian almost choked, and she could not contain it anymore. She burst out laughing. “Okay, that was a terrible joke.”
“Who said it was a joke? Ah, you have wounded me,” Ash said, feigning pain as he clutched his chest.
Lillian wiped her eyes continuing to laugh. “I’m sorry, but that did not suit your image at all.”
“I thought it was perfectly on-brand, the right amount of sexual tension and innuendo while still remaining inconspicuous and just downright baaaad. Just how you like it.”
“Who said anything about me liking it?”
“Oh, you know you do.” Ash did a little shimmy, and then sauntered up to the counter to order a couple of plates of tacos. “And make one, extra spicy,” he added, looking over his shoulder to wink at Lillian, who broke down in another fit of laughter.
They sat by the window together, and then someone brought them two plates, with two tacos each on them and several choices of sauce on the side, though Lillian noted it was also in the tacos.
“Up for playing a little game of Taco Roulette?” Ash asked, winking.
“No thank you. I really can’t deal with too much spice.”
Lillian grabbed the plate of tacos closest to her, then realized that there was nothing to differentiate between them, and she had no idea which taco between all four might be spicy.
“Is something wrong?” Ash asked, almost in a sadistic manner.
Lillian struggled with whether or not to swallow her pride. “Uhhhh, do you know which one is the spicy one?”
“No idea. That’s what makes it dangerous.”
Lillian gave a little half-laugh, and picked up one of her tacos, fingers trembling. She took a bite and was relieved to find that it was delicious. The sauces, the flavors, the texture, everything worked perfectly together.
“I’m guessing it’s not that one, from the expression on your face,” Ash said, gesturing towards the taco she held with his own.
“It’s absolutely delicious,” she said when she finished chewing.
“Of course, I am the one who ordered after all.”
Lillian sighed, and rolled her eyes, continuing to eat. She didn’t care enough to formulate a snarky response, and Ash got a taste of his own medicine a few minutes later when he bit into his other taco, and found it was the extremely spicy one. As he struggled to contain his obvious pain, Lillian took the opportunity to take a few more photos, which he immediately demanded she delete.
“They’ll ruin my image!”
“I’ll send in whatever I think shows the true you,” Lillian replied, feeling especially coy. “Besides, serves you right.”
“Okay, maybe I had that one coming, but I can promise you those aren’t the best images you’ll get of me.”
“Hmmmmm, I don’t know, all your protesting is making me especially fond of them.”
“Have mercy on my poor soul.”
“And why should I?” Lillian was enjoying it, this banter, feeling like she was on top and in power for once.
“Because I rely on my bad boy image for the fans.”
“I don’t think not being able to handle a very spicy taco will decrease any of your fans’ love for you.”
“Does it decrease your love for me?”
Lillian rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but to giggle. “Keep dreaming Ash.”
“I will, if it means you’ll meet me there.”
“Well then, shall we get going on to the next place?” Lillian asked, wanting to change the subject. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep this up.
“Of course. To our fine steed we go.”
Ash led the way back to his motorcycle, and this time when Lillian got on behind him and he started off, she hugged him tight, but she didn’t close her eyes. She took in Manhattan as it passed, Ash making his way towards the expensive neighborhood around Central Park.
They parked again, and then Ash led the way down one of the streets towards the park, looking over his shoulder to explain to Lillian, “I come here whenever I’m feeling uninspired. There’s something about all this nature in the middle of a big city. The paths, the people, the hidden little treasures of old buildings and walks beneath the trees. I grew up in the countryside of Virginia, so this hits somewhat close to home. No matter what mood I’m in, or how I’m feeling, I’m always able to write good lyrics when I come here. I guess you could say it’s my secret ingredient.”
“That’s really lovely.” His expression when he talked about the park, about his process, was more than lovely. It was human, whole and real, and utterly raw. Lillian could tell that the park meant something to him, that his music meant more to him, that his past was important to both.
“What songs have you written while here?” she asked, wanting more of that raw Ash.
“Some of my best ones,” he said with a little smile, beginning to hum the opening melody to a song Lillian had heard him play at the concert.
“Ohhhh, you’re gonna regret it; time to let it in; time to face the sins.
Ohhhh, you’re gonna regret; ever letting me in; but you’re my favorite sin; and I can’t get you off my mind.”
His voice was soft as he sang, almost nostalgic, and it was clear that his mind was in a faraway place.
Lillian wasn’t quite sure if she should interrupt him, or if it was right to ask what the song was about, what kind of a place he had been in when he wrote it. It was obvious that the feelings went deep.
“Sorry,” he said, shaking himself out of his trance. “There are some things I shouldn’t think about, especially on a day like today. Shall we explore the park? I can show you some of my favorite haunts.” In an instant, his mood, his disposition, his tone of voice was completely changed. It was like someone had snapped their fingers or flipped a switch.
But this was obvious to Lillian that whatever he was concealing, today was not the right day to pry into it.
“Of course. A perfect opportunity to get some more photos.”
“Let’s be on our way then, we have to make the best use of natural light. Did I say that right, princess?”
“Haha, you phrased it perfectly.”
When Lillian uploaded the photos from her camera onto her laptop that night, she was reminded of that small moment, when she had glimpsed something else in the enigma that was Ash. She smiled to herself over the photos of him joking around, and then paused when she came to a very striking image.
Ash standing at one of the entrances to Central Park, framed by the foliage and the gate, his hair falling softly in the sunlight, a nostalgic expression on his face, lips parted as he sang the lyrics to his song to himself, lost in a completely different world.
He especially didn’t seem human in this photo: dark hair, translucent skin, fine bones, eyes too green to be crafted by anything other than a god.
She knew for certain that this had to be one of the photos in the issue.
Four
“Lillian, fantastic work.”
The editor slammed the most recent issue of the magazine down on her desk as she did with the previous one.
“Once again, your story was a huge success. I am blown away by your talent for photography.” And then the editor flipped open to the photo spread, and Lillian saw them; Ash ordering tacos in the Korean taco place, walking through the lit streets, perusing the selection of skincare products, laughing at some joke Lillian had made while he was backlit by the city around him, and then that photo. The one of him at the entrance to the park, looking like he had just stepped through the portal from the fae realm. She could feel the blood rushing to her face as she remembered that day, and she did her best to remain calm.
“Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.”
“Like it? I love it. And so does our audience!”
“Oh-h-h, that’s great.” Lillian’s heart was a speeding highway, words couldn’t anticipate what was coming next.
“We want this be a series. We got Ash to agree to another two stories, and you’re going to photograph them!”
“That’s—th-thank you—that’s lovely.” Lillian wasn’t sure how else to respond. She couldn’t deny the fact that she wanted to see Ash again. After that day, spending all that time with him, seeing him smile and laugh and tease her, she couldn’t help it. But she also knew that the more time she spent with him, the more difficult it was going to be.
Because, there was no doubt about it; he would break her heart.
That’s just the kind of person he was. And though he may enjoy his time with her, and pursue a more intimate connection, she knew it would never be the same for him as it was for her. Because he was used to this life, used to the groupies and the alcohol and the drugs and the sex, and she just wasn’t.
She tried pushing the thought away behind her while on the job; but that smoldering expression couldn’t be forgotten.
Then, her phone buzzed.
As she was taking a break from editing photos and searching for potential stories, Lillian flipped the smart device over, eyes scanning the text that appeared on the lit-up screen.
It was from Sebastian.
Dear god she had forgotten about Sebastian.
Are you down for dinner tonight? We can catch up over a good meal and a glass of wine, the text read.
Lillian didn’t even bother unlocking her phone. She flipped it over, shoved it down into her bag, and immediately got back to work.
Nope, no time for distractions. Not even for a minute. She had too much work to do.
Or at least, this was what she told herself as she ignored thoughts of both men. She had not signed up for this when she moved to New York.
But eventually she had to respond to him. Because he was her childhood friend, her teen romance, and her roommate’s stepbrother. And a small part of her wanted what she had had with him to happen again.
Sure, what were you thinking? she texted back.
There’s this restaurant that overlooks Central Park—lovely food, beautiful view.
Sounds expensive.
Don’t worry, I’ll pay for it. Shall I pick you up after work?
Sure, I get off at five.
Lillian considered the situation for a moment, examining the clothes she was wearing.
It sounds fancy though, should I get changed?
Your work attire will be fine. See you at five.
The rest of the day made Lillian feel like she was drifting through a dream again. The hours passed without her noticing, and Ana made comments several times on whether or not she was okay, teasing that she must be thinking of Ash.
Finally, the long-awaited hour arrived. Lillian wasn’t sure if she was dreading it, or if she was excited. All she knew was that it was time to log out of her computer, pack her things away into her pale blue tote bag, and put on her coat.
Her boots clicked against the tiled floor as she made her way to the entrance of the building, and then down the concrete stairs to the sidewalk. She didn’t look up until she reached the street, and then only out of necessity to locate where Sebastian might be.
It took her a moment to spot him, scanning over the pedestrians and mix of vintage cars and smaller sedans that her coworkers drove.
And then…there he was. Seated behind the wheel of a Mercedes, a sleek black thing that radiated power and success. His hair was slicked back again, and he was wearing another one of those expensive suits, this one in cream and burgundy. With his strong cheekbones and warm skin, he looked otherworldly. In her loose silk pants and polyester chiffon shirt, Lillian felt drab in comparison.
Her cheeks warmed as she opened the passenger door and slid into the passenger seat.
“You look good tonight,” he said, his smile kind and inviting.
Lillian hid her face. “Thanks, you too.”
“Nervous?”
Sebastian started the car, and it hummed to life beneath them, a gentle steady sound that made Lillian think of a tiger asleep in the jungle. It fit him.
She nodded her head. “A little.”
He laughed. “No need to be. Lillian, don’t worry, we’re still friends. And I don’t bite…unless….”
“Unless what?”
“Unless you want me to,” he said with a wink. God, she had walked right into that one.
“Uhhh, not right now, thank you.”
“Does that mean you may want it sometime in the future?” His voice was low, suggestive, almost a purr to match the engine of his car.
He laid his hand on Lillian’s knee, and she couldn’t help but squeak in surprise.
“Haha, I’m just joking, no worries.” He squeezed, then let go, returning his hand to the steering wheel. “Any particular requests for music?”
“You pick,” Lillian said, her thoughts still all a flutter. It would take her a moment to collect them.
“Alright then. Hope you enjoy pop punk and rock,” Sebastian said, turning on the stereo, the songs already queued up.
Lillian got lost in the rolling beat and lyrics of the first few songs, looking out the window at New York passing her by. The fast-walking businessmen and women eager to get home, the international tourists wandering in groups, the street performers, the taxis. She was still not quite used to this place, but now she called it home.
Then the song changed, and a familiar, sultry voice, sung from the speakers.
Ohhhh, you’re gonna regret it
Time to let it in
Time to face the sins
Ohhhh, you’re gonna regret
Ever letting me in
But you’re my favorite sin
And I can’t get you off my mind
Lillian’s head turned from the window to the stereo, where the band name Dreams of Compass Gods flashed across the display.
“You listen to them?” she asked.
“Didn’t used to, but Rebecca insisted, and then I saw your photographs, and I ended up liking them. Why, does it not seem like something I would listen to?”
“No… it just seemed strange.”
They were at a stoplight, and so Sebastian turned to examine her, resting his chin on his hand and leaning forward ever so slightly. “And why is that?”
“Because I’d just been….” Lillian trailed off as Sebastian continued to hold eye contact, cheeks turning red and warm.
“You’d just been what?” He leaned forward again, and Lillian resisted the urge to retreat into herself. Then the light turned green, and the honks behind them prompted Sebastian to turn his attention back towards the road.
“I’d just done the story on him,” Lillian finished. “It just seemed like strange timing.”
“Ah, yes, strange timing indeed.”
They parked in a parking structure a few blocks away from their destination, then walked next to central park until they came to the museum of art and design.
“I thought we were going to dinner,” Lillian said, and Sebastian nodded.
“There’s a wonderful restaurant on the top floor.”
They entered, and Sebastian waved at the clerk as they passed, who smiled in return.
“Don’t we still have to buy tickets?” Lillian whispered as they entered the elevator.
“They know me,” Sebastian said, waving his hand dismissively as the doors slid shut.
“Oh, okay.” Lillian was unsure how else to respond, or otherwise continue the conversation as the elevator climbed up the floors of the impressive building, LED numbers counting higher. She hadn’t known that someone from her past could be this imposing, could make her feel small and large all at once, like she wanted to rise to meet him, and at the same time felt like just letting the wave of him pass over her with no resistance.
