Virtuous(66)

“You okay?”

“Much better now that we’re back on the ground.”

“Me, too.”

“You don’t like to fly?”

“It’s not my favorite thing to do, but a necessary evil in my life.”

We say good-bye and thanks to Jacob before we deplane on the tarmac, where a car is waiting for us. In the short minutes we’re outside, I appreciate the warmth after the deep freeze in New York. Flynn helps me into another low-slung black sports car while someone else sees to our luggage.

We’re driving away from the airport minutes after we arrive. “This is all very impressive.”

“What is?”

“The efficiency with which you travel.”

“Another necessarily evil. The last time I flew commercial, the airline ‘invited’ me not to fly with them again because my presence on the plane caused a one-hour delay in departure, and I got mobbed in the airport, which isn’t as much fun as it sounds.”

“They actually came right out and asked you not to fly with them again?”

“Not in so many words, but the message was received loud and clear. I’m apparently too disruptive.”

“Wow.”

“See what I mean when I tell you it’s not all champagne and tuxedos?”

“I’m beginning to see there’s a definite downside to fame.”

“Not that I’d ever complain about my truly amazing life.”

“You always have to add that disclaimer, don’t you?”

“Last thing in the world I’d ever want anyone to think is that I’m ungrateful for what has been a truly astonishing career and life. The only downside has been the loss of anonymity and the ability to move around freely. Every outing has to be carefully choreographed, and that gets tiresome. But again—not complaining, just stating the facts of my reality.”

“Which is another thing the entertainment websites and news shows don’t cover when it comes to celebrities.”

“Exactly. That’s because if they cover it, they’d have to acknowledge their role in creating the insatiable desire for personal information about celebrities. They’d also have to take responsibility for the fact that they often endanger us—and themselves—in the pursuit of the big story. It’s a catch-22 for them.”

“It’s all very interesting to me, to see it from your point of view.”

“We go into this business knowing that’s part of it, but until you’ve lived it, you can’t imagine how invasive it can be.” He glances over at me. “Which is why I’m so concerned about exposing you to it.”

“And I appreciate your concern. I really do. But if my choices are to put up with some attention from the media or never see you again, I’ll take my lumps with the press.”

He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’ll keep you safe, sweetheart. I promise.”

“I know you will. So what kind of car is this?” I ask, looking to take the conversation in a less intense direction.

“This beauty is an Aston Martin Vanquish.”

“You do love your cars.”

“It’s one of my two addictions—neither of them illegal.”

As we exit the freeway, I ask, “Where’re we going?”

“My place in the hills tonight and tomorrow night. We’re staying in town on Sunday.” He looks over at me again. “Is that okay?”

“Sure. It sounds good.” Though he’s told me repeatedly that he has no expectations, what happened on the plane has changed my expectations. I want to be close to him. I want to let him in. I want things I’ve never wanted before. Am I prepared to give him everything? No, not yet. But I want more than nothing.

“Now what’re you thinking?”

“I don’t know how to say it.”

“I told you before—just put it out there. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”

“Remember when you asked me to come on this trip and you promised separate bedrooms?”

“I haven’t forgotten. My place has four extra bedrooms. You can have your pick.”

“What if I pick your room?”

“That’s fine, too. I can sleep anywhere.”

When I realize he’s missed my meaning, I begin to laugh. His baffled glance only makes me laugh harder.