Be my Starr (Ringo Starr)

Chapter 26 pt 3: Who Else?

Taking a deep breath, Ringo had taken the time to gather his thoughts on Susan's recent confession. It wasn't the truth of the lie that hurt him most. In fact, it was the fact that it was a lie in the first place. And how big of a lie it was too.

"Look." He stopped and sighed. He had spent most of his time outside the hotel trying to come up with what to say. Now, in the moment, he had forgotten almost everything. "Firstly, I want to apologise." Susan looked at him oddly. Apologise? She was the one in the wrong. "When I called you a selfish witch." He grimaced at his words. "I wasn't thinking. But, it's no accuse. And I'm sorry. You're not a witch at all." His eyes met hers, desperate and sincere.

"Ringo..."

"No." He quickly interjected. "I need to say this before it gets lost." He exhaled. "I'm not bothered about the journalist thing. Entirely. It's just. Why did you lie?" Before Susan could answer, he carried on. "I mean, I wouldn't have had a problem."

"I don't know," Susan answered honestly. "Barbara just said it and I went along with it." She sighed. "I thought if you knew I was a journalist you'd think I was using you." She looked down. "And clearly, that's exactly what happened."

"No." Ringo shook his head. "I was stupid for saying that. I know you're not like that."

"But I don't blame you for it." She protested. "There was no reason for you not to think that."

"Susan, stop projecting. I said I wanted you out of life." He laughed weakly. "I don't want you out of my life. Hell, I want you in the rest of my life." Susan felt relieved hearing him say that. 20 minutes ago, she was ready to leave there and then and go back to England.

"You were angry."

"I was a prick." He corrected. "Let's be honest. I over-reacted like I always do."

"Ok, now you're just beating yourself up."

"You're right!" He exclaimed. "And I deserve it too."

"Come on. Remember when you told me you had a girlfriend." They shared a look. "I was storming off,  crying, shouting all over the place."

"That was my fault," Ringo mumbled. "Again."

"No, that was me being a dramatic cow." Susan laughed. "We've both had our moments. And, you know..." She looked at him. "If you still wanna be together."

"I do," Ringo responded in light speed.

"Well. We just have to work it out. Like we're doing now." She smiled.

"I'm really sorry." Susan would have happily left it there, jumped into Ringo's arms, and kissed him until the sun rose. But she still had a secret.

"I'm sorry too." She finally said, deciding to leave Mr Anderson out of the conversation and in the past. Barbara was right, the next time he would call would be the last. She wasn't putting up with any shit anymore.

"Come here." Susan walked over and settled into Ringo's embrace, his arms wrapping around her. "I'll never let you go." He whispered into her ear and kissed her neck softly.

"I'll never let go either." Susan closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. If only every moment could feel as euphoric as this. "Ritchie?"

"Hmm." He hummed in response.

"You invited Dan here, right?"

Ringo pulled his head back, a grin forming on his lips. "He's here?" She nodded. "Surprised?"

"You have no idea." He laughed.

"I hope you don't mind. It's just, I wanted him to be here. Being your brother and, well. This is a special time for us init?"

"Of course."

"That reminds me." Ringo stepped back, digging his hand into his pocket. Susan watched as he retrieved a small box.

"It's not a bomb is it?" She joked.

Ringo smiled. "No." He held it out to her and opened it. Susan's face dropped. It was a long silver necklace with a blue sapphire on the crest.

"Richard." She gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "It's... Oh. For me?"

Ringo laughed. "Who else?" Susan's eyes were full of admiration, exactly how he imagined. "Well go on, I've been dyin see you wearin it."

Susan carefully took out the necklace. "Do you mind?" Ringo walked around and helped Susan put on the necklace, lifting her hair and attaching the clips.

When he walked back around, his eyes widened. Susan looked at him worriedly. "What?" She looked down. "It's on right isn't it?"

"You're perfect." He expressed.

Susan blushed, looking down at the necklace. "I can't believe you would buy such a thing. Was it expensive?"

"There's not a price in the world good enough for you."

Susan kissed her lips. "How am I supposed to respond to that?" She laughed.

"Don't," Ringo said and leaned in, kissing her passionately.

"Susan!" The door burst open and Barbara rushed in with Dan. Susan quickly pulled away, flustered.

"Barbara!" Dan looked at Ringo.

"Were you two?"

"Did you know we were going to Miami?!" Barbara exclaimed.

Susan looked none the wiser. "What?" She turned to Ringo who looked back shyly.

"Yeah. That was another surprise."

"We're going to Miami?" Ringo nodded. Susan turned to Barbara and Dan who looked back god-smacked.

"Tomorrow," Ringo said.

Barbara's mouth dropped. "Oh my fucking god." She blinked. "We're going to fucking Miami!" She yelled.

"I didn't even know this bit." Dan laughed.

"Come on, we've gotta tell Linds, she'll be fuming!" Barbara chuckled, running drunkenly out the room with Dan.

Ringo looked at Susan, confused. "Linda doesn't really like the sun." She laughed.

"Oh. I hope you do." He joked.

"I can't wait." She bubbled.

"Good." Figuring there wouldn't be any more interruptions, Ringo wrapped Susan in his arms and kissed her again.

"Are you coming?!" Barbara yelled, appearing at the door. She stopped when she saw Susan and Ringo making out. "Shit." She coughed. "I'll just..." She began giggling as she spoke. "Leave you to it." She said as she closed the door behind her.

Ringo and Susan looked at each other, grins on their faces.