I Don't Need A Promise

Chapter 2

            “Serendipity. Interesting,” Ash said after sampling the wine. Gerard was right, it was very strong, but the flavor was enjoyable. “I think I should take some of this back with me; the boys would like it.”

            “It’s a locally-grown champagne,” I said, repeating Gerard’s words. “You can only get it in this town, so you should stop by the market on the way out tomorrow.”

            “Really? I thought all champagne was grown in France,” Ash rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “But I guess that’s like assuming all French fries are made in France, too.”

            “Actually, French fries were invented in Belgium,” Miss Annie said matter-of-factly.

            “What are French fries?” I asked curiously, my mouth full of chicken.

            “What? Did you just ask me what French fries are?” Ash said aghast, and when I nodded, he continued. “How could you not know what French fries are? I mean, have you been living under a rock all your life? Someone needs to take you to a Mickey Dee’s ASAP.”

            “Well, you could say she has been living on a rock all her life,” Miss Annie said, taking a sip of champagne. “We‘re on the Rockies after all.”

            “Tell us about where you live,” I piped in with interest. “You said you live in a city?”

            “Hollywood, actually. I live in a house with my friends; but I guess you could call them my employees since they all work for me,” Ash mused. “I like to think of them as my family though.”

            “Yes, you live with those five boys, right?” Miss Annie asked. “I believe I’ve met a few of them, they’re such nice young men.”

            “You live with five other people? How do you have enough space?” I inquired, wide-eyed.

            “Well, the place I live is pretty much a mansion. We have plenty of space; we each have our own bedrooms and bathrooms, so there isn’t any argument over that. We even have a full-blown guest bedroom. The main problem we’re having trouble deciding who’ll cook and clean.”

            “Are you saying you and your friends are rich and famous enough to afford a mansion, but you can’t get together enough money to hire a housekeeper?” Miss Annie asked in surprise.

            “No, I’m saying we’re too rich and famous to afford a housekeeper,” Ash sighed, pouring himself some more champagne. “Every person we’ve hired has known who we are, and has tried to either stalk us or steal our stuff and sold it on eBay.”

            “That’s scary,” I grimaced, even though I wasn‘t entirely sure what eBay was.

            “Tell me about it. Being a musician ain’t easy,” Ash smiled ruefully. “I love it, though; I really do. What kind of music do you listen to, Ari?”

            “First off, don’t call me Ari. I have a full name for a reason,” I chuckled. “I’m not really that much into music. I’ve just never been interested.”

            “Okay, if I thought you were lying about not knowing me before, I am now convinced you have never heard of me,” Ash laughed. “You can’t have heard me sing and not like music.”

            “Ain’t that the truth,” I was afraid for a moment Miss Annie was going to try to pinch Ash’s cheek, which she had tried on me multiple times, but she just kissed him on the cheek, her lipstick leaving a little red mark on his cheekbone. Miss Annie didn’t seem to notice though, and went right back to eating, and Ash seemed completely oblivious.