Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

Stipulations

(Mock gasp.) "Nope...didn't think it would...and you wonder why I get pissed?"

(I walk away, towards the house.)

"We fucked earlier today...now I don't even get a kiss goodbye?"

(I stop and put my hands on my hips and look up towards the sky, as something Eddie once said to me comes to mind..."Women...you can't live with them. You can't live without them". I turn and step close to Billie and hug her tight.)

"David...as much as I enjoy you holding me...not so tight, okay? I got to be able to breathe."

"I know. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."

(I give Billie a quick kiss on her cheek and let her go. She watches me as I go back into the house. She knew I didn't like the arrangement one bit, but at least they'd be together. Why couldn't he see that, she wondered?)

(I walk past Valerie, as I go into the house.)

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"Nothing. I just need a strong drink is all."

(Valerie watches Billie drive away, then she turns towards me.)

"What the hell did Billie do now?"

"Nothing...okay? It's just the way it is."

"The way what is?"

"Billie has asked me to go on tour with her for six months."

"So why do you look like you're not excited to go?"

"Because there are certain...stipulations...that her boss wants me to follow."

"Such as?"

"I'd rather not discuss them."

"David...whatever they are. If they're making you miserable now...I wouldn't be going on any tour."

"I didn't sign anything. Her music gurus are just watching out for her is all."

"Then why are you so miserable?"

"Because the rules only seem to apply to me...not...other guys."

"Well...if I'm going to be your agent? What are the rules?"

"No sex."

"Hallelujah!"

(I glare angrily at Valerie.) "You're fired."

"David...c'mon...you just said her music gurus were only looking out for her. You know it's for the best, for both of you."

"For the best for who? All because I won't have sex with you, I'm not supposed to have sex at all? How would you feel if you went on tour for six months with Eddie...and his manager told you...Hey, it's okay if the two of you sleep in the same bed at night. Just no sex, no being seen together in public, no kissing in public, since you're older than he is...but oh by the way. It's perfectly okay-dokey for other women to kiss him and be seen in public with him, as long as they're around his age?"

"I won't deny it. It's a total bullshit deal, but necessary. Why the hell did you agree to it, if you don't like it?"

"I didn't agree to anything... but it's the only way I get to hold Billie and keep her night terrors away."

"You seriously expect me to believe you can go six months without having sex with Billie, while other guys get to hug and kiss her? I can tell by the expression on your face, that you're upset. Hell, David...add six months of misery to that. I'm afraid of how this will affect you."

"I don't know. That's what bothers me. I think...it will drive us apart. Which is probably their intention anyway."

"Does Billie know how much this bothers you?"

"Yea...but according to her its either this way or else I don't go."

"This is a fucked-up situation, David. Think I got an idea."