A Rock & Roll Romance

Seventy Seven

After being at the charity gala for a short while and saying hello to her Aunt and Uncle, Meg stuck close to Johnny networking and mingling with whoever he saw fit. She planned to stay unseen, quiet, reserved in the hope that nobody would have anything bad to say about her after recent weeks of harassment from the press. "Ah, John! How the hell are ya?" "Andre. Hello, good to see you." Johnny said shaking the man's hand. "This is Meg Godard. My girlfriend, and Alice's niece." Johnny said proudly introducing his girl to the man. Meg smiled and greeted the confident gentleman who took her outstretched hand and lent in kissing her on both cheeks. "You're very pretty." He added and Meg blushed but smiled, "Oh thank you." She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes travelled down her body repeatedly even when Johnny was talking to him. She swallowed nervously when the music changed and the man lent in. "John, do you mind if I steal your girl for a dance, I'm sure she knows how to show a guy a good time." Meg's jaw dropped slightly before Johnny sensed her discomfort, "Actually Andre, Meg did promise me a dance and I think I've found the perfect song. Would you excuse us?" Johnny took Meg's hand and led her to the dance floor. "You hate dancing." Meg whispered as they began to take hold and dance across the floor. "I hate men lusting over what's mine more...." Johnny muttered. "So I wasn't the only one who noticed his wandering eye?" Meg said raising an eyebrow, "Unfortunately not, he's well known for it sadly." "Oh.. who even is he?" Meg asked looking around as Johnny span her. "He's a producer. A very good one, he knows a good investment when he sees one. Shame about his brain though." Meg nodded. "Have you worked with him before?" "Once. Years back... haven't seen him in quite some time." Meg nodded again as they span once more before she noticed a photographer. As Johnny pulled her back close to his body, she whispered "Johnny, there's somebody taking photographs of us." "I know I've seen the fucker." He whispered back in her ear. "What do we do?" Meg asked nervously. "There's not much we can do other than just enjoy ourselves darling." Johnny pulled back and looked in his girlfriend's large doe eyes, before he lent in and kissed her. He pulled back with a smirk, "There you go.." "What?" She giggled nervously. "Now I WILL be the headline tomorrow.. not you." She smiled at how much he cared and how desperately he wanted to help her.

As the group left the venue, the gathered paparazzi went mad. Johnny squeezed Meg's hand tightly as they fought their way through the crowd to the waiting car. Travis who was meant to have the night off ended up pushing a lot of the forceful journalists out the way making it an easier approach for Johnny and Meg but the group were swarmed with all sorts being shouted. The woman kept her head down and climbed into the vehicle as elegantly as possible, and failed to react even when a photographer crouched down low to attempt to take a photograph of Meg in a compromising position. Johnny swatted him away before the car door slammed shut. "That was insane." Meg whispered under her breath biting her lip. The car began to move but the flashes still continued as she looked away from Johnny out the window. He knew this was a tough ask for anyone, let alone a vulnerable timid woman like Meg who so desperately wanted to just fit in and be left alone. He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry." He apologised quietly with his head lowered looking down at his lap. He wished he could change things. "Please don't apologise. It's not your fault." Meg said turning to face him. As much as she hated it, she hated that he blamed himself more.

After arriving back at Meg's place, she wandered into the living room and straight to the bar pouring herself a slug of whiskey and knocking it back in one before pouring a second and turning when she heard Johnny enter the room. "I really wish I could change this." He said sincerely, "Johnny, you're not to blame. None of this is your fault. I guess we are just causing a stir that's all." He nodded before approaching and pouring himself a drink. "I don't want you to resent me for it." "I won't. I don't blame you I've already said that." He smiled before sipping his drink. "It's just a tough time." Meg added quietly. "I know. Poppy mentioned it's the anniversary of your father's passing in a few weeks. That must be playing on your mind." "It always does." Meg added licking her lips attempting not to cry. Johnny sensed this and placed his glass down before taking hers and putting it beside his own. He wrapped his big strong arms around his girl. "You don't need to be brave in front of me ok?" Meg nodded before tears fell down her cheeks. "I'm sorry." She mumbled whilst crying. "Never be sorry. I know how much you miss him. It's gotta be hard." Johnny said kissing her head and running his ring clad fingers through her hair, "I know one thing for sure..." Meg pulled back. "What?" She asked wiping her cheek. "he would be so fucking proud of his kids.. I mean look at you." He smirked lifting his arm and spinning her around. "You and Poppy are knockouts. Dan is a dapper little so and so too." Johnny attempted to make her smile. Meg nodded and thanked Johnny before he pulled her in for another hug. "Anytime my darling. Now.. let's get you out of that dress." He smirked as he led her to the grand staircase.