Dreams Can Come True

99. Welcome Jacob

The next day, the lunch break began with a gentle breeze flowing through the open windows of the studio, accompanied by the soft chirping of birds outside. The warm midday light gave the kitchen an inviting glow as Bas and I settled at the kitchen table, each with a fresh sandwich in hand. The aromas of freshly baked bread filled the space, mixed with the scent of coffee coming from the kitchen.
With genuine curiosity in his eyes, Bas turned to me. "So, how did Bill react to the news that David is extorting us for hush money?" His voice was full of anticipation, as if he was hoping for an epic revelation.
My reaction, however, was not what he expected. A sudden coughing fit almost overcame me, caught off guard by the directness of his question. "I didn't tell him," I eventually admitted, my voice filled with a mix of honesty and hesitation.
Surprised, Bas raised his eyebrows as he tried to piece it together. "But you two Skyped yesterday, right?" he reminded me, his voice tinged with genuine surprise.
"Yes, that's right," I confirmed, putting down my sandwich and taking a sip of water, "but it just didn't seem like the right moment to tell him."
A sigh escaped Bas's lips, followed by a gentle reprimand. "Elise, haven't you learned anything from the past? Communication is everything," he said with a kind but firm tone.
I slumped my shoulders, knowing he was right. "What are you so afraid of?" Bas continued, his tone softening as he looked at me.
I felt a lump in my throat at that question, knowing my fear was justified but also embarrassed by my own concern. "Bill's not going to murder David, you know," Bas reassured me, his voice comforting.
A faint smile appeared on my lips at his words, despite the seriousness of the situation. "No, maybe not," I conceded, "but he might just take a flight back here."
"Oh, Elise," Bas said with a slight grin, "do you really think Tokio Hotel's management will let Bill fly back and forth again? I doubt it."
I couldn't help but laugh at my own worries, knowing Bas was probably right. "Okay, okay," I finally admitted, brushing a breadcrumb off my pants, "I won't keep it a secret from Bill any longer."

By the end of the afternoon, we were pleasantly surprised with the news that we could leave earlier than planned. A rare gift of free time in an otherwise hectic schedule. I gathered my things, thanked the rest of the crew, and walked outside with a light step, where Jacob was already waiting for me in his familiar black car.
The air was filled with the soft glow of the setting sun, its rays dancing through the trees. A breeze played with the leaves, creating a soothing whisper. It was a moment of calm amidst the hustle of the day, and I couldn't help but take a deep breath of fresh air and savor the moment.
Jacob greeted me with his usual reserve, but his gaze, as always, exuded a certain reliability. I climbed into his car and settled comfortably into the soft seats. As Jacob started the engine, I looked out the window, letting the passing landscapes wash over me.
He still refused to come inside, which frustrated me slightly. But I decided not to press the issue. Maybe he had his reasons.
Once home from the studio, I had enough time to cook something fresh. I opened my laptop in the kitchen so I could Skype with Bill at the same time. As I began to cook, I honestly told Bill about the conversation with Paul and the situation with David. Bill's face twisted in disgust as he heard my words. "Damn," he muttered softly. "That guy is really insane." To my relief, Bill reacted quite calmly, which reassured me.
He also shared how his day on set had gone, but unfortunately, they had to stop filming again due to bad weather. Sadly, he had to go soon to continue working, but I understood and wished him luck.
While serving the food, I looked out the window and saw Jacob sitting in his car, his attention focused on a small screen playing a series or a movie. A feeling of pity washed over me at the sight of his lonely meal in the car, and I couldn't bear to leave him sitting there.
With an impulsive decision, I grabbed my phone and called him, knowing I could quickly get him to respond with a fabricated emergency. Within minutes, he was at my door, a concerned frown on his face. "Can I help you, Elise?" he asked immediately.
I smiled at him and shook my head. "Relax, Jacob," I said reassuringly. "I've cooked way too much. Would you like to join me for dinner?"