"So... who are you with?" The burly security guard steps forward, barring your way.
"I'm with the band," you say, your voice loaded with suggestiveness, and it doesn't go unnoticed.
He raises an eyebrow, taking in your too-tight dress and cherry red...
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It's a short taxi ride from Glasgow Green into the city centre and Van sits there beside me, arm resting along the top of the backseat, long legs stretched out like he owns the space. For saying he's a slim guy he certainly takes up a lot of room. He's had a satisfied little smirk playing on his lips since we stepped off the tour bus and he's obviously pleased with himself about something. I pretend to be oblivious even though I know it's because he's managed to bag a 'date' with me, and much as I'm playing the part of the coolly aloof companion, my chest feels oddly fluttery at the thought of spending the whole day with him. No band, no stupid ground rules, no interference from Larry, just the two of us and a day full of possibilities stretching out ahead of us.
"Do you always talk this much?" I tease with a smirk.
"Only when I'm excited about something," he grins back.
I'd wondered if he'd be different one on one with no audience to perform to, quieter perhaps... maybe a little muted... but as I watch him drumming his fingers on the head-rest as he chatters on non-stop about his plans for tomorrow's set-list and this little bar he visited last time he was in Glasgow that he just knows I'll love, I decide it's not going to be the case. This is Van we're talking about and what you see is what you get. In truth even though I used to consider it a flaw, I'm coming around to the idea that it's actually one of his best qualities.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I raise it up to see another text from Sam. We've been exchanging them all morning after I'd let him down gently about not seeing him until tomorrow, accompanied by a suggestive promise that I'd definitely make it up to him... and it'd be worth the wait.
Sam: Enjoy your shopping trip. You've no idea how much I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow x
I type a quick reply, trying to mute my secretive smile but of course Van clocks it, curious eyes flicking between my phone and my face.
"You always in this much demand?" He says, trying for a casual tone. "That's been going off all morning. Anyone interesting?"
"You always this nosey?" I laugh, tucking my phone into my bag as I catch him tilting his head towards the screen.
He chuckles, shaking his head. "I'm just curious, that's all. Every time you pick up your phone you've got this funny kinda look on your face..."
"A look?"
"Yeah, like you're up to something."
I smile at him sweetly. "I'm always up to something Van... you know me."
He scoffs lightly, turning his head to glance out the window and I notice the way his jaw tightens, just a touch. "Yeah... and it's usually no good."
I can't help but laugh at that. "Oh my god you're starting to sound like Larry. It's funny how I don't hear you complaining when I'm misbehaving with you."
