Melodies of Life

Part 4: Between Verses and Heartbeats

A guitarist who doesn't want fame, plays for a girl desperately in need of his popularity... Of course, he needs something in return.

What happens when pretend becomes real?

*****

Eyes fixed on her, I open my mouth to speak. "Pretend to be my girlfriend."

"What?! Are you nuts?" She almost drops the baking tray she was holding as her voice rises in surprise at my sudden proposal.

"Its a perfect idea. I mean, your granfather's greatest wish is to see you have a boyfriend. I'm doing you a favor." I put on my cheshire grin as I anticipate her next amusing reaction.

Her eyes narrow as she looks at me, probing. "Oh really now." She crosses her arms in front of her chest. "I know that smile. You're up to something, something very bad."

I shake my head innocently. "No. Believe me, this is for your own benefit."

She laughs like it was the biggest joke she had ever heard. "Here's what I think. You want me to pretend to be your-" She stops abruptly, sandpaper lining her throat. "Like what you've said a while ago. Because of a certain girl."

"Bingo!" I point at her with a mischievous wink. "You're really clever which makes you the perfect candidate to be my girlfriend."

"Could you pick contestant number 2 instead?"

I shake my head vehemently. "I want you. Only you, my cupcake." I wiggle my brows suggestively at her.

"Cupcake? So we got an official term of endearment already? You don't waste anytime do you?" She rolls her eyes in irritation. "What happens when I say no?"

"I'll stop playing for your Cafe Stradivarius, then you'll lose all your valued customers which happens to be my fans." I chuckle darkly.

"I guess I don't have a choice then." She sighs in misery. "Just promise me you won't overdo things."

"Of course not. You know me. I don't mix business with pleasure." I flash my cheshire grin at her then lick the icing left on her finger which make her blush and freeze on the spot.