Another Day

Chapter 25

Every feeling I spent so many days erasing came rushing back. My heart nearly stopped beating, and tears immediately flooded my eyes as I stared back. That was all I could do. My entire body locked up.

The eyes, so similar to George’s, blinked in surprise at my reaction.

Similar. Similar.

Not George’s eyes.

Not George.

“Paul” I breathed quietly, relaxing. “You alright?” He asked.

He looked ridiculous. Of course he couldn’t exactly go out in public without doing something to disguise him self, but the mustache and slicked back hair seemed a bit much. Not to mention the glasses too big for his face.

“Yeah” I tried to regain my composure, but the sudden onslaught of emotions was kind of overwhelming. Almost paralyzing. George flooded my mind over and over and over and it was crippling. I missed him so much.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “I wanted to talk to you without Linda around.” He answered. I gaped. “You followed me here?”

Paul glanced around and took my hand, avoiding the question “Come on” I followed him mindlessly out onto the sidewalk. Once there, he removed the mustache and glasses.

I raised my eyebrows. “Isn’t that a little risky?”

He shrugged. “I could use the exercise. Can we go somewhere?”

I nodded dumbly. “Yeah, um, my flat isn’t too far from here.” He nodded, glancing around, “Alright let’s go.”

We didn’t even make it fifty feet before we heard a scream. A girl across the street had spotted Paul and was tugging at the arm of her friend so ferociously that I was afraid she was going to hurt the girl. Then they both started screaming, and hurtled across the road.

I froze as the girls ran towards Paul-with me in the way-looking wild. Paul grabbed my hand and started to run. “Come on now!” He shouted.

He dragged me along until I got a grip on myself and my feet started working correctly again. The crowd of two girls swelled to a dozen as we ran, hand in hand, down the sidewalk.

I led Paul to my building and they followed. I slammed the door to my flat behind us and bolted it shut, just to be sure.

I leaned against the door, trying to get my breath. Paul was bent over, gasping between laughs.

“Cardio is very important when you’re a pop star.”

I smiled. “Cuppa then?”

He nodded. “I’d be much obliged ma’am.” I laughed at his American accent and started for the kitchen.

It felt odd to have someone in my flat after so many days of being alone, but not unpleasant. Despite bringing lots of stuff I didn’t want to deal with him, I was pleased to have Paul here.

The kettle whistled, and I went about getting everything settled. I offered him a cup and we sat at the table silently. I fiddled with my cup.

“You seem uncomfortable?” Paul said. He had obviously made himself at home, looking very relaxed with his foot resting on his knee.

I smiled down at my tea. “It’s been a while since anyone besides myself has been here.” I said quietly.

He took a sip “Not the entertaining type?”

“You could say that.”

Paul didn’t reply. It was quiet for a moment. He sighed, breaking the silence, and sat up. He looked serious. “I wanted to talk to you about George actually.”

I wanted to pretend like I was surprised at this, but I wasn’t.

He went on “Usually I wouldn’t care about this stuff, much less get involved, but…you seem to have a different effect on him than most birds.”

I didn’t let my heart flutter when he said that.

“His playing has gotten…err…not good, which is weird for him, and he’s moody all the time now. And I hate to say it’s because of you, but I can’t think of anything else. So…what exactly happened?”

I didn’t look at him. Ever since letting George go at the hospital I had regretted it, but I didn’t really let myself come to terms with that. Obviously I had an effect on him if what Paul said was true, but I was paranoid about being lied to.

“Why do you even care?” I shot back.

“George is like my baby brother and I want to help him on behalf of the interests of the band.”

He looked at me with those big, innocent-looking eyes and I wished I could just dump all my feeling out onto the table for him to sort out. Because I wasn’t doing a very good job of it myself.

For two years, I believed a man that told me he loved me and it turned out to be a pack of lies. He never did. How was I supposed to believe George when I’ve only known him for a couple of months? I was afraid that just because he was famous and gorgeous that I’d be blinded by all that and not realize he was lying too.

I put my chin in my hands, pushing away the untouched cup of tea. “I’m just scared Paul, really.”

Paul almost smiled. “George has seen a lot of birds in his day, but he’s never acted this way about one.”

“I just need some time to get myself back in order.” I mumbled. Paul sighed and glanced at the clock in my kitchen. We both knew I was lying, and Paul knew I was a lost cause.

He stood to leave. “We’ve got an early recording session tomorrow, I have to go.” I nodded and also stood. Surprisingly, he kissed me on the cheek. “Please consider at least talking to him.” He said seriously, and then he left.

I was alone again. Left in my empty flat for the second time.