Overjoyed

Chapter 5 - Laughter Lines

OH MYY GODDD!" Courtney's scream roused me from my sleep, "It's on fucking YouTube!" I had barely stretched before she stormed into my room, "How could you let this happen?" she shrieked, looking as if she could murder someone. I instantly knew she was referring to her little 'incident' of the night before. I was not in the mood to be chastised; after all I had to cart her drunk ass around with the help of a shy British musician. "I didn't let anything happen. You chose to act like a hot mess last night" I retorted and walked out of the room. I went into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. I needed to shower and be out of there.

Courtney was still ranting somewhere in the apartment when left the bathroom to get dressed. It was a rather warm day so I chose a simple red sundress which looked good against my pale skin. I rushed out of the front door, not even bothering to think of breakfast. I drove down to the beach and walked along the pier, watching the tourists and lovers walk in the morning light. I sat down on a bench to marvel at the waves lapping against the rocks. A man stood across from me, leaning over the railing, appearing to be enthralled by the waves as well. I watched him for a while, and from this angle he looked an awful lot like Dan. My heart jumped suddenly. Who knew me to get star struck?

As he turned around I caught a glimpse of his face. That hair, those features... it was Dan! What were the chances? His gaze fell on me and to my surprise he stopped and waved. I waved back. He actually recognized me. Taking me even more by surprise he started towards me. "Good morning Eliza" he said and smiled, "how is the patient this morning?" I laughed and said, "Being an absolute bitch. Someone recorded the whole thing and put it up on YouTube." He looked appalled. "I wonder what embarrassing things they've caught me doing" he said. I smirked at him, "You hardly strike me as someone who embarrasses yourself" He feigned seriousness, "Oh no, I'm a walking bag of humiliation." Funny guy, who knew. He looked down shyly for a second and then asked, "Have you eaten? It's awfully early to be up and about" I smiled at his adorable British courtesy. "No, I haven't" I replied, "I didn't want to spend any longer than necessary in the apartment this morning." "Well, where do you want to eat? It's the least I can do to thank you for coming out to see us" he offered. I raised an eyebrow and asked cockily, "You buy all your fans meals?" Dan laughed, "So you're a fan Eliza? Lucky us" I flushed.

I was sitting across from Dan in a modern beachfront restaurant, tucking into a breakfast of bacon and eggs. Dan was eating an omelette and I was amazed that no one had recognized him. "Shouldn't you be hounded by paparazzi?" I asked and he said with a little pride, "No, I'm brilliantly inconspicuous actually." "It must be the hair" I mumbled.

We spent the morning getting to know one another; turns out he was extremely well read with a penchant for history and literature, like me. He had South African parents and grew up in London. He regaled me with stories and verses from his early song-writing days, and had me in embarrassing fits of laughter all morning.

Dan walked me to my car, and I thanked him for breakfast. "Eliza," he began, "If you aren't busy this evening, I'd like if you could come to another of our concerts." My insides warmed slightly, "Dan I'd love to, but how would I get in?" I asked. "How about I come get you? That's if you don't mind sitting through sound-check and pre-show band banter" he said. "That sounds great" I smiled. "Text me your address" he said, and proceeded to give me his number. Wow.

He stood there waving as I pulled away, looking very pleased with himself.