Stranger Things Have Happened, I Know

Ch 25 & 26

CHAPTER 25

                My travel day finally arrived and I packed up all my necessary paperwork that I have complied to present to Dave and the lawyer, a woman that Josh Homme had recommended named Marilyn Cressotti. I had my mortgage information, the balance of my student loans, car and credit cards. I packed them with a few articles of clothing and a gift I had bought for Dave the week prior. I had ended up taking a long weekend off from work and was looking forward to spending it in the sun with my love and my friends.

                When we landed, I deplaned and walked towards the baggage area where the driver normally met me. There must have been some famous person there because there was a crowd of people and a bunch of photographer’s snapping pictures. I craned my neck to try to read the signs the drivers were holding, searching for my name.

                “Kate!” I heard my name being called. It sounded like Dave! Suddenly, the crowd of fans parted and Dave appeared, smiling and heading towards me at a jog. I squealed and started towards him. As we met, I let my bag slip off my shoulder and threw myself against him. He wrapped both arms around my waist and lifted me off my feet, kissing me and smiling as  the fans began to clap and photographer’s snapped our picture.

                “Dave! Dave! Is this your new girlfriend?”

                “Dave what does your ex think?”

                “Dave, is she much younger than you?”

                “Has she met your daughters?”

                We ignored them as Dave set me back down and grabbed my bag. He took my hand in his and we headed out of the airport, people swarming around us and in front of us. I saw his car parked at the curb. He opened the passengers’ side door for me and I got in. He tossed my bag in the back seat and got in himself. We waved as he pulled away from the curb.

                “Well!” I said, breathlessly. “That was a surprise!” He laughed.

                “I know, I wanted to pick you up myself,” he said as he took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles. “You did really good, though, with the crowd and the photographers.”

                “All I could see was you,” I said, smiling at him. “But I can’t wait to see the pictures and read the headlines!”

                “Aging rocker robs cradle, steals innocence” Dave said, sweeping his hand from left to right.

                “Poor eye sight causes celebrated drummer to mistake average girl for someone more dateable,” I countered.

                “Foo front man woo’s hot young chicky, proves he’s still got it,” Dave laughed.

                “Oh baby,” I said, leaning way over to kiss his cheek, “You’ve always had ‘it’!” We laughed the rest of the drive home.

                Later that night, we met Taylor and Alison for dinner at a Korean BBQ place in the valley. I was so happy to be back in LA. I had missed Alison so much and she and I caught up while Dave and Taylor chatted amongst themselves. Every once in a while, Dave would lean over and whisper in my ear that he loved me and give me a quick kiss on my cheek. About halfway through dinner, Ali noticed my ring. She gasped and grabbed my hand.

                “Where did THAT come from?” She asked excitedly. “Is that an… engagement ring?”

                “Not exactly,” I replied, blushing. Dave came to my rescue.