C'mere (Paul Banks fanfic)

The Chat

Paul came sit by Rhi and produced a cigarette pack from his jeans.

- Do you mind? - He asked.

She gestured that she didn't. "In fact I'd love one", she thought as she watched him light it up.

- I should really quit... - He commented, almost to himself. His satisfaction face as he exhaled the smoke clearly stated he actually didn't mean to quit.

Rhiannon bit her down lip and crossed her leg. She realised that if she didn't try to resist his magnetism, she felt relaxed by his side. He seemed like a very serious, even grumpy person, but she could relate to that. Maybe this was due to the circumstances under which they had met. He always had an air to be in control of the situation, and even when it was clear to Rihannon that he wasn't, she could not imagine him losing his cool. He seemed to be all against drama, and Rhiannon appreciated that. She had always considered overly sentimental people to be made of something less sublime than those who could keep calm in extreme situations. She had always admired her father for that, she had to accept she liked Paul for that.

- So Carlos called, our former bassist, remember I told you about him? - He finally blurted out.

Rhi felt like she was brought back from a reverie and assented, with an interested face. She was relieved that he in fact had something to tell her and wasn't just lurking her to his sumptuous and beautiful patio.

- He said he had talked to Aiden... - Paul continued, he was frowning now, playing with the cigarette between his fingers. - He said he's not interested in reaching any kind of agreement. He is suing.

Rhi took a deep breath. From the moment she took the case, she had been sure this was going to happen, but Paul seemed very disgruntled.

- Well, then I guess it's a good thing I have this in my power. - She said patting the folder he had just given her.

He smiled sadly and nodded. The sun made his eyes look clearer. A woman came in right then with their mineral water on a tray. Paul thanked her in Spanish and Rhi could read the woman's adoration for him in her eyes as she whispered a shy "Con gusto, Don Pablito". Rhi laughed to herself, did he have this effect on every woman he met?

She smiled at the woman and took a tiny sip, eyeing Paul. 

- Mr. Banks... Paul... sorry... it's just difficult for me to get used to calling my clients by their first name.

He chuckled and encouraged her to continue with a gesture.

- Right. We can still contact Mr. Wilson and try to talk some sense into him. You don't need to worry.

He assented, almost imperceptibly and continued smoking silently.

- I would love this to be over before I go on tour, Rhi...

In spite of herself, she felt a tingle in her guts when he called her that. She internally scolded herself.

- When are you going on tour?

- The album is out on September, so... from then on. I'm also working on a new album with the band, so I expect to be really busy until January.

That gave them almost three months. If they reached an agreement outside court, it could be done. But if the guy sued... they definitely would not be off it before at least 6 months. She explained this to Paul, and he seemed even more displeased about it.

- I hate thinking of going to the tour with the shadow of legal problems lurking over me...

- I understand. I will contact Wilson first thing next week to see what we're up against. You enjoy your weekend in the meantime.

His facial expression left no doubt he would not be enjoying anything soon. She smiled compassionately.

- Paul... don't let this ruin your mood. You're in good hands, give me some credit.

He turned to see her and his face lit up for the first time since they had sat here. 

- I trust you, Rhi.

She dedicated him her best smile.

- Thank you. I will make sure you don't regret it. - They looked into each other's eyes until she grew uncomfortable and added, standing up. - And I should really go now...

He stood up too, they were really close now and she could smell his after shave. He could smell her shampoo, as well. He really wished he could sink his face in her hair... just as this thought crossed his mind, she hastily shook his hand.

- Have a good day, Paul. - She declared and turned away.

- You too. - He answered with a sigh.

She started walking towards the building, and he followed suit. When they got out of the flat, he watched her slim figure sashay as her footsteps resonated in the hallway. She pressed the lift's button so awkwardly that the light went on and off alternatively. Paul laughed a bit, but Rhi didn't see it, she was surrounded by a mortification cloud and praying to God he hadn't noticed.

He waved his hand at her as she got into the lift and she smiled back. He thought about the love-bite on her neck and grinned. His lawyer wasn't as stuck up as she seemed prima facie.