For The Plot

12

She took a second, putting a drop of milk into her mug. "Okay." She sat up, finally looking at me again. Her cardigan has fallen open, showing off the matching navy sports bra, and I tried my best to pull my eyes off her bare stomach and chest like I was a horny teenager.

"I'm really sorry." I tried to portray my sincerity in my tone. "I didn't think my comments through, and I felt awful about it, but it wasn't until I read more of your book that I realised the impact they could have had on your mentality. It was not my best moment and I really hope you'll forgive me."

"I've gotten so much shit before, and I know I will after the release, but I never expected it from you."

"You shouldn't have to deal with it at all, let alone from me. Which is why I had to come here and tell you this."

"Thank you for apologising. And acknowledging you're in the wrong."

"I was. I will never be so harsh on you or your career again. I think your manuscript is amazing, and to tell your story to the world is admirable."

"I accepted your apology, E, you don't have to kiss my ass anymore." She giggled, pulling her hot mug into her chest.

"I mean it, and I needed to tell you that now. I'm proud of you, Pooh."
It felt weird using that nickname again, but it also felt right. Her lips pursed and her eyes finally had that happy glow to them once again. She took a sip, not responding to it.

"What chapter are you on?"

"Fifty-nine." I told her, not embarrassed to have memorised it. Her mouth turned up into a smile.

"The shows not over yet, Elijah. You haven't even met yourself yet."

"I know." I smiled back at her mischievous smirk, but covered it with the mug, "I needed a moment to take it in."

She nodded, crossing her legs up onto her seat in a lotus pose.
"Is this what I think it is?" I changed subject, needing to move past it. Her eyes followed mine to the white paper.

"Yeah. Wanna see it in all it's glory?"

"Sure."
I moved the tray onto the floor beside the table while she rolled the map out across it. Our mugs at each end held it in place while my eyes reread all our plans.
'The Elijah and Lowen three months planner' was written in bold writing across the top of the landscape sheet.

"Jessica's crazy, do you know that?"

"Oh, I'm well aware, but I love her for it." She smiled.

She twisted her body to read the writing upside down. "Come here." I moved, pushing my body to one side of the sofa.

She took my offer, coming around to sit beside me. Our thighs pressed tightly together with the lack of space. "We have a lot of public appearances." She sighed.

"Yeah, I noticed that. Three galas too?"

"Yeah. Trust Jessica to get us on every invite list possible."

"Not into galas and parties?" I asked, slightly surprised, but I'm done with presuming.

"I am, in some senses. I like the dressing up, the glitz and glamor, the dancing. I just don't like the conversations and the interviews. The constant eyes on me, watching for my dress to rip or for me to drink in an unladylike way."