The Book Boyfriend

Eight.

“Oh right after that drunk driving charge, but the magazines said it was drugs not alcohol,” Jess nodded wisely, making sense of it all. “I am sorry though Bec, not just for barging in, but everything.”

“Me too.” I felt better talking about it and finally stopped staring at my phone. He wasn’t going to call and neither was I.

-

Friday I was back to normal and cooking breakfast for Jess and John I couldn’t deny I was going to miss having him around. Pancakes were piled up on the dining table as the pair emerged sleepily and the smell of coffee lured them in.

“So Becky, since you’re slumming off Jess here and have no interest in looking for a job anytime soon I have one to offer to you!” John took another mouthful as Jess and I looked at him curiously.

“A job? Doing what?”

“My PA. I’m not just going to be running things like Rock The Planet anymore, I will be the one at the head of organizing them from the start, including finding gigs for the guys already on De Luca’s payroll. You know how I am and I need to staff my office. It will be good pay, long hours…”

“John I can’t just leave, Jess will need to find someone to pay the rent and what about Mum and Dad?”

“You won’t need to, I’m coming home. For the big things I’ll need to travel, and you might have to as well…”

“This sounds to good to be true, what’s the catch?”

“You work for me. If I say coffee you go get it” He teased and now I saw the downside. “But I know you’re good at filing and organizing everything. Without you Nan’s bookshop would be a mess and you’ll get training too so don’t worry about that. You might even like it and go into PR or Marketing too?” Since I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, it seemed like a logical step.

“You’re not going to be a tyrant about everything are you?” I loved my brother and having him home would be great, but working for him too?

“Of course not!”

“Liar!” Jess butted in; finished with her coffee she started clearing our plates.

“Maybe a little,” John admitted smiling. Mum and Dad were going to love hearing about this.

“Just out of curiosity, how much would I have to do with the bands?” In particular, Taking Back Monday and their lead singer.

“Not much. Mostly with their direct line of management. I might get you to come in on some meetings when we’re discussing where they want to go next and that kind of thing. Why? I only asked because you seem to keep things level headed around celebrities.”

If only he knew.

“Ok, just curious.” I shrugged and Jess stopped what she was doing, frowning.

“What?” John demanded, looking between us.

“Nothing!” I whined, getting up to help her.

“Once you’re ready I’ll take you into the city today to check out our new office and meet some of the others,” He sounded almost excited and I was certain it was because for at least eight hours of the day he’d be able to tell me what to do.

-

“Rebecca? Come to see what your big bro does for work?” Sparky appeared in the doorway to Johns office. The fresh paint smell still diluted the air and my head felt a little hazy from the fumes.

“Hey Sparky! Not quite, he’s talked me into working as his PA.” I laughed, still trying to work out how I ended up unpacking the files and stationary into the cupboards considering I didn’t start until Monday.