embarrassed over their reactions.
“May I?” I hope Tony will let me hold him.
“Only you, darling.”
I cuddle the mischievous mouse, giving its nose a peck, which earns a chorus of conflicting responses. A few tables over, one woman appears to faint and is lowered to her chair.
Handing Rico back, I go stiff.
With so many gazes glued on me, I am bombarded with unfamiliar and uncomfortable feelings. Shag somehow senses my dilemma and places a big hand against my lower back before making his announcement.
“Show is over, folks. Don’t let the food get cold. Rico is going back inside his cage, where I’m sure he’ll stay.”
Nervous laughter follows, and then they actually do what he suggested, turning their attention to their plates as Tony makes a timely getaway with his furry friend.
“Uh, thanks. I’m not real big on being in the center of things,” I babble, hating how frazzled I sound.
“No problem. I can handle it.” He winks and flashes the crooked grin I’ve seen so often captured on magazine covers.
“That’s right, famous rock-stars enjoy attention, or perhaps they need it…” I say over my shoulder, making my way back to our table.
I’m not sure why I have the sudden urge to be so snarky. One minute I’m thrilled he’s pulling out my chair; the next, I’m surprised he’s followed me on my rodent-roundup; and now I’m just plain flustered by his interest.
Considering my history, I don’t have a reference point for someone like Shag Steal. He has my emotions doing summersaults, cartwheels, and maybe even back-flips. I’m so far out of my comfort zone I might as well be on the moon. I wish now I would have gone back to the suite with Robin. Dealing with her drunken ramblings is something I am familiar with.
“Wow, that was a crowd pleaser.” Roxie’s comment brings my mind back to the moment.
I’m standing at our table, and everyone is looking expectantly my direction. I hardly remember the walk across the room.
I shrug, wishing I could disappear. “I didn’t want anyone to hurt it.”
“I hear you. Rodents are cool. Ask Stix. I wanted to buy a capybara. The world’s largest rodent.”
“You’ve had so many animal obsessions,” Stix confirms his brother’s statement. “But capybaras are fucking awesome. I won’t argue with that. When we saw them swimming in Panama…”
“Sit!” Roxie motions to the chair next to her while everyone launches into their own animal inspired stories.
Not sure what else to do, I find my discarded shoes and join her. To my horror, Shag plops down and reclines in the chair to my right.
As hungry as I am, all I can do is nibble. My nerves are already fried and it’s only been a day. How will I survive nine more days at sea with Shag Steal shadowing my every move? Hopefully he’ll get bored and move on to an easier target, someone better suited for his rock-god image.
Is that what I really want?
“Miss O’Shea…? Did you hear me?”
“What? I’m sorry.” I’m not sure who is talking, but I try to look friendly.
A man I don’t recognize offers a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m Marcus Rodriguez, Rolling Rock Magazine. I’m covering the cruise. I wanted to ask you a few questions.”
Holy Crap! Rolling Rock?
“Well, I guess…”
Again Shag comes to my rescue. “Man, let the woman eat. Aren’t you supposed to schedule interview times?”
Shag’s PA, back from escorting Robin, confirms Shag’s sentiment. “Mr. Steal is correct. You need to schedule interviews in advance.”
“Fine. I’ll do that. I just wanted to see how she’s enjoying her first day.”
“It’s been crazy,” I hear myself answer. “In fact, I’m tired. Jetlag, I’m sure. I think I’ll go check on Robin and call it an early night.”
“You haven’t touched your food,” Shag protests.
Misty gives Shag a puzzled look that the reporter notices as well.
I can’t get out of here fast enough.
What was I thinking
“May I?” I hope Tony will let me hold him.
“Only you, darling.”
I cuddle the mischievous mouse, giving its nose a peck, which earns a chorus of conflicting responses. A few tables over, one woman appears to faint and is lowered to her chair.
Handing Rico back, I go stiff.
With so many gazes glued on me, I am bombarded with unfamiliar and uncomfortable feelings. Shag somehow senses my dilemma and places a big hand against my lower back before making his announcement.
“Show is over, folks. Don’t let the food get cold. Rico is going back inside his cage, where I’m sure he’ll stay.”
Nervous laughter follows, and then they actually do what he suggested, turning their attention to their plates as Tony makes a timely getaway with his furry friend.
“Uh, thanks. I’m not real big on being in the center of things,” I babble, hating how frazzled I sound.
“No problem. I can handle it.” He winks and flashes the crooked grin I’ve seen so often captured on magazine covers.
“That’s right, famous rock-stars enjoy attention, or perhaps they need it…” I say over my shoulder, making my way back to our table.
I’m not sure why I have the sudden urge to be so snarky. One minute I’m thrilled he’s pulling out my chair; the next, I’m surprised he’s followed me on my rodent-roundup; and now I’m just plain flustered by his interest.
Considering my history, I don’t have a reference point for someone like Shag Steal. He has my emotions doing summersaults, cartwheels, and maybe even back-flips. I’m so far out of my comfort zone I might as well be on the moon. I wish now I would have gone back to the suite with Robin. Dealing with her drunken ramblings is something I am familiar with.
“Wow, that was a crowd pleaser.” Roxie’s comment brings my mind back to the moment.
I’m standing at our table, and everyone is looking expectantly my direction. I hardly remember the walk across the room.
I shrug, wishing I could disappear. “I didn’t want anyone to hurt it.”
“I hear you. Rodents are cool. Ask Stix. I wanted to buy a capybara. The world’s largest rodent.”
“You’ve had so many animal obsessions,” Stix confirms his brother’s statement. “But capybaras are fucking awesome. I won’t argue with that. When we saw them swimming in Panama…”
“Sit!” Roxie motions to the chair next to her while everyone launches into their own animal inspired stories.
Not sure what else to do, I find my discarded shoes and join her. To my horror, Shag plops down and reclines in the chair to my right.
As hungry as I am, all I can do is nibble. My nerves are already fried and it’s only been a day. How will I survive nine more days at sea with Shag Steal shadowing my every move? Hopefully he’ll get bored and move on to an easier target, someone better suited for his rock-god image.
Is that what I really want?
“Miss O’Shea…? Did you hear me?”
“What? I’m sorry.” I’m not sure who is talking, but I try to look friendly.
A man I don’t recognize offers a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m Marcus Rodriguez, Rolling Rock Magazine. I’m covering the cruise. I wanted to ask you a few questions.”
Holy Crap! Rolling Rock?
“Well, I guess…”
Again Shag comes to my rescue. “Man, let the woman eat. Aren’t you supposed to schedule interview times?”
Shag’s PA, back from escorting Robin, confirms Shag’s sentiment. “Mr. Steal is correct. You need to schedule interviews in advance.”
“Fine. I’ll do that. I just wanted to see how she’s enjoying her first day.”
“It’s been crazy,” I hear myself answer. “In fact, I’m tired. Jetlag, I’m sure. I think I’ll go check on Robin and call it an early night.”
“You haven’t touched your food,” Shag protests.
Misty gives Shag a puzzled look that the reporter notices as well.
I can’t get out of here fast enough.
What was I thinking
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