Wilde Velvet by Deila Longford Page A

music from now on.” he shakes his head at my words, but he agrees with me.
    “Fine,”                                                   
    We arrive at a small café and we immediately get a table at the back of the room. The waitress has brought us some coffee and Mr Wilde has ordered our food. I was a little annoyed when he said that he would order for me. I felt like a child as he selected my food for me. He noticed that I was a little annoyed at his actions, so he gave me one of his smart answers. He said that he didn’t trust me to make a healthy food choice. I laughed and rolled my eyes at him. Why does he have to be so annoying? The waitress brings us our food and I smile at her politely as she places the food down in front of me. I was annoyed that he ordered for me, but I can’t deny that I don’t like his choice. He has ordered me eggs on wholemeal toast and a side platter of fruit. But he has angered me by what he has ordered for himself, pancakes and bacon. I scowl at him. Is he doing this on purpose? I try to ignore him as he scoffs his food. I focus on my own plate and I begin to tuck into the eggs on toast. We eat in silence for a while until he breaks it by talking about my music.
    “So when did you first realise that you wanted to sing?” I place my fork down onto the plate as I respond.
    “Music has always been my passion. I have loved music for as long as I can remember. Singing and being on stage, is what makes me who I am. I love playing live. Singing to massive a crowd and feeling their energy as they sing along, that’s what I crave.”
    “Forgive me for asking this, but is fame and fortune important you?” he stares deep into my eyes for my reply.
    “Being recognised for my work is important to me. But I have never had much money, so I can’t want something that I’ve never had.” he smiles. He likes my answer.
    “What style of music do you see yourself recording?”
    “I like to listen to all sorts of music, but I think that my voice is best suited to the pop genre. I am always open to new ideas and trying new things. I’m willing to record different styles of music. If that’s what you want me to do?” Mr Wilde takes a sip of his coffee as he takes in my words.
    “We’ll go for pop and maybe … country.” he says. I laugh at him.
    “Country seriously?” I state. He smirks at me.
    “Yeah, I’m getting a country vibe from you. Where are you originally from?” I laugh as I take a bite of watermelon.
    “I’m from Dallas.” he nods at my answer.
    “Ah that explains the country vibe.” he says smugly. “So how come you don’t have an accent?” I sigh. Here he goes again with the personal questions.
    “I haven’t lived in Dallas my entire life . Only for the last six or seven years. We moved around a lot when I was younger. So I guess it’s kinda hard to have an accent when you’re not really from anywhere.” he takes in my explanation and then he starts again with the personal questions.
    “So how come you moved around a lot? And why did you move from Dallas?” I shift around in my seat. I am nervous talking about this. What if I slip up and confess to him about my past? I have to be extra careful when I choose my next words.
    “My mom didn’t like to stay in the one place for too long. So every few months she would pack us up and move to another state. I moved from Dallas, to pursue my dreams.” he stares deep into my eyes. I fear that he knows that I am hiding something. I try to compose myself. Keep your guard up Ashley.
    “I see and didn’t your father put a stop to all the moving around?”
    “I have never met my Dad. It’s only ever been me and Mom.” I have a sudden reminder of my mom ringing through my head. I haven’t called to tell her my news. She will be so excited. I must remind myself to call. Mr Wilde seems very interested in my life. But how would he feel if the tables were turned? I’m