Page 547 of Rock Me All Night
"How old were you when you became famous?" I ask.
"Was nineteen the first time somebody stopped me on the street ‘cause she recognized me. Twenty-one when it became a regular thing."
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-three."
"I'm twenty-two." I play with my purse. "I can't imagine anyone stopping me on the street because they recognize me."
"It'll happen. People will forget the gossip soon, but the next month or two you'll be famous by association."
"What do I do?"
"It's like customer service. Smile, nod a thank you, get on with your day."
"Did you work, before you became a rock star?"
He cocks a brow. His lips curl into a half smile. "Being a rock star isn't work?"
Mmm. That smile. It takes great effort to avoid melting.
I half-smile back. "You know what I mean."
"Do I?"
I nod. "You're giving me a hard time."
Again, he cocks a brow. "Not yet. But I will."
My cheeks flush. "Oh. That's good." I smooth my skirt. It's hot today. Really hot. "Did you work a regular job before you became a rock star?"
"At a music shop. Talked a few people into picking up the bass."
"What's the difference between a bass and a guitar?"
"Jess, don't do this to me. We're getting along so well," he teases.
"Is that a deal-breaker, me being bass illiterate?"
"Absolutely."
"Then explain it to me."
He smiles. "Most people see the bass as some less cool guitar. No solos, can't sit on the curb playing songs acoustic for tips. Can't get laid wooing women with Dave Matthews Band."
"You play guitar too?"
He nods. "And the piano. Bass will always be my favorite. It's the backbone of a rock song. It doesn't call attention to itself, but the song feels empty without it."
There's so much passion in his voice. It makes it difficult to contemplate the boundaries of this relationship.
I clear my throat. I have to think about something besides how much I already like him. "How did you pick it up?"
"My father played it." Something in his voice changes. "He always encouraged me to pick it up. I wanted to make him proud."
"Is that your prepared answer?"
His brow furrows. "Guess it is."
