Page 641 of Rock Me All Night
Meg takes me through the different dining options—red-purple ahi tuna, soft coral salmon, firm ono, glassy fish eggs, octopus. I take one of everything. I'm about to drench a piece of salmon in soy sauce when she grabs my hand.
"Try it plain first. That way you can taste the flavor of the fish," she says.
"You're religious about this," Miles teases.
She shoots him an accusatory glance. "Every single server at Nobu knows your regular order."
"Only because you want to go every Saturday night."
"Nuh-uh."
He smiles and nods. His eyes fill with affection.
It's funny. I've never had a peek into what love really looks like. My parents never even liked each other. My high school friends were casual with their relationships—having fun, screwing around. Even our friendships were casual, surface level. I liked it better that way. I didn't have to worry about revealing too much.
I didn't know how deep love could go, how much another person could free you or tie you up in knots.
Again, my stomach clenches. I sample the salmon sashimi. It's a little soft but it's good. Fresh. I try dipping it in soy sauce, but I like it better plain. There's nothing hiding the flavor.
Then I think of Pete, and my stomach is in knots again.
I'll deal with my feelings later. Once I've held down dinner for an hour. I fill my plate with salmon sashimi, turn to Meg and Miles, and bring up science fiction films until I stumble on something that makes one of them gush.
Turns out it'sJurassic Park.Pete's favorite book. Exactly the topic that will help me not think about him.
* * *
After a long, painful goodbye—Meg and Miles will be apart until Thursday evening—Meg gives me a ride back to Pete's place.
Mercifully, we converse only about local radio stations.
The drive goes quickly. She pulls into the driveway of the Hollywood place with a wistful sigh.
"There's a lot of memories here. It's a shame the label is finally kicking Sinful Serenade out," she says.
They are? I try not to let my surprise register. "Oh?"
She nods. "After Thanksgiving. Miles said it has something to do with that asshole manager. Aiden." She turns to me. "Are you and Pete looking for another place?"
"Uh…" Thanksgiving is well past our expiration date. No reason why he needed to tell me. I keep up my poker face. "I can't decide if I want to get an apartment close to school or if I want to find a place on the beach."
"Do the beach. Downtown is dead on the weekends and it's nearly as expensive as Santa Monica." Her gaze goes to the house. "You're from Long Island, right?"
I nod. "That means I have to love the beach and Billy Joel."
She laughs. "The guy who doesPiano Man?"
"Exactly."
"Then definitely do the beach."
I allow myself a moment to fantasize about living on the beach with Pete, at some luxurious place like the one Miles has. The house doesn't matter to me. Just his arms, the sun, the sand, the crashing waves, his voice in my ear as he whispersbaby, I love you.
I clear my throat. "I should get going. Early class."
She groans. "My first class is at eight." Her dramatic features soften as her expression fills with concern. "I'm terrible with relationship problems. The worst. But. Um. Pete's really hot."
I laugh. "So is Miles."
