Page 61 of My Rock Star Neighbor
Thegoal:looklikea loving couple out on a date.My label has “leaked” to some paparazzi that we’ll be dining at Ciel on the Upper East Side.Several social media posts have alleged that we broke up because they haven’t seen us out together since the night we went dancing.Someone posted a shot of me huddling with Sayo after rehearsal and claimed I had a new girlfriend.But thankfully, a long-term fan posted that it looked like Sayo and me walking together.
This goal might be harder than the MusEn publicist imagined, because Maddie is clearly frustrated that she doesn’t yet have a break in her investigation.Hopefully, the soothing bistro ambiance of this restaurant works its charms.Small round tables are set up across a black and white–tiled floor, with large green trees interspersed between, and a bar along one side.An enormous copper hood commands the corner with a grill underneath (the specialty is grilled steak), with another bar with stools surrounding that cooking area.On either side of the bar mirror are vintage French posters on the white-tiled walls.We’re seated on a huge, circular, deep-green velvet couch surrounding a table.A candle flickers in the votive in the center.Maddie seems to absorb the décor and puts her phone away.
Our waiter hands us our menus and then asks if we’d like tap or bottled water, flat or sparkling.We both say “tap” at the same time.
“This is the utter opposite of Strangelove,” I say.
“Don’t say I don’t take you to the best places,” Maddie says.
“I think that’s my line…” I tip my head to point out the crystal chandelier glinting above us and the green velvet couches.
We’re seated in a corner with some space between us and the surrounding tables.I’d asked for as much privacy as possible.I don’t have to make it easy for the paparazzi.I want to be able to talk to Maddie freely.
I promptly reach across the narrow table to hold Maddie’s hand, lacing my fingers through hers.I like holding her hand.There’s something about the way Maddie relaxes a bit when I do.She’s so hard-charging, and yet, when our palms touch, it’s like she wants to stay in this moment.
“I can’t study my menu if you’re holding my hand,” she says.
“Why not?”
“It’s distracting.”
“Distracting?”I ask.“In a good way or a bad way?”
She smiles at me.“Both good and bad.”
“How so?”
“It’s comforting.Your hand is always so warm.And I like the way I can feel where your skin is rough from playing the guitar.It makes it feel more real.”She pouts.“But it’s distracting when I need to study this menu.”
Maddie’s pouting… Is she flirting with me?
“Maddie, what a surprise to see you here!”a voice intrudes upon our conversation.“You must introduce me to yourboyfriend.”
The woman says the word “boyfriend” as if she can’t quite believe it.Maddie also doesn’t look thrilled to see this woman.Is she one of the bullies from middle school?
“This is Nick,” Maddie says.“Nick, this is Sarah.”
Nemesis?
No way.She looks different without a helmet and face mask.
Sarah introduces the man she’s with as her boyfriend.
I stand and put out my hand.“Nick Devlin.You work with Maddie, right?”
Sarah looks surprised.“Wow.I didn’t think you’d know my name.”
“Well, sometimes we talk about work,” I say.“And obviously, I’ve met Maddie’sclosefriends, like Jing.”
A corner of Maddie’s lips kicks up on my emphasis of the word “close,” and then she compresses her lips back into a straight line.
“I like coming home to Nick and getting his perspective on whatever I’m working on,” Maddie says.
Sarah looks back and forth between us.“You’re a dark horse, Maddie.”
Maddie shrugs but doesn’t seem to take umbrage.
“She’s a thoroughbred,” I say.“I’m the one who’s fortunate because Maddie agreed to date me.”
