Page 27 of Everything Is Yours
We had several more runs after that, and with each one all of us got better and better, even Rick. By the end of the three-hour session, we were all worn out. The relief I felt when I took those boots off was almost on par with the release I’d felt when I came after a dry spell. The ache in the arches of my feet was instantly gone, replaced with the comfort of knowing the task was over.
The best part of all was when we were all sitting in the small restaurant above the ski center, eating fondue and cracking jokes. I couldn’t explain how good it felt when my eyes scanned the cheerful faces of our friends. To know that they were part of my future made me thankful.
Being an orphan in my early twenties sucked. Even though I had my band mates, it was an amazing feeling to know that I had built a whole new support system just by being with Lily. Some of her friends had been with her since childhood. There was a special bond between them that enabled all of them to accept newbies like Mya and me into their fold.
Lily looked across at me and smiled warmly. She sat between Jack and Rick at the table. Mya and Emily were next to me. Emily turned and grinned at me, then placed her hand over mine. I took that as a show of affection.
“Thank you for bringing us with you, Alfie. We hardly get any time with Lily now. We all love her so much. Any idea when you will be playing in London again? I want to buy Dave tickets for his birthday.”
Emily was obviously struggling with the fact we were friends, and I was Alfie her friend, and not Alfie Black, rock star. I explained that there is usually a small allocation for friends and family, and whenever she wanted to go she should just call Lily or me. I told her Dave had both of our numbers. Emily stared incredulously and blinked several times then looked flustered.
“You’re Alfie Black, I can’t just…call you,” she sniggered and looked slightly embarrassed.
“Why not? Wearefriends, aren’t we?”
“I’m happy to pay. I’ll buy them. I wasn’t asking for free…”
“I know. I knew what you meant, Emily. I don’t want my friends paying to come and see me. I’d have to return the favor, and I’m pretty sure that would limit the number of times we could all get together. It could get expensive for all of us,” I said winking playfully at her.
Emily grinned and looked pleased with my reply, her face slightly flushed. “I’m glad Lily found you, Alfie. You’re perfect for each other. You make our little lady very happy. Even if you are a flirt.”
I smirked and glanced over at Lily who I realized was sitting quietly watching our interaction. I gave her a slow smile then winked at her. Lily’s lips curved as she gave me a sexy smile back. Before I could say anything else, two kids in bobble hats and brightly colored ski jackets approached the table.
“Oh. My. God. I can’t believe it. All this rock royalty at one table,” the taller one gushed breathlessly with excitement.
The other agreed with his opinion, “Rock legends, man.”
Jack put his hand up before any of us could talk and stood up as he was on the end of the table.
“May I help you?” he said, giving the fan an inquiring look and sounding officious.
“I’m a fan of these guys. I can’t believe there are so many of them at one table.”
“Not sure I understand what you mean?” Jack said, sounding serious his eyes darting between the fans and us.
The other started pointing animatedly at us all individually, “Rick Fars. Lily Parnell.” His eyes raked Dave and Mya over and dismissed them, then pointed at me, “Alfie Black.” His eyes skipped Emily to land on Lennox then Cody, “Lenny what’s his name and Cody thingy.”
I started laughing when I made eye contact with Cody and Cody’s eyebrow lifted as if to say,What the fuck? He doesn’t know my last name?
Jack studied us, placing his hand on his chin and his elbow resting on his other arm.
“Oh, right. Yeah, I see what you’re saying. They do resemble Alfie Black and Lily Parnell. Rick Fars…I think the professor here wouldn’t know who you’re talking about,” Jack said pointing at Rick.
“Cody thingy…I have no idea who that is, or the Lenny guy. You think a bunch of rock stars would come to a place like Ruka to ski when they usually all hang out in Cloisters, Lake Tahoe, Whistler or Banff? Tell me, do you speak any other languages?”
Both fans, who looked completely taken aback by Jack and with puzzled looks, shook their heads. Jack smiled at them and turned his attention to us. Jack immediately started speaking gibberish that resembled a Russian dialect while gesticulating at each of us. He babbled and every now and again we recognized one of our names. Lily started giggling which set Emily and Dave off. Jack began chuckling himself but continued to try and keep up the farce. Rick couldn’t contain it any longer and roared with laughter until he was breathless and banged the table with his fists. The rest of us gave up the ghost and joined him.
Jack turned back and grinned at the fan. “I’m sorry, sir, but these guys are a scientific research team from the National Geographic magazine and are normally based over the hill in Russia. They’re here on assignment. Your mistake has caused much amusement amongst them.”
The fans looked mortified and apologized. One began to walk away, and I felt bad for him. Signaling to Emily and Dave, they cleared my path so I could step away from the table.
“Hey. I’m sorry about that. Now you’ve met our crazy friend, Jack. I’m Alfie Black. What’s your name, buddy?”
The fan turned and glared at Jack in disbelief, and I wondered if he was going to turn nasty, however, he started smiling. I was relieved he’d taken it in good fun. He looked a bit sheepish at falling for Jack’s ruse.
“Malden,” he said, putting his hand out to shake mine that I’d extend towards him.
“Come here,” I said pulling him towards the table. “Rick Fars—Cobham Street, Cody thingy and Lenny whatshisname, and my gorgeous lady, Lily Parnell—XrAid. Have a seat. What are you drinking? Wave your buddy over to join us as well.” I signaled the waiter to come over and ordered more wine, a bottle of tequila and Jack ordered himself a large gin and tonic.
