We all walk out of the room. Rush takes Savanah’s hand in his, and I can’t help but smile at them. Murphy and Stone flank either side of them while we make our way for the elevators. As we walk out, Rush pulls his baseball cap over his head again, and he lets go of Savanah’s hand. We make our way out the front, where a car is waiting for us.
I guess we’re not walking the short distance. I suppose it’s too risky having Rush with us.
Murphy opens the door, and Rush slides in, followed by Savanah, as Kevlar and I walk around to the other side. Kevlar opens the door for me as Stone slides into the driver’s side and Murphy’s in the passenger seat. The car is big in the back. Rush and Savanah face us as we face forward. I have no clue what type of Range Rover vehicle this is, but it’s nice.
“This is fancy,” I tell Rush.
“This is my life. Big cars. Security everywhere I go. I’m surprised Eden hasn’t come screaming the place down.”
“Who’s Eden?” Kevlar asks.
“My manager. She’s probably been all over New Orleans searching for me last night.”
“And why haven’t Murphy or Stone told her where you are?” I ask.
“Because I pay their salary.”
We all chuckle as Stone takes off toward Café du Monde. The car ride is short—under five minutes—as Stone pulls into the parking lot behind the café. Murphy and Stone get out of the car, quickly rushing to the side, then opening the door. I widen my eyes at Savanah, and she smirks at me as she steps out. “How kind of you, Murphy.”
“Ma’am,” he replies.
Rush slaps him on the chest as he exits.
I follow them out, then Kevlar after me, and we walk around to the front of the building. Rush keeps his head down the entire time. A couple of people look our way wondering what two burly guys are doing with the rest of us, but we keep walking, trying not to make too much of a scene. A sense of adrenaline washes over me. I’ve never been out with a celebrity before, and it’s kind of exciting, though I suppose not so much for Rush. He would be on edge right now. You have got to feel for the guy.
We round the corner where a long lineup extends out the front of the café, and I frown. My stomach growls in disapproval, but I’ve heard about the infamous line-ups at Café du Monde.
“Murphy, I can’t wait in line. Go… do your thing,” Rush orders.
Savanah glares at Rush. “What did you just do?”
“You’ll see. Being a rock star is hard, but every now and then it also has its perks.”
What the hell is Rush up to?
KEVLAR
We’re standing back, out of the way, when a worker from the café comes out the front. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please... I’m sorry, but due to a technical issue with our kitchen, we have to close for the next hour. If you could all please vacate the premises, so our team can come in to work on the issue, and then return later, we would appreciate it. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.”
Everyone around us moans out their disapproval as they all turn to walk off.
Jovie pouts, clearly saddened by the news. “Bummer, I really wanted those beignets.”
Rush chuckles. “You’re getting them, Jovie. We all are. They’re closing down for us.”
Savanah’s eyes sparkle at Rush. “Huh, just when I thought you couldn’t get any sexier.”
He grins at her as Murphy signals to us.
I raise my chin to Rush as we walk up to the entrance. “What about their lost income?”
Rush rolls his shoulders. “I’m covering it, then tripling it. Gotta make this worth their while.”
“Holy shit. You have too much money,” Savanah gasps.
Rush smirks, ignoring Sav as he leads her inside to a table. The same café worker comes over, sporting a bright smile as we all sit on the chairs provided. Murphy and Stone stand back out of the way, but close enough to get to Rush if they need to.
“Welcome to Café du Monde, Mr. Dayley. It’s a pleasure to have you dine with us this morning. What can I get for you?”
“Four servings of beignets. And does everyone want coffee? I sure do!”
Jovie nods emphatically. After last night’s effort, she might need two.
“Yeah,” I add.
“Please,” Savanah replies.
“And four cups of your finest joe. And thanks, thanks for understanding,” Rush emphasizes.
She tilts her head. “We understand. And we thank you for your donation.” She walks off as Rush sits back inhaling deeply like he’s finally relaxing.
“You don’t get out much, do you, Rush?” I ask.
“Nah, man. Eden has me on a tight leash and schedule.”
“Well, I’m glad you got to escape with us, even if only for a little while,” Jovie declares.
“Me, too,” Savanah seconds.
“Yeah, man. Me, too,” I add.
Rush relaxes back in his chair. “We don’t have much time, so let’s make it count.” He pulls out his cell phone, turning in his seat, and raises it in the air. “Everyone, move in closer… I wanna remember you guys.”
I shift in beside Jovie, wrapping my arm around her. My skin alights with an insatiable fire when I touch her. She shivers as I do, her eyes shifting to look at me. Savanah glides in next to Jovie, and Rush moves in next to Savanah. “Say… N’awlins!”
“N’awlins,” we all call out, and Rush snaps the camera on his cell.
Normally, I wouldn’t let anyone take my picture who wasn’t club approved, but Rush is a rock star. He knows about confidentiality. He won’t want his adventures in New Orleans going anywhere. He’s fully aware anyone linked to him will have tabloids digging into them. He’s smart. It’s why there’s no one in this café with us. So, no one will search into Savanah and the wild night he had with her. I trust him.
Rush glimpses down at his cell and smiles longingly. “I wish I had more days like this.”
He’s coming across as depressed—the guy’s going to burn out.
“Rush, you need to tell Eden to slow your schedule. I understand you’re huge at the moment, but if you’re not okay, then your music won’t be either.”
He lets out a sigh. “Yeah… I know. But let’s not focus on me right now. This is our last few minutes together. I wanna enjoy this.”
My arm is still wrapped around Jovie’s shoulders. I should take it off, but honestly, I don’t want to. She leans into me further, letting me know she doesn’t want me to let go either. So, I keep it there. Savanah’s eyes linger over us obsessively. I can’t tell what she thinks, but with it being just the three of us in a matter of moments, I’m going to need to be on Savanah’s good side.
“So, Kevlar, I hear you’re a biker?” Savanah asks out of nowhere.
Rush turns to me, raising a brow. “You ol’ dog, seriously? I mean I knew there was something shady about you, but a biker? Ha! I spent my night with a fucking biker. Priceless. Eden’s gonna shit bricks!”
I burst out laughing as Savanah folds her arms over her chest. “Aren’t you concerned about being linked to a biker, Rush?”