Page 113 of Just for the Cameras
Phone in hand, I hold it out, then wrap my arm around her while she curls into my side and holds up her taco.
She fits so fucking perfectly.
Together, we smile at the camera, mine more of a smirk than a smile.
When I’m done, I hand the phone back to her and she says, “Look at you not rushing and taking your time.”
“Because I know you’d lambaste me if I didn’t.”
“You’re learning. I like that.”
I shake my head and devour my third taco before unwrapping mynext one. I drink half of a Topo Chico while she finishes her first taco. We sit there in silence, eating together, staring out at the parking lot and the other food trucks. A few people point our way, but for the most part, they keep to themselves…thankfully.
“Does it ever bother you? All the people watching you?”
“Barely notice it anymore,” I say. “Once you get used to it, it’s pretty easy to ignore.”
“Besides the little ones, right?”
I nod. “They’re my favorite, the young fans, because it almost seems like they have stars in their eyes, like talking to them will make their entire year. I do my best to try to make a lasting impression, something they can hold on to, because you never know what their childhood might be like. So that small interaction with me could mean the world to them. It could change the trajectory of their life, and if I can make a positive impact like that, then I will bend over backward to make sure those fans get what they need from me.”
“Wow,” she says, a little breathy. “That’s…that’s what I’m talking about.”
“What do you mean?”
She turns to me and takes my large hand between her two petite ones. When I look her in the eyes, she says, “You put on such an indifferent…detached front, like you’re this Big Bad Wolf and no one should ever talk to you, but then you go and say things like that, and do things that don’t match that facade. I know you don’t want it to happen, but I see right through you, Graydon St. John. I see the real man that you are.” She rubs her thumb over my knuckles, the intimate touch making my stomach tie up in fucking knots. “And you’re a good man, no matter how much you want me to think otherwise. You’re a good man.”
Then she sets my hand down and goes back to her taco, leaving me, well…speechless. Just like I was when she spouted off about the differentsidesshe sees in me. The different man.
“The guy who makes sure my apartment is comfortable and stocked full of food. And the guy who makes sure that I have a ride, no matter where I’m going, and makes it his personal mission to drive me himself when he can. That’s who you don’t show to everyone.”
I don’t show that side of myself to anyone else because no one else inspires that.
But I’m not saying that. Ever.
“Thank you for the tacos and driving me home,” Maple says as I pull up to her apartment. “It wasn’t necessary, but you know that already. Glad we got a pic, though. We can use it tomorrow since we won’t see each other. Keep the fans coming back for more.”
I shake my head. “Such a weird fucking thing, but if it gets the front office to shoot rays of sunshine up my ass, then fine.”
She chuckles. “Do you like that? Rays of sunshine up your ass, Graydon?”
“Doesn’t hurt,” I say as she moves in closer, just like she does every time I drop her off.
She doesn’t want help out of the car when I drop her off, and I’ll respect that. I’m also not sure what I would really do if I walked her to her apartment. My truck is a safe zone. Almost neutral, which doesn’t allow much to happen, and with my mind whirling in confusion, it’s a good thing.
“Well, I’ll remember that if I ever find a way to harness the sun’s rays. I’ll be sure to shine them right up your ass.”
“That’s not…weird at all.”
She laughs again, and it’s such a sweet fucking sound. So innocent. And the way my body reacts to it, it’s as if it’s a sound I’ve always been meant to hear. It’s beautiful.
She’s beautiful.
“Anyway, thank you again.” She leans forward and places a soft kiss on my cheek. “Have a good night, Graydon.”
“You too,” I say as she shuffles out of the truck. With a wink, sheshuts the door and heads to her apartment building, leaving me gripping my steering wheel tightly and wondering what the hell I’m doing.
I make the drive back to my apartment, park the truck in my garage, and am heading to my place to start doing my video reviews when my phone dings with a text.
