Mr. Piano Man

“This is one of the many reasons I’m falling for you. You can’t just think someone wants to do something good for you.” The girl said quietly. “I started that before that night, and you would’ve gotten it after a show regardless in a few weeks. I tried to thank you, and you wouldn’t let me. I wasn’t going to push.” Maybe this was slightly cheating, and she was giving to this him as a thank you; it just hadn’t started out that way when she’d begun sketching.

Rosalie beamed as he spoke, and she realized that the sketch she’d done for him was precious enough to be stowed in his bedroom. “Not for someone who looks like you do. It’s more like spreading the wealth.” She murmured with a scan of his features. It didn’t seem possible that someone could ever grow tired of looking at Marcus. “Because I think you deserve it.” His head turned into here touch, and Rosalie’s heart skipped a beat as his lips touched her skin. Rosalie didn’t move, making sure the contact lasted as long as he was willing to give before nodding. “Yeah, and we are..good, right?” Rosalie thought they seemed like they were okay, but her mind wouldn’t leave the issue alone until she’d heard him say that they still had a chance to be okay.

“Thank you for being so understanding about this when you don’t owe it to me to be.” Rosalie said softly. She couldn’t place any blame on him if he did want to run as far as he could from her and her problems. If she’d been on his end of things, Rosalie wasn’t sure she would’ve stuck around to see if he could pull himself out of his problems. When their drinks and food arrived, the girl flatened her napkin in her lap and took a sip of her water. “You have a suit? If not, there’s probably a few options on board.” The image of him in a swim suit flashed through her mind, and it was enough for her to need another sip of her water.  “Yes, something you like. You do like things other than music and me, right?” She teased before agreeing to let him think it over and tell her what he’d come up with for the rest of their afternoon later. Rosalie took a bite of her muffin before smiling as she wiped a few crumbs from her lips. “How have your shows been going?” 

He had just picked up his coffee to take a small sip, but before he could do such a thing, Rosalie had blurted out a vulnerable statement. Thankfully he hadn't ingested any, otherwise he probably would have spit it all out or choked on it. Falling. Falling as in the thing you did in love? Had he ever loved anyone in his adult life the way she was describing it? His features warmed at the confession and in all honesty, he didn't know how to respond. Of course he liked her, he enjoyed his time with her, but she was in a fragile place right now and he wasn't sure he had the strength to handle her plight given their incredibly brief history with one another.

He had never been placed on such a high pedestal and Rosalie was determined to let him know how much she valued and cared about him. It was flattering and scary all at the same time. Was he truly worthy of such affections? "Of course we're good. We're just... Let's just take it one day at a time okay?" He offered a small smile to reassure her. He was ready to move forward and he knew that taking things slow was the best plan of action. He was in no rush, not with her and she didn't need to be. She had enough on her plate as it was.

"As long as you're getting the help you need, I'm content. I just want you to lead a safe and healthy life Rosalie. The day you don't have to depend on such things, I think you'll realize you have so much to offer the rest of the world. I don't know what drove you to it, but there other things you can turn to; more productive, more positive alternatives. Like I said, I'm no expert, but I'm sure there is one out there who can guide you through this." A suit? For a boat ride? It took him a moment to realize she meant swim trunks. "Yeah, I do. Back at my place." He couldn't help, but laugh at her question. "I'll have you know I love plenty of other things. Maybe let's let the morning play out and then I'll see what comes to mind for the rest of the afternoon." He took a long drink of his iced coffee, the caffeine delicious and refreshing. "They've been good. I also just got a pay raise so they've been extra rewarding. Negotiated it with Jhanvi Yashvardhan herself."

“Not without letting me at least get some of it, no.” Emery smiled, pleased to hear the give in his voice. He seemed open enough to the idea of letting her take some of the bill for herself. “Really, Marcus. My family has more money than we know what to do with, and I want to.” She murmured as he gave into her. She tried not to be flashy with their wealth, but Emery didn’t like the idea of letting someone else pay for her things when she was more than capable of doing it for herself. “Oh no, not age thirty.” Emery teased, making her eyes go wide with pretend fear for him as she watched him collect the curl she’d just abandoned. “What kind of performer will you be now that you’re old? The teasing was easy, and she thought he’d caught on to the fact that it was all in good fun. She leaned closer, letting her shoulder brush against his arm as she gently poised her fingers against his cheek. Emerald hues took a slow trip around his face before nodding. “I don’t think anyone will be complaining about your looks any time soon.” The woman whispered, stroking her thumb against his skin before withdrawing. 

“I used to perform all the time up until a few years ago. Now, it’s really just me in my bedroom in the mornings.” Emery laughed before sliding her teeth over her lip before coming up with a better solution rather than inviting a stranger into her bedroom. “You showed me your craft, and it’s only fair that I share with you too. I’m sure we can work something out, but if you tease me for the whole leotard thing, I’ll pout.” She warned with a playful smirk. “Ah, we focus on product distribution. Mostly pharmaceutical things and medical supplies.” Emery said with a faint smile. Product distribution wasn’t a lie, and well the other two made the most sense considering what they actually did.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid.” Emery laughed softly, looking up to Marcus with a crease in her brow. “They aren’t even in the city. There’s no need to give it a second thought.” The assurance was second nature to her, and it wasn’t long before they were moving away from the issue. “We’ll see about that.” She promised, wondering silently if she’d ever actually take him up on his offer. It was more than generous, but he was still a relative stranger. The key card opened the elevator doors, and Emery twirled it in her fingers before extending it back in Marcus’ direction as she shrugged. “Stick around and find out.” The words were whispered and soft, and the expression she wore only aided the sentiment. It was easy to flirt, and Emery had almost forgotten she was capable of doing it. She hadn’t tried to garner someone else’s affections in some time, but Marcus was interesting enough to make her consider such a thing. Their bodies were close but not touching, and when the elevator jolted, Emery instinctively reached for Marcus and brought her frame into up against his side as she looked around. Her grip didn’t relax as he fumbled with buttons before she bit her lip and nodded. “-Uh, no. It’s not your fault. I’m just not a fan of being stuck.” Emery said quietly as she looked up to Marcus as she inhaled. “Sorry.” The girl murmured a second later as she took her hand away and used it to wrap around her own waist.

"What? Us peasants don't have the right to buy a beautiful woman lunch?" He held a hand to his heart in feigned offense.  "I make money to spend it Miss Kobayashi. It's okay." Of course Marcus enjoyed the finer things in life and when you didn't have to pay for rent in a major city in New York, it allowed one to really indulge. He never worried much about money. Work was steady and so long as things back home were okay and he was treated with the same respect he was currently, he wasn't going to be leaving Kingston and specifically Gold Crest any time soon. He had to admit, he was a little surprised at the ease with which she maneuvered and behaved around him. Her arm brushing his, her hand on his cheek, it was all very familiar for someone he met merely an hour or so ago. It should have felt strange and out of place, but it didn't. It was obvious the qualities the two shared, like two sides of the same coin. It would be difficult to deny that there was something stirring here.

"I don't know that I'd tease you about a leotard. It's all part of the uniform... But if you wear a tutu, I make no promises." He was sure she'd look as elegant and graceful as ever wearing whatever and dancing whichever way she wanted. Hell, she could do the chicken dance and Marcus would give her a standing ovation (mostly for the having the balls to do it, but that was a conversation for another day). "Sounds like really tantalizing stuff..." he joked, "But someone's got to do it. Better you than me." Marcus and his life were so artistic and creative and his work varied from day to day so often that he never had the chance to settle into any sort of dull routine, but he often wondered how people did this seemingly dull jobs for years and sometimes their entire lifetimes. It was a feat he didn't think he could accomplish.

"For the time being? No, but I'm a grown man hanging around their younger sister. If they find out, they're bound to make sure I am afraid whether we like it or not... Granted you allow me to stick around long enough to experience what I'm sure are very frightening albeit cliche threats firsthand. You may not even want me around by then." He was as intrigued with her as she was with him and now that he had contact info in hand, she had all but secured a connection beyond this outing or even the one to come tomorrow night. He felt her embrace him as the elevator jostled them around a bit. "I'm sorry about all this... You're okay though?" His hands ran up and down her arms in a soothing manner as he tried to make eye contact with her. "Don't feel bad. It scared me too. I don't think I've ever been stuck in an elevator before." He chuckled softly, "Hey, at least we can cross this off our bucket list? And it'll be a good story to tell when we get out of here."  

Warren saw too many people in his line of work to be able to keep track of every single one. They had to be categorized in terms of their importance. This was true at any point in his life. He remembered those who he sold to, those who he bought from, and those who he knew would turn him in when he was younger and on the streets. In the force he kept track of the criminals that had priors and those who committed something beyond petty theft. The most dangerous to the least. Now in Kingston, it was most useful to least. Naturally in the city it wasn’t possible for him to know everyone, nor was it advantageous. Being inconspicuous, nothing more than one among the crowd made his job easier. However as the man continued to tell him about his profession, how work was in this side of the pond, Warren was slowly piecing together why he appeared familiar. Surely it hadn’t been just because they passed each other on the street. “They do love their parties,” he mused, trying to place the name of the last event he had attended. It wasn’t often his presence was needed or wanted at these elaborate affairs. He wasn’t important enough, just a man who did the grunt work. “Sounds like you’re living the dream.” Something about the lack of monitoring and being able to control his own work was appealing. Very far from anything Warren had ever done. Perhaps that was the kind of profession he ought to seek out when this was all over. Free and unregimented. “I dabble in this and that. Nothing steady. I’m actually between work right now. Consider me a glorified temp,” he said with a chuckle, still trying to place the man before him. It wasn’t a well known face but Warren couldn’t shake the feeling he wasn’t a stranger either. “What got you into the music business?” In the time it would take him to figure it out, he was adept at keeping conversations going.

"Yeah, I just got hired for this big party that's supposed to be happening next month in Summervale. You know Leonardo Villarreal?" The name alone should have been recognizable. He was well known throughout the city for his success and charitable nature. He had hoped even an average joe like Warren would know who he was. "He just approached me last week to provide entertainment for some birthday bash he's throwing for his siblings." He chuckled as he recalled the conversation. "He tells me that he's got an unlimited budget. I can't even imagine what it's like to have that kind of money or what I would do with it." Now that he thought about it, the whole thing had come across a little intense. "It was supposed to be a regular meeting, but it felt like he was trying to interrogate me. No wonder the man so successful. He runs such a tight ship." Marcus brought the last of his drink to his lip before ushering over the bartender. "Can I start a tab and get another round of the same please?" It seemed as though before he could blink again, there was new neat little glass of whiskey sitting before him. "I am. I am most definitely living the dream." His knuckles rapped against the wood of the bar counter so as to drive any jinxes or curses or bad luck away from his good fortune.  "You have a dream job in mind? Since you're a 'glorified temp', I'm assuming you're biding your time and waiting for your reality to catch up with your dream." He smiled at the question. His favorite question. "My father. He's a musician too. Taught me all that I know. I feel very humbled to be able to say that I put his teachings to good use."

Anastasia couldn’t help the giggle at his confession of being hated by a cat, “I’m sorry—it just sounded really funny. Did the cat hiss every time you were around? Because one of my friends in college had a cat and I swear, the cat would only hiss whenever one of our mutual friends was around.” She heard his words and shook her head, giving him a small smile. “Well are you guys still friends? And more importantly—does the cat still hate you?” The way the man spoke was uninhibited and very casual, a trait Anastasia was working on embodying again to the best of her ability. She used to be like this when she was younger but after everything that had happened in the last couple of years, it was difficult for her to go back to who she once was.

At his words about following somewhat in his father’s footsteps, she couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face, they were finding more things in common without even thinking about it. “That sounds—pretty incredible. But it looks like we both were destined to follow our parent’s career paths.” She glanced over at him and shrugged. “My parents were both doctors as well, it’s what made me want to choose this path actually.” She’d also been thankful neither of them had pressurized her in any way, but it was that look of satisfaction and pride on their faces when they came home every night that Anastasia wanted as well. “In Gold Crest huh? I suppose I could make some time, I mean—if I don’t get called in for work of course..” She told him, knowing that it would prove to be an enjoyable evening for sure if she got to see him preform.

When Marcus explained about how he didn’t hold back when he had compliments, she couldn’t help the smile on her face from growing. She honestly hadn’t encountered that many people like him in recent times, who actually took time out of their day and wanted to make they were able to brighten someone’s day with one nice compliment. “You’re right—even if sadly most people don’t realize it.” She risked another glance at him when he said she must kill it at her job, it almost made her want to laugh because he had no idea what she really did, but luckily she wasn’t completely lying by saying she was a doctor because she did still work at her clinic, even if she was mostly available on call for the five families of the council. “Yikes, well—maybe you should talk to the event organizers and see if they can give you some extra remuneration for it, you know since they made you travel all the way out there on your own. It could work? And at least it would pay for the repairs.”

"The cat most definitely hissed at me every time I got within like three feet of him. He despised me. For some reason I awakened whatever demon was dwelling within him.  It was not fun." He laughed awkwardly, "That was a couple years back when I first moved to the states so I don't really know how he's doing. I lost contact with that friend too. I  probably should have led with that. What about you? Are you a dog or cat person? You're allowed to say both if you think they're equally adorable. That is a valid answer."

"You heal the body. I heal the soul." Marcus had always believed that art was a powerful tool. It chased away many a demon and eased a lot of pain. Even just in the past week, Marcus had worked through some tumultuous emotions through his music. After his rough night with Rosalie, he wasn't sure how he was feeling about anything. It was odd to have that illusion he had of her and them break and shatter so quickly. Thank goodness for his music. It hadn't given him a positive outlet to work through his inner conflict. "I'm sure your parents are very proud of you. Being a doctor is no joke." He nodded, confirming one more time. "It's a good time. I'd be more than happy to buy you a drink afterward. If you choose to stick around that is." If she even decided to show up.

"One little act of kindness goes a long way..." He gestured to their surroundings, letting Anastasia know just how much her act of kindness meant to him. "I would have been left back there in the middle of nowhere. And who knows what would have happened by morning. My phone battery would have died and I would have been hoping and praying that someone else would have been nice enough to stop like you did." While he could have asked for extra payment, Marcus shook his head, shrugging at the suggestion. "People are more likely to hire me back again and again so long as I put on a stellar show and have good work ethic. Demanding more money just for gas is a novice thing to do and it's not like they didn't pay well. It's fine. I make enough between other gigs and my steady job in Gold Crest."    

“So, I assumed right then.” She confirmed for herself with a nod. Her head ducked with shyness before she spoke softly. “I’m pretty glad I wandered in here to find you.” The veil of her hair kept her hues mildly shielded from the man until they fell to the side with a tilt of her head. “Why don’t you get lunch, and I’ll get the dessert? Indulge me.” Emery suggested. He wasn’t going to get out of this one without an protest from her.

Emery nodded. She did hope he old man had found comfort somewhere in his retirement. Her laugh sparkled around the room, echoing in the hall as she nodded. “Oh, no. You’re definitely a goner.” She said through her laughter before leaning closer and flicking a curl. “I think I see a gray too. You’re definitely going over the hill.” Emery dissolved with laughter, shaking her head as her lips curved into a genuine smile before Marcus. “Yeah, ballet since I was a kid.” Emery answered when her laughter had subsided some. “Well, thank you. I fear to break it to you though, my grace seems limited to my hands and feet. The rest of me is pretty clumsy.” It was only in the things she loved and practiced most that her body seemed to move with an ease that it lacked in other areas of her life. She slung her bag over her shoulder and followed him towards the staff elevator. Their ascent was quiet, and she followed him down to his room before beginning to talk about her past.

“Wasn’t born there, but since age 4. I don’t really know where I was actually born.” Her parents had dropped her at a hospital, but there was really no indicator of where they’d come from. Emery shook off the memory as she stepped into the other’s suite. It was elegant, and she could see some of the similarities in his personality reflected across the room. “Ah, the opportunities here were undeniable. New York comes with a lot of competition. Here, we have a near monopoly on the market.” She replied, having come up with a story to cover the fact that the Maddox’s had ousted them and destroyed the reputation they had in the city. “Both older, but you shouldn’t really worry. They’re harmless until they know you exist.” Emery teased with a quiet laugh. She’d hidden Weston from them this long, if she needed to conceal whatever this was to make sure Marcus went about undisturbed, it wouldn’t be too difficult. “Really? Now, I’m definitely going to bother you.” It hadn’t been these easy to be around someone in the last few days, and Emery was happy to be in such a lighter plane. “Hmm?” She asked innocently, handing her evergreen hues over to the male before lifting a brow as she licked over her lower lip. “I didn’t know I had the power to tempt you.” Emery replied quietly, leaning against the edge of the elevator as she looked up at the taller male with a soft hum. “But the idea has me wondering just what I can get away with.” Emery plucked the key card from his hands and used it to get into the elevator before tilting her head with a soft smirk. “Coming?”

“You’re really not going to let me pay for this meal are you?” He sighed in an over-exaggerated fashion, already giving in to her. “Deal. I’ll pay for lunch and you can get dessert.” He gasped, his own hand reaching for the same stray curl in shock at her jokes. “Why would you say such a thing? I’m turning thirty this year and definitely didn’t need my fears of my life basically being over on my birthday this year to be confirmed.” Nobody was ever looking forward to their... thirtieth birthday. As an performer, it was a very difficult age to deal with. Marcus was very blessed that he had youthful looks and features. “No big deal. Thirty is the new twenty-five anyway.”

"Is it too forward of me to ask to see you dance? I know we only met about thirty seconds ago, but I am incredibly intrigued." He didn't believe her for a second when she began downplaying her talent. Usually the most humble people were harnessed the most talent. Marcus had come across many a fool who talked a big game, but fell flat on their face when it came time to show their mettle. "Oh well good for you guys. What kind of business do you guys run?" Marcus wanted to address the earlier comment about her not knowing where she was born, but felt as though she'd explain it on her own at some point... He wished he had time at social events to actually socialize, but he was on the clock. Perhaps if he had a chance, he would have met Emery long ago.

"Two older brothers. Two harmless older brothers." This wasn't the first time he was dealing with protective siblings. Every time Emery mentioned furthering their contact and creating more moments for them to bond over, Marcus felt a tinge of satisfaction. He didn't have to work very hard to hint at another drink or another meal some other night. With their next meeting already planned and settled, he wasn't feeling the pressure of trying to prove himself a worthy companion. "Like I said, feel free to call at any time. I'm up at all hours in the night... I look forward to it, in fact...” He couldn’t help, but chuckle, “You underestimate yourself Em." He tested out the shortened name, liking the way it just rolled of his songs with the rest of the sentence. His smile curved into an astounded grin, wondering who this woman was who seemed to seamlessly move between wholesome and alluring. He shook his head as she walked ahead of him and into the elevator. "You're just full of surprises aren't you?" He finally joined her in the small elevator, feeling more crammed in there as usual, but not entirely ungrateful for the fact. As the doors closed before them, he waited for the inevitable moment that they would open once more, but that moment didn't come. Instead, there was some creaking and cracking before their elevator shook and stalled. He pressed buttons randomly in the hopes that one of them would open the doors, but as he feared, they didn’t. "Fuck..." he muttered, picking up his phone and calling the hotel concierge immediately. "Hi... Hello? Yes, hi! This is Marcus-” They couldn't seem to hear him clearly. "Marcus.” he repeated, “Yeah, Marcus Devereux. Um I'm stuck in the service...” He groaned, speaking slowly and loudly as he hoped they heard him. “I’m stuck in the service elevator with a guest. We could really use some help getting out of here!" There was a moment of shuffling on the other end before they spoke again, letting him know that they’d have call someone right away. He thanked them and hung up, turning his attention fully back to Emery as he sighed, "Sorry about all this." 

Emery arched a brow. “I don’t have a clue, but you don’t seem like the type to take advantage of a girl like me.” Emery could be way off the mark in her assessment, but something in her heart told her that Marcus wasn’t a bad guy. “Besides, I’m a very giving person. It wouldn’t be out of the norm for me to help someone in need.” Her gaze told him that her words were a bit more mischievous than they were at face value. It felt good to be able to just be playful with someone again. “You mean after I interrupted your work.” She corrected before deciding to take him up on his offer. “Lunch sounds pretty great actually. You can’t possibly pay for me though after I’m the one that barged in here. I can get it, really.” It wasn’t like she had a worry in the world when it came to money. They had enough of the stuff to last generations worth of Kobayashi’s. Copping someone else’s lunch was more than a passing thought.

Emery laughed as the memory found her. “The poor soul probably just enjoyed it. We can’t poke fun at him. We are going to be him one day.” The brunette warned. Though, it had really been time for the man to move on and for a new dose of entertainment to be brought into the city. Emery picked up a the sheets that were on the stand and offered them to Marcus as he began to pack up. “I did cut ballet a little short this morning. A few flights of stairs might just do me some good. Besides, I don’t think it’d hurt to keep you company either.” He regarded London much like she thought about New York. It was possible to be fond of the memories but still not miss it entirely. “It sounds wonderful. I’ve never actually been to England, but the way you speak of it makes me want to go.” When asked about her own family, Emery was quick to dote on them. “My adoptive parents live a bit out of Kingston, but my two brothers live here in Hurley with me. It’s really wonderful to have them so close.” She murmured.

“I used to live in Manhattan. New York City was where I grew up before we moved here.” Emery offered. Their jump to Kingston had been one out of need rather than want. She’d loved the city. Central Park, the Met, and Times Square all held so many wonderful memories for her. There was a small ache in her chest for the city she’d lost. “Mhm, well make sure you tell the doorman I asked for you so he doesn’t give you trouble on the way up. You have the code for the penthouse, but he’s still a wary one.” Her brothers hadn’t been fond of her moving out on her own and had all but threatened the entire staff into making sure she was safe or there would be utter hell to pay. Emery pulled out her phone as it buzzed, making a new contact for Marcus and throwing a little music note emoji behind his name before rotating her wrist to let him see before smiling. “Now, who’s going to regret offering? If I start calling you at three in the morning, I’m going to expect an answer.” She was only teasing him, but Emery might just take him up on his offer to talk every now and then. “Why don’t you give me one then?” She replied softly, meeting his hues before he was on his feet. Emery followed suit, leaning to grab her purse before she was on her feet and following him towards the residential floors.

"You make a very good point." Marcus just wasn't that kind of guy. While he was charming, he'd never use his charm to negatively impact anyone. "I don't doubt that. You've been very giving and generous with your time an presence as it is. I'm so glad you stumbled in on me this morning." His head shook at heir suggestion making it abundantly clear that he insisted on paying. "I invited you. I'm wasting more of your time with my dull conversation. The least you can let me do is pay for a meal. Why don't you get the next one." He hoped there would be a next one and maybe even one after that. Who knew...

"God bless him wherever he is, that's all I'm saying. He held out as long as he possibly could." Marcus frowned at the thought of his old and wrinkly fate. "Ugh why would you make me think such a nightmarish thought. I just got prescribed my first pair of glasses about a year ago. Does this mean I've already got one foot in the grave? Am I a goner too?" He knew he shouldn't joke of such things, but if one couldn't laugh it his own mortality then what was the point really? It was hurdling towards one and all whether they liked it or not. "You dance?" he asked out loud, the surprise evident in his tone. "I suppose I shouldn't be all that surprised. Your fingers danced against the keys very gracefully." He led Emery up a short flight of stairs to the staff service elevator, a shortcut from club downstairs to his floor. There was no way he was going to stand around and wait with the guests in the hotel lobby for a chance to get up to his suite when there was a perfectly good option close by and quicker. He used his keycard to get into his room allowing Emery to follow in even thought they weren't going to be there very long. He placed the bag of music and supplies on his desk in another section of the suite, making sure his phone and wallet were still on him before rejoining Emery in the main living space of his suite.

"Manhattan huh?" he sounded intrigued as he held his front door open for her, allowing her to lead they way out of the suite before the door clicked shut behind him. "Why did you make the move from Manhattan?" It wasn't particularly far from Kingston, only a couple hours away on the subway. Business matters could have been managed from there as well. "Brothers. Got it. Are they older, younger?" He pushed the nagging feeling he suddenly felt away. It was still worth it. No amount of nosy siblings were going to stop him from enjoying their night out together. "I'm a night owl. Trust me, I'll answer." Their conversation had taken a bold turn, the two of them only encouraging the other the further along they got in this conversation. He licked his lips, looking at the woman with him through glimmering blue orbs. "Are you doing this on purpose?' he questioned, wondering if she knew the effect those words had on him. "Don't tempt me..."  

A laugh parted her lips as Emery shook her head. “I suppose now that I’ve gone ahead and said it, you do have me at your service. It doesn’t seem like the worst place to be though.” Emery offered. “You wouldn’t put me through too much, would you?” The brunette pouted before fluttering her lashes at him before she ceased when he turned away to play. “Maybe I’ll do just that.” Emery said softly before nodding. “My family owns a company, and we have some associates coming into the city for a meeting. I was only making sure their rooms were properly made up.”

Emery’s mouth dropped open, ready to defend the elderly man before Marcus before she opted to playfully roll her eyes. “He was a wonderful performer, but I think we can all agree that you bring a newness that was lost on him.” She offered. Marcus possessed charm beyond his talents. It was one thing to be skilled but another to be talented and charming all at the same time. Marcus was a show all in his own, and the number of people clamoring to get into his shows was a visible representation of it. “Do you ever miss it back home? It sounds as if you’re close with your parents. It can’t be all that easy to be away from them.” She hoped she wasn’t prying deeper than he was willing to go. It was just the fact that she wouldn’t be able to leave her family. Now, they lived in the same city, and she still found it difficult to have ample time with them. If they were in another country entirely, Emery guessed their interactions would be limited to holidays and phone calls. “Jhanvi has an eye for talent. I’m glad you’ve found fortune in Kingston. If only so that I have someone around that actually knows their way around a piano.” Emery jested as she played a few notes from one of the melodies he’d been playing when she’d walked in. She couldn’t place the song yet, but it might come with time.

“Did you expect elsewhere?” She inquired, wondering if he’d assumed she’d be somewhere else besides the borough that was known for college kids and partying. In truth, Emery didn’t know if she would’ve chosen Hurley if their business hadn’t needed its inhabitants. Though, the longer she stayed there, the more she acclimated and the less she noticed what annoyed others her age. When he slid her the note back, the brunette almost questioned him before nodding. “In case you get lost, huh?” She teased as her green gaze encroached upon his own with a sparkle of mischief. The woman grabbed her pen and scribbled down the digits onto the note before pushing it back to him. Capping the pen, Emery lifted a brow as he dug through the sheets at his feet and wondered if she really was causing a disturbance to his practice before he dismissed her fears.  His words brought a heat to her cheeks, and she found the blush she already had on was being renewed by actual heat in her cheeks. She covered her face bashfully under the guise of moving her hair out of her face before nodding. “I’m looking forward to seeing what it is you do to please a lady when you aren’t hidden behind a piano.” Emery murmured, letting her fingers brush against the edge of the keys.

An eyebrow rose in her direction, "You don't even know what I might ask of you." His tone was a little mischievous, the offer almost tantalizing. "I'll have to hold onto that one for another time. Who knows when I may need to cash that in." He pretended to take time to think, shrugging with an all too innocent expression on his face. "Oh I don't know Emery... I'll try my best, but not promises." She was actually sticking around. Why did the thought delight him as much as it did? "Well then, if your work is done and my work is... pretty much done then what on earth are we still doing doing here in this sad empty bar? You fancy some lunch? My treat."

"Oh he was wonderful when he wasn't playing Autumn Leaves five times in a row." Marcus was convinced that the man was just simply so old that he forgot he had done the number already, but five times? He must have been trying to set some sort of record. He began packing up his things, slipping his music into his bag, his metronome and pencils quickly following suit. "I've got to drop these off upstairs in my suite. You mind getting a little exercise and tagging along? It's a couple of floors up." He didn't have to think much about her question. Of course he missed home. "I miss everything about London. Fish and chips with my mum on rainy days. Playing Christmas carols while my dad got sloshed on eggnog. Seeing my friends every Saturday night for a drink at the local pub. Some days I miss them more than usual, but thank god for Skype and Facetime. When I need to talk, they're only a call away. Of course, I try to make it back a couple of times n the year or they come to me. It's fine. They knew what me moving here was going to entail and like I said, thankfully it all worked out for the best.” While they were at it, he decided it was a good moment to put Emery in the hotseat. “What about you? I’m assuming your family lives here in Kingston as well?” 

"I honestly wasn't expecting anything. If you had told me you lived in Brooklyn, I would have crossed the bridge to come pick you up." Something told him she was worth it. Her presence beside him at the piano felt so easy. He had gotten used to it all very quickly. "I would be making a horrible impression if I showed up to your place late." Marcus took the small slip of paper and pulled out his phone to quickly leave a text to the phone number she provided. "In case you get impatient with me and wonder where I am tomorrow evening... Or if you end up deciding to text or call me in the meantime to talk some more." He was definitely looking forward to getting to know her. He felt a hint of satisfaction at her blush stained cheeks. "Oh Emery, you have no idea..." he let his words trail off slyly, not giving away too much as he stood and nodded in the direction of the exit as he led the way out. 

She was in agreement of his words truthfully, because it was nice for girls everywhere to realize that the only person who could save them from any sort of distress—was themselves. She watched him gesture to the radio dial and shook her head, “go ahead.” She had never been one of those people who was possessive or controlling over the music playing in her car while she was driving. After all, if there was more than one person in the car—it needed to be enjoyable for everyone involved. She listened as he rotated through different stations finally settling on a tune she paid more attention to, wanting to see if she knew the song as well. And when it started, she couldn’t help but smile as he began humming along. “It’s more than okay.” She nodded as she relaxed into the drive, one hand casually at the top of the steering wheel, the other resting in her lap as they drove with nothing but the music drifting between them.

Anastasia listened to his story about how he came to be in Kingston and found herself smiling before letting out a quite laugh at his words about his friends. “So what exactly counts as 1.5 friends? You had one actual person and one imaginary?” She risked a glance at him again before her eyes traveled back to the road in front of them. But she was quite impressed with his story because how incredible was it that something that happened by fluke ended up with him actually staying in Kingston and making it his home—at least she assumed it was. “Well your accent did have me thinking you’re from that side of the world—but I wasn’t sure exactly how long you’d been there. But that still sounds impressive Marcus.” She wondered what it was like, to properly study piano performance that way and how it ended up shaping his entire career.

At his apology, she only shook her head. “Oh no, you don’t need to apologize, I promise I didn’t take it as a sexist remark.” But she could see why he was determined to be defending himself this way even if she didn’t believe it was necessary at all. But at his words, she found herself smiling a bit wider and turning back to face him. “Somehow I think compliments come easy to you, don’t they? Especially with that accent of yours?” Still, she managed to give him another smile before nodding at his guesses. “I’m a general practitioner actually.” However at his words about her being a hitman for the mafia elite, she felt herself grow uneasy. It was almost like he was aware of something but she turned to see the look on his face and knew he was only kidding. “My aim is usually horrible, unless I’m holding a stethoscope or something,” she confessed before looking back at him again. “So how’d your gig tonight go? I mean—if you’re traveling out of your way for it—they definitely must’ve made it worth your while huh?”

"Oh my one friend at the time also had this cat who absolutely hated me. I don't know what his problem was. I think he was mad at me that I was stealing his owner's attention away from him. Now that I think about it, we weren't really friends at all. He used to swipe at me if I even tried to pet him. So... I guess it was just the one friend then." Things hadn't changed much. Marcus made more acquaintances than friends with the work he did. Networking was the name of the game if he wanted people hiring him all over Kingston.

"I grew up in London, yeah. My dad had been playing and performing all his life and he never forced me, but the encouragement was enough to allow me the chance to really fall in love with making music. I started learning when I was four and that was it. I never stopped after that. I'm playing in Gold Crest tomorrow night. You should stop by if you've got a free evening. And if that doesn't work, there are plenty of other opportunities to see me perform. I've been blessed enough to have constant work here in Kingston."

"Oh thank god. I just wanted to make sure..." He shrugged at her claim. Did they? "I just don't hold back when I have nice things to say to people. There is so much negativity out there in the world and I think people forget that even just a stray compliment here or there, a kind word, some encouragement... they go a long way. That being said, I'm sure you kill it when it comes to your job." Marcus was sure there was no other way to hear the statement other she must have been really good at what she did. He was blissfully unaware of her actual job and the dangers and risks that came with it. "It went well and it paid fairly well, but I get the feeling I'm going to be spending that pay check on car repairs."

Kiran figured upon seeing her he’d stop being so spooked and actually get out of the vehicle. Of course she was amused that of all people, Marcus was the one she found that night. Perhaps the universe understood that she just needed a distraction from the thoughts in her head, or it was just trying to prevent an accident from happening with Kiran behind the wheel. Whatever it was, as he adopted the persona of a stranger, her brow quirked up along with the corners of her lips in amusement. “Oh no you poor thing,” she played along as his arms wrapped around her. As soon as he was close enough the act was dropped and instead he greeted her as he usually did. And her body reacted to his instinctively, feeling at least a bit of her tensions ebb away with the presence of his lips on her’s. “Hi,” she muttered back, the same amusement reflected in her eyes from before. 

“Well I’m coming back from a weekend escape to New York and I actually didn’t know for sure if it was you. I was going to drive away if it wasn’t.” With recent turns in her life, Kiran had learned to be a bit more cautious with who she approached. Especially at this time of night on the side of the road. “But I’m relieved it’s you.” He was a face outside of the bounds of Kingston for her and that was precisely what she needed right now. Marcus always represented a time in her life when she was free from the issues that came with being in Kingston. Even if at her core, Kiran Yashvardhan would always be the same, she was a bit more of herself around him. Especially more like herself than she had been feeling in recent days. So while she couldn’t express her relief too well with words alone, her lips met his once more for another quick kiss before pulling back so they could solve this predicament he found himself in. “Did you call someone?” 

His hands ran up and down her arms as they stood there in the dead of night. "I feel like I haven't seen you in a hot second. All it took for us to see each other was my car breaking down in the middle of fucking nowhere. Maybe the universe is telling us something." Marcus assumed Kiran was busy with her family's business. Lord knew how busy it got in Gold Crest during peak vacation times. Spring break was no exception. Summer was just around the corner. Marcus wondered if he'd ever see her then considering how swamped with tourists Kingston got. It was somewhat surprising how crazy it got around here. Everyone went to Manhattan, but people were starting to hear about how great Kingston was outside of city lines.

Ah, that would explain why he hadn't seen her. "Escape from what exactly? Are you stressed about something at work? Your parents aren't giving you a hard time or anything are they?"He had only met the elderly couple a handful of times over the years, but something about them always made him stand at attention, alert and on his best behavior. "Are you kidding me? I'm relieved it was you." He looked up and down the long winding highway for any sign of truck headlights. "I had called a tow truck, but I don't know that they're coming... I've been waiting a couple hours. I could just leave a note and call them again in the morning. Would you mind terribly if I got a ride back home with you?"

He reached up to push a stray lock out of her face, getting a better look at her. There was something off about her. He couldn’t tell what it was exactly, but he knew her long enough to know that faraway look in her eyes. He didn’t press the issue, knowing that if she wanted to talk about it she would bring it up herself. "We can head up to my suite. Order some room service, catch up a bit, you know, whatever you want..." It was obvious what he meant by that last bit and of course if she didn't want to, that was fine by him as well. He was just as comfortable watching a movie with Kiran as he was rolling around in the sheets with her and she knew that. 

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. You opened your’s to me. It’s about time I stopped holding out on you.” She said, looking at him with a small smile. It was a quiet way of saying that she was done trying to hide away pieces of herself from him. If he wished to really know her, she’d let him. She laughed quietly as he spoke of hanging up her work in his suite before she joked with him playfully. “You’re lucky I only had your face to go on in that case. I’d be afraid for your guests to see a more revealing portrait.” Rosalie dissolved into laughter soon after, alerting Marcus that she’d only been playing about being more brazen with her sketch of him.

Rosalie pursed her lips, sizing Marcus up with a wink. “If anyone was going to make a run for my title, I think it would be you. Your cheekbones could cut glass.” The girl murmured, reaching across the table to brush the skin above the bone before her hues went to his. Her hand caressed his face gently before she took it back. “Let’s not think about what could have happened.” Rosalie whispered softly. “You saved me, and now, I’m working on doing the same. I’m not going to let you or anyone else see me like that again.” Rosalie promised. She tried to focus on Easton’s success. He hadn’t relapsed since he actively started seeking treatment, and Rosalie thought she could do the same thing. The idea that she couldn’t beat this couldn’t be one she kept for long.

“I started to tell Leo and Easton.” Rosalie murmured quietly. “I’m not ready to tell them everything, but they know I need help and what for.” She glanced as her hands as they curled up at the thought. Her brothers didn’t know everything yet, but they knew that she had a problem. She was trying to accept that fact, but for now, she pushed it away. This was going to be a good day, and she didn’t want the dark cloud of her illness to rain over them. Rosalie laughed, biting her lip as he gave her the power to control the rest of his day. “I don’t know that you realize what you’ve gotten yourself into by giving me you for the day.” Her hand came up to brush away her bangs more for his benefit than her own. Rosalie remembered he preferred her hair to be away from her features. “But, what about a boat ride? We can go out on the water for a few hours and then we’ll do something you’d like to do.” The girl waited to see if he’d approve before shaking her head as another smile won out and took over her features. “I’m sorry, I’m just really happy to be here with you.”

"I so appreciate this, but I also don't want you to feel like you owe me anything. If this is because of what I saw the other night, please know that I would have done the same for anyone else. You're not obligated to anything." He wanted to know her. Of course he did, but he also didn't want Rosalie to feel like she owed him answers or explanations. They had only known each other a short time and while Marcus was glad for the eye opening experience, he wasn't in any way expecting her to be indebted to him. She owed him nothing for doing what any decent human being would have done. He hoped this was coming from her own free will, but wanted to clarify his stance just in case.

"Oh this would be for me alone. I'll probably stow it away in my bedroom. I've got the perfect spot on my desk. Somehow I feel this would come off as indulgent if I placed it in the main living area of my suite." The compliments kept coming and Marcus was ever so appreciative of Ros and her kind words. "You do me too much honor, Rosalie." He found himself instinctively leaning into her touch, his face turning so his lips could brush against the skin of her palm. It was a brief exchange, the moment telling him that while he had been exposed to her vulnerabilities, not much else had changed. "Good," he mumbled, remembering just how sad and unlike herself she had seemed that night. He never wanted her to feel that way again.

"Of course. Take your time. I'm obviously not an expert when it comes to dealing with this, but I know it's easier to battle any difficulties in life when you have a solid support system behind you." Their coffee and food arrived quickly, Marcus reaching for his iced coffee and sipping immediately. The bitter, cold beverage was a welcome to his taste buds on this warm spring day. "A boat ride sounds like fun." He couldn't remember the last time he had been on a boat. "Something I like?" His grin played on his lips as he thought of all the things the pair could possibly do on a beautiful day like this. "I'll have to give that a good think then." Her smile warmed his heart. Seeing her smiling so genuinely brought him an ounce of relief. This. This was the woman he knew.

His fingers were nimble and ready to grab the gun if he needed to do so swiftly, Krish feeling his heart race a bit in the nervousness of the situation. Thought well trained to use one, Krishna never liked using the issued gun. He hated violence and never wanted to take a life, always narrowly escaping it before and thankfully having a partner without the same hesitations. But since Krishna was alone and his previous hesitation to pull a trigger could lead to his death, he knew he had to be quick about it.

Thankfully, it was a problem for another day. The door flew open and Marcus jumped out pulling him into a hug, Krishna loosening his grip on the gun to clap the man on the back as the both sighed in relief. “Hey, buddy.” Was Krishna’s initial greeting before Marcus had him laughing. “Really? A serial killer? Out here?” He chuckled. While they existed in the world, Kingston was such a corrupt place that Krishna couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to be a serial killer here. The possibilities that you could hurt someone close to the families and become hunted or that you could jump someone who turned out to be more dangerous than you were enough to turn anyone away from that path. 

Nodding as Marcus unloaded his story, Krishna nodded and chuckled a bit even, finding the situation much like a horror movie cliche and promising Marcus that he would have been nervous too had he been in that situation. About to offer, Marcus seemingly read his mind, Krishna preferring not to sit in his car waiting for a truck to come by for the next couple of hours. “ Sure thing, brother.” he nodded. Krishna went back to his car to place the gun back in it’s hiding spot under his seat and pop the trunk before making his way back to Marcus. “ Oh I was just taking a drive out of town.” He shrugged. “ There was this art show, some music, just thought it would be nice to take a break and enjoy it, you know?”

Marcus was aloof, not even realizing how Krish's hand lingered awkwardly near the gun he had no clue about. When he caught sight of Krishna, all he could feel was relief, glad to know that some higher power was looking out for him. Marcus was blissfully unaware to most things that happened around Gold Crest or with the Yashvardhan family. The mere thought of Krish even handling a gun would have made him laugh. Everyone knew that Krish Yashvardhan wouldn't hurt a fly much less fire a gun at someone, but even kind people were sometimes pushed to their limits. Perhaps if Marcus knew, he'd be grateful to know how Krish restrained himself from the bloodshed.

"Yeah, you're right. What would a serial killer do out here? There's hardly anybody to kill." He assumed Krish was being sarcastic because in Marcus' eyes this was the perfect place to commit a crime. No street cameras, no foot traffic, and at this time of night there seemed to be nobody around. If someone had wanted to kill him, they would have had the perfect opportunity to do so. Now that his friend was here, Marcus relaxed, the company already working wonders on his anxious mood. Had he known the reality, he probably wouldn't have felt so at ease in their present situation.

Marcus, eager to start back on his trip to Kingston, began moving his equipment from one car to the next, not stopping until everything was safely  stowed away in the trunk of Krish's car. "Art show huh? Did you end up buying anything?" He hadn't seen anything, but perhaps he was going to the artwork delivered to Gold Crest instead. "Sounds like a fun time. What kind of art was it?" He sighed, running a hand through his curls, “I was working a gig about two and a half hours away from here, but I sort of regret it now that my car is sitting broken down in the middle of the road. Let’s talk about something else. I’ve spent too much of the last two hours worrying about my poor car. Knowing I can’t do anything to fix it only made waiting around suck harder.” 

“Damsel in distress huh? I wouldn’t have quite used those words but I think you’re right–they suit just mine.” she was smiling once again at the way he seemed to sink into the plush leather seats. The music was flowing through the speakers, the temperature in the car was cool and her company for the rest of the drive seemed to be quite interesting–something she hadn’t been expecting. Truthfully, when she’d first made the offer, she’d almost been wishing for him to refuse so that she didn’t have to be engaged in dull conversation for the whole drive back to Kingston but Marcus Devereux certainly didn’t disappoint her.

“You don’t need to apologize, I understand what’s that like.” And back when she was younger, Anastasia was the same way, always making new friends with strangers she’d just met. But now with the type of job she did, she knew how important it was to not overstep boundaries with the patients she had, and so it was just easier to keep to herself, and not offer up too much, lest someone use it as ammunition of sorts. 

“It’s an amazing school. And being in Manhattan was probably the icing on the cake,” she admitted before giving him another glance. “Where did you study? Let me guess–Julliard?” It was the biggest and best school of music she knew of and if it was Julliard, they’d have the city as a common thing between them. But she didn’t get a chance to ask anything else when he continued to speak and make assumptions that had her smiling. “A beautiful woman like me, can’t be doing business?” She was teasing him of course but as he went ahead and gave his guesses, she found herself quite surprised when he managed to get pretty close. “A surgeon? Definitely not–but that guess of yours is very warm.” She looked back at him as she continued driving. It was hard not to smile in his presence, there was something so warm about his gaze and so comforting about his presence–it was a strange feeling that she couldn’t recall experiencing in recent times. “God an investment banker–I think I’d die if I had to look at numbers all day long. I can’t believe you think I’d do such a boring job.”

"I meet very few damsels in distress these days and I couldn't be happier." He hoped he wasn't irritating his saving grace with his incessant talking. "Do you mind if I...?" his words trailed off while his hand gestured in the direction of the radio. He waited for her go ahead before fiddling with the stations. It flitted through genre after genre, moments of different style of music cutting through the static before Marcus settled on one. As the familiar verse of "Somebody to Love" began to play lightly in the car, Marcus couldn't help, but hum along. "Is this okay with you?" he asked, his hand still hovering over the button in case she was part of the latter half of the world who didn't like Queen. He personally couldn't understand such a sentiment, but Marcus was almost considered it a cardinal sin to not like Queen.

"You know, funny story: I was supposed to be in Manhattan. I forget what it was exactly, probably the weather, but our plane got diverted to Kingston and I had... let's just say that I had enough money to last me a week. I figured I'd find some work and save up, but between finding a place to live and just general expenses, a train ride to Manhattan seemed out of the picture. I happened to find an advertisement in the newspaper about my current job and thank god I did otherwise, I was probably going to have to sleep in the subway eventually. That or sleep on a friend's couch, but I was new here then. I think I had 1.5 friends." He shook his head at her guess, "No, I attended The University of London. Studied Piano Performance. It’s no Julliard, but it's a great school. I don't know that I'd have had it any other way looking back." There was probably once a time when Marcus would have loved to have gone to Julliard, but he loved the way things turned out and wouldn’t trade the path that got him here for anything.

"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that," he laughed bashfully at himself, realizing how his words might have sounded. "All I meant was that a beautiful woman like you doing business could be dangerous... Your clients wouldn't stand a chance. They'd agree to your every whim."  His eyes narrowed at her clue. So he was close when he mentioned the surgeon. "Is it a doctor of some sort?"  Another unabashed laugh escaped his lips, the man throwing his head back against the headrest of his seat before speaking up. "I know I know, but with all due respect, never judge a book by its cover. For all I know, you could be a hitman for the mafia elite." The jovial look on his features gave away that he was obviously joking. "Forgive me for my folly." His hands were up in mock surrender.

Jhanvi watched as Marcus thought over her words, taking in her final terms and knew he’d take them. She could see it in the other man’s face. She really hadn’t become so successful in both lines of her work that easily. It had taken quite a lot of skill, and being able to read people was one of her biggest assets. Of course there was times she’d been wrong, but those times were rate and this one wasn’t one of them. She could see just how pleased he was with himself and really, she was impressed that he’d worked up the nerve and courage to ask her for what he wanted–not everyone could.

“I’m glad you agree,” she commented, taking his hand and shaking it on their terms. She was about to tell him to look forward to his upcoming day off when she heard his words and gave him another small smile. “You’ve earned it Marcus.” And that was the truth. He’d helped solidify the Scarlet Point as a place for people of all ages to come and enjoy his music and it had helped the revenue intake for the hotel as well as publicizing it in the local news. “In the future as well, if you need to come make any new demands or negotiations, you can just come directly to talk to me. I’d rather deal with you than your supervisor.”

Marcus was glad his little impromptu meeting with his employer had gone so well. Artists weren’t really encouraged to make demands and a part of Marcus did worry about what it would have meant for his career here in Kingston if Jhanvi had reacted different. He knew how one demand too many or the incorrect phrasing or manner in which he asked for anything could be misconstrued, labeling him a diva. Marcus was sure he’d lose his job in that particular scenario. No, Jhanvi Yashvardhan had been reasonable in their brief negotiations, their conversation civil and level-headed throughout. “I appreciate this Miss Yashvardhan. You won’t regret it.” 

He gave her hand a firm shake, glad to hear her agreement that Marcus had indeed earned every last privilege she and by extensions her family had endowed upon him. “This has been a dream job the last few years and I want to let you know how grateful I still am to be working for your family. You guys have been so kind and considerate.” Of course, he paid them back in return by bringing in more business with his audiences, but he was certain there was nobody else that got to do what he did, got paid what he got paid, nor did they get to live in a beautiful luxury hotel like Jhanvi’s rent free. It was the dream and he was living it to the fullest. “If there’s anything I can ever do for you, please let me know.” He wasn’t sure what it was that he could possibly do for any of them, but if they needed his assistance with anything, he was ready to offer it. He nodded along, slightly in shock at the offer. Jhanvi Yashvardhan didn’t spend her time with just anyone. “Right. Of course. Whatever you say, boss.” 

Her hues softened as she witnessed the reaction Marcus had to her sketch. “I only drew what was in my memory.” Rosalie said quietly. Looking at the sketch, she silently thought about how she wasn’t quite happy with the eyes because she hadn’t been able to transfer the warmth and acceptance she found in the real things. Marcus couldn’t be reduced to paper; he was too wonderful to do justice for on a two-dimensional surface.

“While I do think you deserve a pedestal, I couldn’t expect you to be perfect. I’m far from it, and if I’m not perfect, no one is.” Rosalie teased, looking at Marcus with a shy shrug. She’d tried disguising her mishaps with playfulness and hoped he’d see more of the girl he knew rather than the one he’d discovered a few nights ago. Her eyes sparkled with hope and joy as he said he’d cherish her gift. She’d hoped she’d found something she could leave him with to repay him for all that he’d done for her, and it seemed she’d finally found something that was just enough without being too much to accept. “You’re welcome. I should really be the one thanking you though, for being my muse and everything else you’ve done.”

The waitress interrupted their little moment, and Rosalie looked up with a breathless laugh as she nodded. “I’ll take a mocha frappe with one of the blueberry muffins, please.” The girl ordered before turning her head to gaze at Marcus as he made his own choice. It’d only been a few minutes, and his presence had somehow rejuvenated her. Her skin glowed from within because of the excitement that they could still be them. She’d been so scared she’d ruined that, but here he was, giving her another chance. Rosalie ached to tell him everything; to finally come clean once and for all until there were no secrets left to keep them apart, but a coffee shop in the middle of the day wasn’t the place or time for that. When he finished, the raven haired girl crossed her legs and leaned onto the table some. “So, no more shows on Mondays. Whatever will you do with your new found free time?”

Marcus was still in awe of the sketch, gazing down at his own features etched into the page before him. "Thank you for sharing your art with me. I speak from personal experience when I say I know how vulnerable it can be to share something like this. I love this. I'm going to keep it safe until I find the perfect place to put this in my suite. Marcus felt the urge to take her hand like they did so many times before. The physical contact between the couple wasn't a new phenomenon and now that he was back in her presence with Ros feeling better than the last time he left her, he wanted to offer some sort of of comfort and receive the same comfort in return.

"That is a very good point. If you don't consider yourself to be perfect then how can we mere mortals pretend to be?" While she looked to be in much better spirits today, Marcus wondered what had happened that pushed Rosalie into such a precarious position? She had mentioned it being a regular thing, remembering how she explained the fact that nobody else had ever stopped to make sure she was safe and sound within the four walls of her own home. He almost frowned as he recalled that, the woman across from him telling him how they would simply leave her on the front steps in the hopes that she'd somehow figure it out on her own and be okay. "You're welcome," he shrugged, "Honestly, it was the decent thing to do. I'm glad I showed up when I did. Who knows what would have happened..."

He looked up at the server and used the time Ros used to order to think up what he wanted. "I'll have an ice coffee, black and can I get a plain bagel toasted, cream cheese on the side?" He let the younger woman make her exit before letting their conversation continue. "Have you told anyone in your family about what's happening?" he asked sincerely, "I'm sure your brothers would do whatever they could to help." Marcus wasn't one to pry, but he would at least want to make sure she knew that telling someone other than him (Marcus wasn't even sure he counted since he found out by accident) would do her good. He sighed, a smile emerging at the end of the exasperation. "I don't know... You tell me. What are we doing today, Miss Villarreal?" They had mentioned seeing more of each other in the light of day hadn't they?  

“That would likely be the best option for you here yea.” The woman chuckled as she looked at him, breaking down anywhere sucked but in the middle of a long ass road like this, she was just glad that she was the one delivering the helping hand rather than being the one that needed it from the other. She had done her fair share of asking for help this past week. “Then it’s likely nothing that we’re going to be able to fix for you.” Isla hummed, her fingers drumming over the part of the engine that her now oiled smothered hands could reach. “Well I’m not a car wizard myself I just know what all the different sounds are caused by…or I like to pretend I do, how do you know what I’m saying is even right if you don’t know yourself.” She chuckled as she looked back at the male. Her eyes turned, scanning either direction the road went in as if to see if there was any sign of some sort of rescue party coming to take the male and his care to somewhere that was a little more sociable. “Honestly if I had something to tie your car to my truck I’d just pull it myself….I wonder if there’s still some rope in the back…” She pondered before she turned her gaze back to him. “If you’re cool with leaving your car by itself I’ll drive you to wherever you need to be, I was only out driving anyway I have no place to be and I can promise you that I am a perfectly safe human being - I’d say normal but I would be lying so safe will just have to cut it.” 

Marcus frowned down at the exposed car engine and his lack of expertise in the matter. If he had even an ounce of knowledge about his car other than when he needed an oil change perhaps he could have prevented the predicament at hand. “That actually makes me feel better. I thought for sure I was sounding like an idiot to you. I swear I take care of my car. I wonder what happened...” Hopefully he could get it taken care of without it disrupting his work week. “It’ll be fine. I’ll call them and ask them to come by in the morning. I was hoping to get a ride back to Gold Crest in the tow truck, but if they’re not coming tonight then I would really appreciate a ride back home. I can pay you if you’d like?” The tips at his gig that evening had been generous, most likely due to the alcohol everyone was imbibing. “Are you familiar with Gold Crest. If you live on the opposite side of Kingston or something then I absolutely insist I pay you at least something for gas.” If he was going to impose his presence on this poor woman for the long ride back into the city and make he go out of her way to drive him home then he could at the very least pay for gas. 

Rosalie’s features were slow to brighten, but thy were coaxed there as he smiled down at her. The familiar look in his gaze seemed to have renewed itself and gone was the look of near pity. It was enough to make the girl come to life again before his eyes. She tucked a shining lock of black hair behind her ear as he took his seat and asked how she was. “I’m doing better. I wouldn’t say great, but I’m going to work on that bit.” Rosalie said before pulling out the portfolio and sliding it over to him with a soft laugh. 

“I don’t show other people my art, really. I guess it’s always been something for me. When I was  a little girl and didn’t have many toys, I used to scribble all over newspapers and old magazines. It always brought me out of the place I was in and gave me a chance to breathe. I forgot how good it could be for me to do that.” Rosalie whispered, running her fingers over the leather as she pat it a final time before motioning for him to open it. “Like that, your music also makes me feel happier. I was wrong in saying that it could fix me the other night. It helps, but I’m the thing that has to fix myself.” She said. “But, I wasn’t wrong in saying that you don’t see yourself the way I do. That’s what this is for.” Rosalie murmured, a shy smile curving her lips as she waited for him to look at the sketch. When he did finally open the thing, the girl started to explain a bit further. “I thought this would give you something to hold on to when I’m not around to shower you in compliments.  This is how I see you.” Her hues fell to the sketch as she shook her head some.  “Strong, handsome, kind…” She trailed before looking for his gaze and those lighter orbs that could strike bliss in her with one glance. “Doesn’t do the real thing justice, but I tried.” Her chuckle was soft as she bit into her lower lip, hoping he didn’t think her antics silly.

Things seemed to be drastically better for Rosalie today. He hoped that she was getting the help she needed or at least taking steps towards a similar goal. He took in her countenance, taking in her beauty with every passing second. It was never enough. This was the Rosalie he knew. The lost girl he carried into her home the other night was a shadow of this graceful beauty. He liked seeing her like this, smiling. His head nodded along as she spoke, glad to hear it from her own lips that she was in a better place today.

The case that was pushed towards him had him curious. He had no idea that she was an artist, but then again, he had only known her for a short time. He took the portfolio in his hands, eager and anxious to see what it was she had done. Everything she was saying sounded like she was willing to do better and not for anyone else, but herself. His hands undid the clasp, listening to her continue on as he revealed the artwork inside. The sketch had his breath catching. He moved slowly, taking in the image that Rosalie had sketched of him with her own hands. The complimentary words only caused his features to heat up, his ear burning slightly as he felt overwhelmed by her kind words. "Ros... This is beautiful," he shook his head, catching himself immediately, "I swear that wasn't me trying to compliment my own face. I'm just... I'm almost at a loss for words."

"You shouldn't hold me up on such a pedestal. I worry I'll disappoint you somehow." Rosalie saw some perfect man, but he was far from perfect. He was incredibly selfish when he wanted to be, ridiculously vain when it came to his good looks and talent, and used his charms to get him things when it served him well. He was flawed, but she saw somehow looked at him and saw the man she had sketched. "Ros... I will cherish this. Thank you." The grateful words didn't seem to be enough, but he didn't know what else to say without sounding fake.