"Yes … Well, the ones I can. Sometimes the guys eat off, too. We've been holed up in the studio just to get everything done in time." He paused. "Don't give me that look. I'm grateful for all you're doing for me, petal. I really am. But sometimes, I like to eat a huge, fatty slab of steak after a long sweaty workout at the gym."
"I'm here to support you through fatness and in health." I giggled as I slipped a piece of salmon into my mouth.
"Oh yeah?" He laughed before taking his phone out. "I have a few songs I want you to listen to. Would you mind?" Those dark puppy eyes were on me, waiting expectantly.
"Let's listen away. I can't wait." When it came to music, his music, I'd trade whatever just to hear him sing. It was one of my weaknesses, and proud of it, too.
While I gobbled my dinner down, River busied himself with his new beats. Most of the lyrics referred to our old relationship: the downfall, the one of a kind love, and finding oneself during a storm. I loved his music; it had great depth, had a story that I could readily feel the pain through his lyrics. It spoke from his heart, it spoke the truth, and to me, that was what music was all about-being able to reach into the masses through experiences and struggles that we all bravely faced at one point or the other.
"What'd you think?"
My heart ached and soared with insurmountable pride. "I love it. And that's not because I love you and all that, but I applaud how you've taken your craft, your ability to another level. It a reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Ed Sheeran put together. I love that old meets new vibe."
He blew out a breath as if he had been holding it in until he heard my feedback. "Good, I'm just hella nervous. What if they don't like it? I wouldn't know what to do. I've given everything into making this record. The other day, I read an article about me and how I might be contributing into oversaturated pop market. And that my music might just be mediocre and some shit."
I took his hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. "Whether they like it or not, all that matters is you did it your way. You've given your all, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Seriously, you're amazing. Don't beat yourself up over someone's delusions and opinions. If every artist listens to all the haters out there, do you think there'd be any artists left? We have to grow thick skin and carry on. Life's a dance; you gotta cha-cha your way around it."
"You're right. I don't know why, but that stupid article struck me. I shouldn't be reading garbage like that, not when I'm in the middle of finishing everything." He placed his hands behind his head before stretching his neck, stressed beyond measure.
"You look like you need a hug," I murmured before getting up from my chair and circling around so I could sit on his lap.
River was bombarded with your typical nerves and doubts. Similarly, I was overcome with the same stressors when I auditioned.
Circling my arms around his neck, I held him, loving the feel of having of his warmth and his familiar smell.
He perked up. "I need more than a hug. I didn't fly all the way out here just for a hug."
"A hug is a good start." I snickered as I kissed the tip of his nose. "I've missed your psycho." To this very day, staring into his gorgeous face still made my heart constrict as if it was the first time. "Before you leave, can you please leave me this sweater so I can smell you whenever I want?"
"Anything you want, petal."
"Thanks for coming. I think we both needed this." Five days away, and we were both dying from the separation.
He caressed my face as he stared into my eyes. "I'm proud of you, Cara."
Frowning, I awkwardly smiled before asking, "For what?"
He thoughtfully gazed at me. "Coming out here, doing what you love, and just being your crazy stubborn self."
He was being cute, and I just loved all the extra attention he was showering me.
"Acting's the other love of my life. I have to follow my heart, or I won't be able to live with myself."
"I suppose I'm the other love of your life?" His brow rose, teasing me.
"Absolutely." I beamed before I breathed him in, moaning as warm satisfaction spread through me. His smell never failed to turn me on. It was just so damn sexy. "How long are you here for?" I asked as I dove in for another dose of his scent. Heaven, this was pure unadulterated heaven.
"I gotta jet out after lunch tomorrow. I'd love to stay longer, but my schedule's pretty tight, too, petal."
For him to come out here, knowing his schedule was beyond mental, I was grateful. "I know. You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you, babe."