Lucky 13

The next morning I was woken up by Criss who was chatting on the phone to his brother Costa. I rolled over and tried to cuddle my way back to sleep but his conversation kept me awake. He wasn't being loud, if anything Costa was probably having a hard time hearing him. I thought it was sweet how he was whispering but I couldn't understand half of what he was saying since it was partially in Greek. The language barrier was what was driving me nuts. I was curious as to what they were talking about. When he hung up he noticed that I was tossing around with the pillows and asked, "I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

I sat up a bit, having enough of trying to fall back asleep. "No, you didn't. It's alright."

"I wouldn't have taken the call but he was checking in on me to tell me that he got back to New York safely." He explained.

I nodded and rested my head on his "good" shoulder.

Criss wrapped his arm around me and we both starred down at our interlocked hands that were resting in his lap.

"Criss…" I began, my fingers strumming against his. "Let's talk."

He narrowed his eyes rather nervously. "Oh no…" He finally laughed.

"No, not talk… TALK." I assured him trying to throw in a hand gesture.

He glanced at me again still lost.

"I mean seriously talk. I don't know too much about you, other than the show and..." I continued purposely leaving the end open.

He got the drift and nodded. "Oh, conversation. That's different than the dreaded talk."

I punched his stomach and laughed. "Sure."

"What do you want to know?" He asked seeming concerned.

I shrugged. "Anything, everything."

He smiled and thought for minute. "I guess I'm just used to everyone already knowing all about me, I'm sorry. Does that sound rude?"

I shook my head. "No, I understand. I feel behind the times that I don't!"

He laughed a bit and replied, "I enjoy the fact that you don't know really anything about me. It's refreshing."

"Well, first question… did you really hang from a helicopter?" I teased.

Criss cracked up. "Are you serious! That is your important question?"

I nodded and folded my arms sarcastically.

"I did." He replied.

I raised one eyebrow. "Huh… interesting. I'll have to see that episode sometime."

"I am very proud of that accomplishment. I will show it you. It was one of most exhilarating experiences of my life." He glanced out the window for a moment and I could he was daydreaming about it.

I bit my lip wondering what else I had missed out on in his MindFreak episodes. I think the only ones I saw involved a steamroller, a few card tricks, and one was a pin trick where he pulled them out of his bellybutton. I supposed I hadn't seen half of his art. Everything I had witnessed at "Believe" was out of this world. No wonder he had fans like Anna.

"Next question?" He returned his gaze to my eyes.

I smiled still thinking of the night before catching myself daydreaming along with him.

"How many times have you been married?"

Criss's whole face seemed to drop with that question but he didn't hesitate with the answer. "Only once. We were together for about 15 years. Married for 10. It was difficult to say the least." He paused to sigh. "We divorced somewhat mutually I guess you could say. My career took a toll on Joanne

and I don't blame her for getting stressed about it. Money changes a lot of people but you will notice that family always comes first in my life next to God. I consider my wife family and in the end she was trying to say that I wasn't putting her first. That was a bold lie. I don't know if she was just after all my money in the end… but she certainly got what she wanted. We no longer speak unless it is necessary. She's back in Long Island New York."

He was still looking out the window when finally Hammy jumped up between us to ease the topic.

I didn't want to press it any further so I just went ahead with another question. "Does my age bother you?"

Well that wasn't any better of a topic, idiot!

Criss looked over at me and seemed a bit taken back that I would ask that.

"No, if it did we wouldn't be here."

I bit my lip a how certain he sounded wishing I could feel the same. "Are you just attracted to younger women then?" I asked bluntly.

Criss laughed already having enough of the conversation. It seemed like he had been in this situation before.

"That's not it all. I feel that age is only a number. I mean you wouldn't see me with an 18 year old by any means but I don't think that you are too young for me. A typical outsider could look in and think that I am partially "robbing the cradle" or what have you but if he understood your spirit and your mental maturity compared to that of half the women my age then he might understand. Are you uncomfortable with it?" He asked seriously.

After taking in his side of the question I shook my head. "I feel much better after hearing what you've had to say."

He brought me in closer to him and lightly kissed my cheek. "Any more questions?"

I stretched a bit and thought as I watched Hammy yawn down our feet, his green eyes squinting in the sunlight.

"Tons…" I paused and returned his kiss. "but before I ask anything else I've go to see this helicopter stunt you did, 'MindFreak'."

If Criss truly did hang in the air off of hooks from a helicopter no wonder the cast on his leg didn't phase him.