'…for when I glance at you even an instant, I can no longer utter a word: my tongue thickens to a lump, and beneath my skin breaks out a subtle fire: my eyes are blind, my ears filled with humming, and sweat streams down my body, I am seized by a sudden shuddering; I turn greener than grass, and in a moment more, I feel I shall die.'- R. Barthes
Semi-Charmed Kinda Life
Chapter 10: The Games We Play
Saturday Night, Asgard
It was Saturday night and as usual Asgard- his club, was crowded. Eric didn't plan to attend their usual poker night but Alcide called him earlier and demanded he come over tonight or the guys will drag his ass to Asgard. He begrudgingly agreed. It's not that he didn't want to see his friends; he just didn't feel like giving a fucking report about how he was... which he was sure as hell they will ask. What the fuck will he tell them? That now his dick was as useless as his appendix? Damn it.
Andy, the manager of his club approached him. They walked in his private office where he was informed of the comings and goings of his club. He was also told that Stan, Alcide, Chow and Peter were already playing poker at his private game room. He checked the weekly figures and expenses of the club before he joined his friends.
"Eric!" Stan called as he entered. "Come here! "How are you? What have you been doing lately?"
Eric approached the men who where sitting around the card table playing poker. He shrugged. "Same old shit..." He grinned and sat on the empty chair next to Alcide.
"Nice of you to finally show up." Alcide said snidely. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you for a few days now." He inquired.
"Did you miss me, Al? I miss you too baby" He said in a sweet soft girlish tone. He earned a dirty finger from Alcide. "I've stayed for a few days in Viking Island."
"Did your vacation help you with your problem?" Stan asked.
Chow spread his cards on the table, "Royal flush, bitches!"
"Damn!" the room roared.
Micah the dealer gathered the cards. It was shuffled. "Mr. Northman?"
He shook his head. "Later" He motioned for the bartender to approach them. He ordered scotch.
"Mr. Chow?"
"Texas" Chow responded. We played all different types of Poker from five to seven studs to Texas Hold Em'. It all depends on the preference of the previous winner.
On the next game he participated. He threw his chips on the table and the rest of the guys followed. He won. Therefore he got to call the next game.
"Chicago…" It was a variation of a seven-stud poker. "Southside…" The lowest ranking spade in the hole splits the pot with the winner of highest hand. Players are dealt first with two cards down. Then followed by four up and last one down. Bets are placed on even card after the first two. In theory, one could win the entire pot if the lucky bastard had both the low spade and the best hand.
"Fuck" Chow said.
He chuckled. He liked the game because they were betting on two things and in that confusion sometimes players gave away their hands.
After several rounds of betting and sticking to his guns everyone on the table folded except for Alcide. He had raised Alcide the only time he bet. He bet the max every time. He controlled the game, he knew it.
"Take it, Northman" Alcide said after several moments of deliberation
The motherfucker would have beaten him with his cards if he stayed. But he was good in bluffing. So he bluffed Al by the way he bet and bumped.
Alcide should have stayed if for no other reason than he had quite a bit of money in the pot. But his arrogance got the best of him once again. He would rather lose money and fold, than stayed and take the risk of losing to me.
"What do you have?" Alcide asked.
He smirked. "You're supposed to pay to see them Al." He said as he collected his winnings. He was just about to mix his cards in with everyone else's when the sore loser grabbed him by the wrist.
"I said what do you have?" Alcide said as flipped my cards over. He looked. "Four of fucking spades!"
"Loser"
"That's all you had. Goddamnit. I should have won half the pot!" As quickly as he got pissed he calmed down and lit a cigar. "Leave us be." Alcide said to the dealer and bartender.
He rolled his eyes. Micah and Jack looked at him for confirmation and he nodded. They left immediately.
"You're a sore loser Alcide" Chow chided.
"Chow…" Alcide grinned "this is much more important than poker. It's about our dear friend."
Fuck you. He mouthed at Alcide.
"I love you too bro. So are you feeling better, Eric?" He pressed.
"No. I feel worse" He confided reluctantly. 'No sense of evading the topic now. He knew that this time Alcide will not fold or back down. He drank three shots of scotch in succession. He needed to be quite buzzed for this.
"Why? What happened?" Peter asked.
"I met a woman" He responded. A siren… his water nymph… and like anything supernatural, Susannah disappeared come morning.
"You dickhead!" Alcide glared at him. "I thought we had an agreement that you'll abstain for a while."
He winced. "It's different. It was great with her." How could he have abstained? Nah, they wouldn't understand.
"Really?" Chow asked. "Then you don't have problem anymore, bro."
"That's what I thought so too, at first." He looked up at the ceiling. Peter stood up and headed towards the bar. He took the bottle of scotch. Peter plied him a generous amount.
Alcide cocked an eyebrow at him, looking impatient.
"When I saw her, I wanted her right away. We did it" That mindless night with Susannah was fucking unforgettable. They didn't just fuck. He couldn't put a name to what they did but it went above and beyond fucking. They made hot wild love.
'Motherfuckingshit!'
He felt disgusted with his thoughts. He wondered what his friends will tell him, if he described it to them, like that. But he wasn't about to spew romantic garbage in front of them. It was not his style at all. "It was great." He smiled. "The best I've ever had, since I was sixteen"
Stan whistled appreciatively. "So, who's the sweet babe?"
"I don't know. She was gone in the morning." He shook his head. "I don't even know her real name."
"What the…? Aren't you too old for a one night stand Eric?" Chow burst out laughing. It was stifled almost immediately when Chow saw the look that he had bestowed him. "I mean… yeah… that's exciting." He backtracked. "I understand. But isn't it a bit dangerous? You'll never know if she's clean or not."
"She was safe." He gritted his teeth. He was quite pissed off at Chow's remark. "Very safe..." He didn't want his friends to form the wrong impression about Susannah. She wasn't promiscuous at all. She's decent.
Ah… he didn't know that for sure. He didn't know her. A woman's virginity alone did not make one, decent.
Alcide snorted. "No woman is safe."
"My wife is..." Stan grinned.
Peter agreed. "Mine too..."
"Sheesh… here we go again." Alcide said exasperatedly. "Women are as safe as deadly vipers. If you don't watch your steps with them… it would cause you… either you'll have an infection or you'll have a paternity suit. You have to be careful around them… all the fucking time. They can give you heaven but they can sure as raise hell at the same time"
"She was a virgin"
"What?" Alcide exclaimed. "and you fucked her? Are you fucking stupid? Have you really lost your mind Eric? Virgins are the deadliest. You could very well expect a paternity suit, asshole."
"How would Eric know she's a virgin, if he didn't fuck her first?" Chow asked jokingly.
He grimaced.
Alcide shook his head.
He lets out a breath. "She said she was on the pill." He was stupid. He sounded stupid. He was sure as hell, that his friends were thinking, that he was a fool for buying her explanation.
Alcide huffed. He was looking at him incredulously. "What? And you fucking believe her?"
Alcide stood up. He and Stan did too. They were both silent. He gazed piercingly at Alcide who looked about ready to hit him, which at this moment he couldn't understand why. But he would definitely welcome a fight. After all the frustration he had because of Susannah, he was itching for it.
"Alcide" Stan scoffed. "Give him a break will you?"
"I'll go down to the bar." Alcide walked away from them and left the room.
"Eric sit down" Peter beckoned. "So you met a girl. You had a great time. What's the problem?"
"What's wrong with Alcide...?" He deflected the question. He really wasn't into a sharing mood. He wanted to punch Alcide. But the fucker was right, he did act stupid. Where Susannah was concerned his ingrained logic just flew out of the window.
"Maria-Star"
"Who?"
"She's one of Alcide's fuck buddies. It became complicated when…" Peter explained Alcide's predicament further. Having finished his lengthy explanation, "now you…"
"Nosy Asshole" He took another shot. "She was different." He blew out the breath that he was holding. "Susannah, that's her name… the only name that she had given me. I was fine with her… more than fine. I thought I was cured. But when I tried having sex with other women, the same old problem occurred. Worse… now I don't even feel aroused with them at all. It was fucking embarrassing"
He remembered Dawn. Fuck. The woman teased him without mercy. 'Loosing your touch, stud?' For the first time in his life, he failed to have an erection in the presence of a potential bed partner. Then he noticed that Stan and Peter were grinning at him broadly. 'the fuck...? His situation was not a laughing matter. "What are you two fools smiling at?" He asked irate.
"Remember our conversation before? You know… my analogy about food and sex?" Stan explained.
He nodded.
"At long last Eric…" Stan patted his back. "You, my friend have tasted what truly was one delicious home cooked meal."
He sighed.
"Quality sex, man. By now you sure can tell the difference between a home cooked meal and fast food, right?" Peter added.
"Quality…" Stan reiterated. "…not quantity"
He grimaced. Not this shit again. Maybe he should join Alcide downstairs. Maybe he could convince him that boxing or any form of fighting with your friend is the most effective way of dealing when it came to frustrations from women. He stood up. "I should check, Alcide"
"Sit the fuck down, bitch" Stan said. "…can't you see that where trying to help you…"
He sighed and sat back down. "I understood perfectly when you explained it the first time, Stan."
"I don't think so" Peter said
"You had unprotected sex with her" Stan stated. "Ah… the joys of unprotected sex." He chuckled. "It's the best. No worries. But you can only partake in that kind of delight with the right woman."
"Yup, you'll only feel safe if you are at home" said Peter. "Did you feel safe with her?"
He shook his head in a helpless gesture. Safe? Did he feel safe with her? Maybe he did. He felt safe with her. He felt peace in her arms. He never trusted a woman the way he trusted Susannah. Not especially when it comes to protection. He never fucked without a condom. But with her, he had thrown all his cautions to the wind. He didn't protect himself.
Maybe… because he didn't feel threatened. He wanted to be with her no barrier whatsoever. And he had never craved for a woman the way he was craving for her now.
He didn't even know her real name, for Pete's sake! Or who she really was. She could be doing another guy for all he knew! The thought brought a violent reaction deep in his gut. He didn't like that thought at all.
He'll find her. Then he'll claim her again.
But tonight…?
Tonight he'll wallow in the comfort that only a bottle of scotch can give him… momentary oblivion.
Tuesday Morning, Sookie's House
Sometimes… Something beautiful happens in this world; Oh, Akon… and Lonely Island; You don't know how to express yourself so… You just gotta sing; I just had…
Sookie had reached Amelia's blackberry in the table and pressed the key before her annoying sms tone irritated her further.
"You have a text from Tray." She said in a this-is-the-straw-that-breaks-the- camel's-back tone of voice.
"Oh, thank you Sookie" Amelia smiled widely
She glared at Amelia. "Is it necessary for you to be so damn aggravating?" Her patience was wearing thin. Amelia had been quite annoying all weekend.
"What do you mean? I haven't done anything"
"You haven't done anything… right… why don't you kiss my lily white southern Louisiana ass…" She rolled her eyes at her PA. "And put your phone on vibrate."
"Hey… that's a new one… I love it"
"It's hardly an original… Britney spears tweeted it… I found it amusing"
"It was… why are you so irritated with my SMS tone anyway?"
Like she has to ask?
"When we watched it at SNL last December, we found it so funny that we replayed it on youtube."
"It can only be hilarious for the first few times Amelia… after that, it was just annoying…"
"It's a practice"
"A practice for what?" She asked irate.
"To test your nerves" Amelia explained.
She raised an eyebrow.
"It's effective Sookie. It's been used for people with allergy and phobia."
She laughed wryly. "Amelia what the hell?"
"It's called systematic desensitization." Amelia explained. "Consider me as a small ball of allergen… you know the thing that could cause an allergic reaction"
"Yeah…certainly… you are irritating. Will you go away if I took Claritin… through I.V.?"
"Funny… but no. So I'm irritating you… cause that's what allergens do… but I'm small, right?" She nonverbally expressed her disagreement. "And Eric… well he's the grand pooba of allergenic substances" This time she nodded.
"So your rationale is that by the time I met Eric, I would be less likely to be annoyed at his presence, because you've had exhausted my tolerance for annoyance, all weekend? That's counterproductive." She deduced. "By the time I see him again, I'll be so riled up, I'll be volatile"
"With that mindset then… yes. But see it in a new perspective. I've been annoying you for a few days now. That will force you to adapt"
"Yeah I could fire you… that will be an effective abrupt adaptation towards an unwanted circumstance."
"Don't be a bitch Sook… I'm helping remember?"
"I'm sorry…" She sighed. She really was turning into a drama queen and she hated it. "This is just frustrating…"
"I understand, you know…"
She sighed. She tried to see the perspective- Amelia was trying to explain to her. After a few seconds of thinking, she deemed that she has a point. It was sound, she supposed. "So… I've got to handle my feelings of irritation? So… by the end of this I'd be so used to what you're doing, I'll have higher tolerance when I see Eric again? I'll be able to handle my temper better. And treat him… casually because my adaptive mechanism would have been enhanced… is that what you're trying to sell to me?"
"Bingo. And I'll give you a whine and bitch card that you could use after the show."
"I would love that. Alright." She conceded. "I'll give it a try."
"Here" Amelia handed her a folder. "It's a checklist… and some items that I printed for you to read, that will help you relax"
She scanned the material that Amelia handed and nodded in appreciation. "I like it. I've been downloading some self-help stuff online too…" She stood up. "I'll be in room, if you need me"
"Sookie… wait… the pilates instructor will come by 2 pm and Janice…" Amelia detailed her schedule this afternoon. She gave her another piece of paper. There was a, yeah-I'm-up-to-no-good glint in Amelia's eyes.
She pursed her lips. "There's more? Haven't you reached you're quota for annoying me today?"
"Not by a long shot. The day is just starting"
She read the contents. She snorted. That bitch. Sookie just had sex… She said it felt so good (felt so good); She let Eric put his penis inside her (her)…She just had sex (hey!); And she'll never go back (never go back); To the not-having-sex ways of the past...
She read the entire song. "Wow. That's fascinating" She said in mock fascination. "I didn't know that you have an amazing songwriting skills." Then she shook her head in exasperation.
"It's good isn't it?" Amelia laughed. "I've shown it first to Lafayette. He said I was brilliant"
She rolled her eyes. "You've got one thing wrong though." She said coolly. "And it's quite misleading" She smiled.
"Yeah? What is it?"
She pointed the offending verse. "It's not just the best thirty seconds of my life. With Eric… Well… Eric can last much…much… much… much-did I emphasize on much? I did, didn't I?- longer than that" She winked at her impish PA.
"You're a lucky bitch Sookie Stackhouse! I'm so jealous!"
In that respect, 'I say… yes…very much'.
She laughed. "It's not as if Tray isn't a catch. Didn't you tell me he's a…" she air quoted "…smokin' hot wolf in the sack. See you in a few" she said as she walked out of the kitchen.
Thursday evening, The Buzz Taping
He and the other guest, Congressman Merlotte sat in front of the mirror being prepped up by two hair & make-up artists. They were gay and they were openly flirting with him. He was amused at their flirtation.
"Eric!" said Mel as he smeared some make-up junk on his face. "I think I'm going to have an orgasm!"
He smiled and shook his head. He looked at Sam who had a look of thinly concealed discomfort. He wasn't sure whether it was from the imminent show or because of the make-up artists. He was a bit nervous too. He had his usual tied-in-a-knot nervous stomach but outside he looked as calm as a cucumber.
"'Eric and I really have to put make up on?" Sam asked skeptically.
"You do…" Mel said. "Him?" he pointed his lips at me. "Well, I needed an excuse to touch his face"
Sam rolled his eyes.
"oh! Mel if only…"
"Ah Eric don't knock it till you try it!"
"Whoa...hold it! You making me look like a sissy!" Sam complained once more when Felton, the makeup artist assigned to him begun applying lipstick and powder in his face.
"Congressman" Felton replied, patiently "without makeup; your face would appear washed out under the bright spotlights. Then no one would be able to make out your handsome features!" His ego appeased, Sam quieted down.
He laughed. Mel and Felton certainly were a good distraction. Their antics continued on and Sam's discomfort was growing by each passing second. They were almost done with his hair… Felton argued that his hair should be let down. Mel pressed that it should be braided. Honestly he didn't care. He came in the set with his hair tied at the back and he didn't mind leaving it at that. In the end Mel braided his hair.
"Do you wear eyeglasses?" Mel asked biting his lower lips. "Wear them please…"
He shook his head, "My vision is perfect."
"What isn't?" Felton retorted.
'My dick' He thought morosely. It had zeroed in on one pussy and he couldn't find that particular pussy.
Eric's attention was momentarily directed to the opening of the dressing room's adjoining door. Marnie, the show's production assistant entered the room. She was clad in a black suit. She looked very neat and business-like. The statuesque brunette looked out of place here in this messy dressing room. She was attractive and formidable, he supposed. But she was not his type. He sighed. Right now his dick only preferred one woman. Sussanah… He'll actively seek her after his 4-day business trip in New York two days from now. He has an 11:00 am flight tomorrow.
"Okay guys we'll be on in about fifteen minutes. Get ready."
Both he and Sam nodded. Having finished prepping them up the 2 makeup artists left the room.
"Please take time to review the talking points/ topics. Miss Stackhouse expects you to be prepared to answer all her questions. Just stick to the topics, okay?"
Silence.
"My God! Where the hell is Franklin? He's driving me crazy!" Franklin Mott was the third guest of the show. And right now he's still MIA. "Why does he always have to arrive late?" With that Marnie left the room in haste.
Eric sighed. He and Congressman Sam Merlotte exchanged a glance.
"She was one scary broad" Sam commented.
"I know"
"First time on TV?" Sam asked.
"On a talk show- yes; I've been interviewed before on outside settings. This is just surreal…"
"It will be worth it. It's a rare chance that I get to spend time with Sookie" Sam grinned boyishly.
He cocked an eyebrow. "What's so special about her" He asked with mild curiosity.
The young congressman laughed. "I like her… a lot. She's beautiful. But she's not the type you see everywhere. Classy, balsy, charming… hard to get… I think that's her main draw"
"Hmm… you have a thing for her? Have you asked her out yet?"
"No not yet. I haven't plucked up the courage to ask her out."
"Really, huh?"
"Yeah… you'll like her. But man…tibs"
He laughed.
"I'm telling you man… yum"
He shrugged skeptically. "I'll be the judge of that". He just wanted the show to be over.
Sookie's Dressing Room
Sookie sat in front of the mirror while Janice, her stylist did her make-up and hair.
"Nice job on the hair Janice" Amelia commented.
"You don't think… it looked too TV-talk-show-host like?"
Amelia frowned "Sookie… it's great. What look are you gunning for anyway?" Amelia asked
'A look that says I'm a man-eater. A sex symbol. Someone who will not wallow in self-recrimination. A woman who could face her former lover with casual indifference'
Janice nodded. "Straight hair looks better on camera" She said as she begun smoothing foundation over her skin with a sponge.
She nodded. She tried loosing herself at the classical music playing on her mp3 stereo. It was Pachabel's canon. She hummed to its tune. It was somewhat relaxing
"You looked stressed Sookie" Janice commented.
"Pre-show jitters and all" She answered hastily. In the mirror, she and Amelia exchanged meaningful looks.
After a few dots of concealer, a dusting of blush, and topping of a setting powder, Sookie's skin was done. She heard a knock on the door. It opened and Marnie entered. She was told that 2 of the guest have arrived. There was a flicker of hope that had flared in her chest. Maybe Eric couldn't come. It was dashed immediately when Marnie informed him that it was Franklin who was MIA.
The production assistant informed her of the director's instruction in case Franklin didn't show up. Both Eric and Sam's interview segment will be lengthened and they will have to cater a few questions from her audience. Marnie told her that the three lucky women had been selected already and she was handed the cue cards containing the questions that will be asked by them. She instructed Marnie to inform the two guests on the changes. Marnie nodded and left.
"That evil witch… I mean bitch!" Amelia said after her production assistant left. "She didn't even acknowledge our presence!"
Janice concurred, "It's almost seemed like we haven't been working with her for years" She rolled her eyes. "Just because her brother is the show's director… she thinks we're nothing but dirt"
Amelia nodded.
"I'll to Mark"
"No. It's not a big deal. It's not like she's inefficient with her job. Her attitude just sucks"
"She doesn't really socialize with anyone except Mark…"
Janice headed toward the strereo. "Sookie may I?"
She gave her assent.
Ceelo Green started singing, "I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough. I'm like… forget you! and uh forget her too."
'Forget you and uh fuck her too'
Janice put a brushed on her lips. It was painted soft pink to provide contrast to the dark smoldering look she'd given her eyes. After a few more moments Janice declared that she was ready for her show.
Amelia asked Janice to accompany her to meet the guests. She was grateful at her PA for giving her a time to collect herself.
She closed her eyes.
Was she ready for this? She was. She thought about her personal checklist to mentally prepare herself for the show. She did everything. She couldn't be more ready.
She abstained from coffee today so her system will be caffeine free. She meditated. She even employed guided imagery with the help Amelia. She visualized success and positive outcomes. The best case scenario was that Eric will not recognize her. The second best was that she will be recognized but Eric wouldn't give a fuck. The worst case would be, Eric will hit on her or irritate her and that she will loose her cool in front of her viewers.
She inhaled deeply.
Mark knocked on her door. "Hun, you ready?"
"Yes"
"Let's go meet the guest they are already on the set."
She stood up and took Mark's offered arm.
'I'm a powerful woman. I can do this.'
Eric couldn't believe his eyes.
When Sookie Stackhouse, appeared on the set, he recognized her instantly. It was her! Fuck. Fuck Pam. She knew. Fuck… last dinner… the brunette… now blonde again… it was her! He didn't know the emotions he felt at the moment but it was warm and fuzzy amixed with unadulterated happiness. He had found her.
He caught himself before he could make a step. What the fuck? He nearly run to her and...and what? Hug her tight? Kiss her hungrily? Run his hands all over her? Take her? The urge was so primitive and strong that he had to clench his fists to stop himself from doing so.
He drew a deep breath to take her in more. He was afraid to close his eyes. He was worried that she might disappear again if he blinked. It was her. Fuck. He was not just deluding himself. It was Susannah.
Elation surged through him. He had found her!
She was mesmerizing as the day that he saw her in the lagoon… even more. Her sexy, voluptuous body was clad in a red dress that showed a good deal of her long shapely legs, perfect shoulders and ample cleavage. Her blonde hair was sleek and straight, her lips pink, full and luscious and she had the sultriest eyes she had ever seen in a woman. He groaned. His dick stirred.
Sookie. Susannah. It figures. The little water nymph was Sookie Stackhouse! Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would find her, here! She was a very famous woman but he didn't even recognize her! The woman he had made love to in his island was earthy, innocent, and simple. This woman in the red dress was sophisticated, sultry and she moved with the confidence borne of women who knew how to use their looks to their best advantage; She was showbiz property.
Sookie and the director, Mark Stonebrook walked towards them. His gaze was still focused solely on her. For the first time Sookie met his eyes. It was bold, and steady, the gaze of a very self-assured woman. Gone were the covert, shy looks of his island girl. This one was a vamp of the first order, the kind of women that he was accustomed to.
No one spoke for a second. His eyes were still comprehensively gazing on Sookie. She raised one delicate eyebrow at him. "Did I pass?" She asked, a glimmer of smile played on her lips. She was sassy. He liked it.
"You aced it" He smiled at her.
Why was she was acting like she didn't know him? He was mildly irritated that she didn't recognize him at all. Not even a flicker of recognition! But it was her. It has to be. Unless Sookie was Susannah's twin or double. But Sookie was no Queen Amidala or Saddam Hussein. Maybe she had selective amnesia and had forgotten about him? Or maybe… He stopped himself from coming up with more and more unlikely hypotheses. They were just stupid.
'Occam's razor…' He abided by it. The simplest explanation is most likely the correct one.
'She is pretending.' But why?
There was no way in hell; that it wasn't her, even if she had looked at him, like she was just seeing him, for the very first time. He was tempted to call her Susannah and see how she reacts to that. He knew for a fact that this broad has a volatile and fiery temper. He also didn't want to make a fool out of himself. There was still plenty of time to call her out on her bullshit.
"Sookie Stackhouse" She held out her hand and he took it. "You must be Mr. Eric Northman" Her handshake was brief and impersonal. But even if he had caught her bullshit, his male pride was still sorely dented and it was beginning to simmer into a full-blown fury. No woman would mistake him for anybody else specially this one who had writhed beneath him in wild abandon begging for more! The thought made an instant connection with his groin. He grew hard. He cursed colorfully under his breath.
"Sookie" interrupted the director "This is Congressman Sam Merlotte."
"We've met already" We've met too… remember?
"Sookie…chere" Sam said. The smitten man took her hands kissed it. Asshole. What a fucking pansy.
She gave Sam a dazzling smile. "Congressman Merlotte, I've heard about that new bill on Tax Reforms that you're lobbying in congress. I think that's quite commendable... it would help a lot of people"
The clueless dolt blushed at Sookie's flattery. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ms. Stackhouse. Did you vote for me last election?" He joked.
'I won't vote for this dog next time that's for sure' Release her hands already, you touchy-feely dog.
She smiled sheepishly. "Actually- no I didn't." Eric smirked.
Sookie looked at him and caught his smug expression. "But…" She thought for a second. "…since I was impressed at your performance this term, how about I help a little, in your campaign next election?"
Sam- fuck-him, where-was-his-balls?- giggled. Men don't giggle! His eyes were also glinting like halogen lights.
Eric on the other hand might have vomited a little. Disgusting. Pathetic. That dog was putty in Sookie's capable hands! He also wanted to pout. But he wouldn't, because he won't surrender his man card to Sookie, as easily as Sam did. And where was his commendation? Hasn't he left her speechless and satiated during their ONS in Viking Island? Surely that was better than some lame tax reform bill that has high probability that it wouldn't come to pass, right? He chuckled to himself.
"Thanks, Sookie. It will be an honor." said Sam. The mutt kissed her cheeks.
He gritted his teeth. 'A radiant smile for Sam with a promise to campaign for him and not even a five-second eye-contact with me?' He had fucked her three times and she wouldn't even glance at him! 'Snotty bitch!', whined his bruised ego.
When Sookie look back at him, it was quick but loaded. A raised eyebrow and a piercing gaze. Hmmm…
It sure felt like she was challenging him. Me? He chuckled. She was playing a game with me? A game she couldn't possibly win.
'Alright, I'll humor you, min alskade.' Damn it! It felt so good to call her that again.
"Eric, Sam…" Sookie called our names in a steady voice. "Did Marnie explain to you the changes in the show?"
We both nodded.
"Since one of the scheduled guest, Mr. Mott canceled out. We will be lengthening each of your interview segments"
"So Eric, near the end of the show… 2 of the people from the audience will ask you a question." She looked at the cue card that she was holding in her hands. "Both of the questions" she grimaced slightly "will pertain towards either your love life and what you look for in a woman"
He nodded. The answer was really was a no-brainer. He smiled. "I had my answers prepared already for this additional segment" His attempts at flirtation were foiled… again. Didn't she invite him here? Why was she acting so indifferently towards him. He'll know it soon enough…
"Good. Sam…" Sookie briefed him too.
He could see Sookie throwing covert glances at him while waiting for the show to start. He wanted to grin wide. It was weird that he found it cute. Ahh...it seems like everything she did was endearing to him. She was smiling sweetly at Sam. Well maybe not everything.
When he caught her eyes again, this time, it's as if she was trying to freeze him with her frosty glares. Ha! An obvious defense mechanism. He had probably been with too many women in the past because he readily identified the symptoms. She wanted him too. But she was fighting it.
The thought made him harder. He shifted uncomfortably as his fly suddenly felt too full for comfort. Where the other women failed, Sookie was making him aroused without effort. Just looking at her made his groin tighten with aching need.
'Geeez. Get a grip on your libido, man. You're going to be on national TV, for cripes' sake!'
It was a fucking good thing that he did this stint with the Buzz. He was about to brave it and ask his mother about her female guest in cottage number six. He was desperate to find Sookie. And now, he found her. Sookie Stackhouse. The thought still staggered him. This woman was a virgin? He couldn't believe it! But she was. He was the first man to discover the delights beneath that red dress. And he would do so again. As soon as he could arrange it.
He also remembered Pam. Fuck! his annoying cousin knew… but how? He will have to ask her that when he grilled her next time. She deliberately withheld it from him! But… yeah… fuck I owe her big for this. But I'll be damn before I tell her that. She's already having too much fun on my expense.
Sookie excused herself to go to the back stage.
"Okay, guys, the show is about to start" Mark said. "Sookie will appear from the backstage. Then she will sing her opening number"
"Okay" Sam said.
"You'll take your seat there" Mark pointed at the wide yellow sofa "Once you are introduced"
Mark walked behind the camera.
"We're live on five... four... three... two…"
Abstaining from caffeine didn't help much. Sookie had never felt more nervous in her life. She needed to relax, by golly. And she was moments away to live telecast. Eric was destroying her composure. Awhile ago he was staring at her so intensely that she felt like breaking into sweat even if the whole studio was air-conditioned. Did he recognize her? She couldn't tell. He was standing there, so cool and relaxed.
He looked so… how would she even begin to describe him? Outrageously beautiful? Devastatingly handsome? He was so damn tempting… it was utterly unfair. The light gray jacket suit paired with black undershirt that he was wearing tonight gave him that understated sexy look. She couldn't help admiring his masculine beauty. She was drawn to him like a helpless moth to a raging fire.
Don't go there, she cautioned herself. Damn him…
She was so grateful that her introduction with Eric had been smooth. All the while her heart was beating so fast. It was amazing that she didn't hyperventilate in front of him. She could do this. But she had to be careful…
The show's opening music commenced then Hoyt's voice permeated the studio, "Coming to you live from… Brigant Studios, Hollywood, It's the Buzz with Sookie Stackhouse. Tonight's guests… Eric Northman… Congressman Sam Merlotte… musical guest, Stephan Jenkins… and I'm Hoyt Fortenberry and now here's your host… Sookie Stackhouse….!"
When she saw the signal from the floor manager she walked towards the center stage. It was time to run her show.
"Thank you very much … (more applause) thank you… thanks… Good evening to y'all!" She smiled brightly to the crowd who was still applauding. She greeted everyone. She walked to the left side of the stage where the show's band was stationed.
"The song that I'll be singing tonight is a single lifted from my up and coming album- A Sorta Fairytale that will be released this April" She smiled. "The song is I feel for you… I hope you'll like it guys…" The audience applauded as the band started playing the song.
This time around I wanna let it show;
There's something special,
In my heart you ought to know
I feel for you, I mean I truly love you;
In my heart and in my soul, you are my love… you are my all;
I feel for you, I mean always love you;
Because to me you are a dream come true
"We have two special guest for tonight. Our first guest tonight, is a 2-time US open champion, Polo Magazine's Excellence Awardee, professional polo player, commercial model, businessman"
…womanizer… consummate lover… heartbreaker...
"…and philanthropist. Let's bring him in… Mr. Eric Northman!" She plastered her megawatt smile while waiting for him.
Applause… more deafening screams from the female audience as Eric walked towards her.
"Good evening… Sookie…" Eric kissed her cheek.
"Mr. Northman, it's so good to see you"
"I know, you too. I'm really glad to be invited to your show" Eric gave her, his panty dropping smile. Devastating…
"Please have a sit" She motioned for the stylish mustard yellow couch.
She spoke when the audience settled down. She introduced Congressman Merlotte in much the same fashion although he was not as warmly received as Eric. Unfair…
After the usual introductory chit chat with the two she directed their conversation to tonight's intended talking points.
"Mr. Northman what brings you to my show?"
"Well… I was bullied by my cousin, who happened to be the editor-in-chief of the magazine, to guest here"
She laughed. Her audience did too. "I find it too hard to believe that someone could bully you, Mr. Northman... you're awfully tall."
Eric laughed. "Ahh… my cousin can be scary when she wants to be. And…" He leaned in as if too emulate that he will be whispering something. "Sookie… don't tell anybody okay? But I'm really a big softy"
Oh damn it… right… show… his scent… shit… "You…" Coherent… eff…
He nodded. He placed an index finger on his lips. "Sssshhh…" He waggled his eyebrows. "And she convinced me, that I'll be a good promoter for BLOW" You are…
"Indeed. You've convinced a lot of women and men before to drink that beer brand when you endorsed it"
"Were you convinced?" Eric teased.
"I don't drink beer… much" She answered. I won't drink that beer ever.
"Then I just might have to persuade you." Right... that eyebrow action should be penalized.
"Oh…" She laughed. It was fake. "You are such a smooth talker"
He grinned at her boyishly. She wanted to roll her eyes.
"How come you call your magazine, BLOW, Mr. Northman? It's a very odd name for a magazine." She asked fully intending to throw him off-balance.
He smiled at her lazily before answering. "BLOW could mean a lot of things depending on how you perceive the magazine. It has a universal concept, though focused on men. But we don't wanna put barriers and distinctions."
She nodded. "Yeah"
"The magazine wishes to be a fun read for both men and women who embrace the twenty-first century lifestyle. BLOW could mean anything, it really depends on how the readers perceive it. Blow as in 'blow by blow account of a man's total psyche'. Blow as in 'blowing off steam', an avenue to release tension from everyday routine. Blow as in get 'blown away' by those beautiful ladies. Anything… But if you're asking me what it means to me, personally? BLOW is actually an acronym." He waggled his eyebrows at her before saying, "Big Lover Of Women." He chuckled, seemingly impressed by his own cleverness.
Silences in TV were not golden. Dead airtime is unacceptable. And now she was speechless for a few seconds.
'Where am I? Damn, you're on live TV, Stackhouse'
Big Lover of… that jerk! She couldn't loose her cool. Focus. Calm. Damn it, didn't Mark, Marnie or Amelia briefed him about the nature of her show? The Buzz has a wholesome format! Where does he get off talking like this? Jerk… jerk… jerk!
But the audience response to Eric's naughty remark was positive. He was smooth, eloquent and obviously very intelligent, with the arrogance of a very aggressive, overly confident male. He knew his effect on people and he used that magnetism to his full advantage but in a very subtle and unassuming way. It showed in his laidback manner.
He was smooth. It was irritating her.
The floor manager held up a sign saying "SUSPEND" just outside camera range signaling the time for a commercial break. She smiled at Eric and Sam before facing the audience and saying, "Well, we're going for a short commercial break and when we come back, there'll be more about Mr. Eric Northman and Congressman Merlotte. Don't go away."
They had a commercial break. She stood up and walked towards Mark. "I think you need to caution that Northman guy, He's borderline obscene." She complained.
"On the contrary, Sookie, he's doing just fine." Mark grinned. "The audience loves him. He has mass appeal. I bet our rating would be shooting up like crazy. Come on, he's cool! Just go on with his style. And I like his answers."
Men! She wasn't able to complain further because the commercial break is almost over. She forced himself back to the set. Eric was looking as relaxed and calm as ever. She wanted to tell him to behave.
She glared at him. Behave, you jerk! Eric just shrugged and his eyes were full of mischief. She focused on Sam. He was far more descent to talk to than Eric.
When they paused for yet another break, Mark told her, "Go back to Eric. Sustain the energy of the show. The segment with Congressman Merlotte was dead. Come on, Sookie, gimme some passion. Fire! A bit of naughty talk to match that sexy dress. God knows, the show needs some hot action!"
Her temper was reaching its boiling point. What the hell does he mean when he said gimme some passion? That she didn't have one? In short she's boring? "I beg your pardon? My show is a take off from Oprah, not Jay Leno!" she shot back heatedly.
In exasperation Mark raised his both hands. "Go back to your seat, Sookie and do as I say. I know what's best for this show. Even if you are mega-hot and fully decorated, I still call the' shots here, remember that."
"Damn you!" she retorted back.
"Yeah, as long as you do what I say, sweetheart." He said dismissively. "Now, haul your sexy tush back to the set and make my day."
Mark dismissed him like a child. She wanted to smack his head. But she forced herself to calm down. She's over reacting. And she's acting out her aggression with her director. She needed to acknowledge that. Eric was messing up her composure big time. Mark was just doing his job. He was a good director. She needed to concede this time. After a moment, she nodded to Mark and head back to the stage. Right… focus on Eric…
"I've read a copy of your magazine, Mr. Northman."
"Really? Which segment did you like best?"
"Nothing in particular, really, but the way I understand, it's politically oriented. So may I ask? What is the relevance of the sexy women in your magazine? Aren't they out of place?" She didn't want to sound like a moralist, especially in her program but she wanted to ruffle Eric's feathers. He didn't even recognize her! She felt insulted. Hah! Is that how women were to him? Interchangeable? Probably because he had one too many…. So it made it quite a challenge for him to remember. Damn it. She would lie to herself if what she thought didn't stung.
'But isn't that what you envisioned as your best case scenario?'
He looked at her with smoldering eyes before he spoke, "You are a very gifted singer, Miss Stackhouse. My mother and sister are big fans of yours, whenever Alexie, my sister, is riding with me my car speakers would be blasting away with one of your albums."
Her heartbeat leapt. She blushed. She couldn't help it. She felt warm and flustered. Did he just sweet talk to her? She can't help but be flattered. Damn it. Get a grip. His honeyed words are just that… empty… meant to deceive… don't be fooled.
'Your shtick won't work with me Eric Northman!'.
She coughed to clear the sudden tightening of her throat. "Uhm, we are not talking about me here, Mr. Northman. We are talking about your magazine."
"Yes, my point is, it's all a form of entertainment. A break from the dreariness of ordinary life, like something special coming out of an ordinary existence. For us men, seeing a beautiful woman smiling back at us is one great treat after slaving ourselves nine-to-five at work. We do deserve a break, don't we?" He retorted, grinning. He didn't let answer but instead turned to Sam. "Right, Sam? I'm sure, ya know what I mean, buddy?"
The congressman blushed. "I guess so."
"Yes, well, but don't you think it's a bit too much of a 'break' as you put it, for a supposed to be magazine of serious political format?" She wasn't about to give in so easily. She knew that he was crossing the line of being impolite. But hell! Polite and Eric don't fit in the same room! Calm…
Eric turned back his attention to her. His stare focused on her chest. Leech! She had the urge to cover her cleavage with the cue cards she was holding. She didn't.
"Why did you wear that dress, Sookie?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You look beautiful. You are our treat in the midst of this otherwise grueling discussion. If not for you, everything would be so taxing for me and Sam. But you give life to the show. You bring in something special that people would like to pay attention to. Same thing with the centerfolds. They provide the break after a serious read. And if you're on a cover and centerfold of a BLOW issue, I bet, you would sell every copy."
For the second time in her hosting career, she was rendered speechless. She couldn't think of any smart comeback. She looked at the cue cards that she was holding.
'Oh God, where am I? I'm live on TV and I'm speechless!'
She breathed a sigh of relief when they paused again for a commercial break. She has to stop this. "May I speak with you over there, Mr. Northman?" Sookie said in a falsely saccharine tone.
"Gladly." Eric stood up and followed him behind the set. They were alone. Thank God
Calm. Just ask him to stop what his doing. Maybe...a request to close his mouth for the rest of the show. Calm. Right. Not happening.
"What do you think, you're doing? You're making my show X-rated. Have you perhaps forgotten that my show is rated PG?"
"X-rated? Hardly." He smiled unapologetically. "It was you who raised the questions, Sookie. They were self-righteous and condescending, so I answered them the BLOW way. I do not appreciate being judged without fair trial."
That angered her more "Self-righteous! How dare you question the integrity of this show! You are the one who would benefit greatly from this exposure, Mr. Northman. I hope that you will be more careful with what you say on the show later. I don't want to compromise the moral integrity of my program"
"Really? Then why did you invite me?" Eric shot back.
"I did not invite you…" Calm… breathe… "The producers did"
"Too bad eh? I'm here now and you've worked yourself up into a fine rage, Sookie. The commercial break is almost up. Smile." Eric teased.
She poked his chest angrily. "Remember this, you jerk! BLOW will never ever grace my show again. You especially!" Damn it.
He cocked an eyebrow. "Hmm, don't you want to be the cover of BLOW?"
That shocked her. "Over my dead body!"
"You don't think you're sexy enough for BLOW?"
"Of course not! I'm not a boldstar! I'm not cheap or desperate to attract that kind of publicity! I don't need to shed off my clothes to be famous!"
Eric looked at her from head to foot. He stroked his chin while he seemingly examined every curve in he her body. At that moment, she wanted nothing but to poke his eyes out. "My magazine is not cheap and you know it. You're the one who will have millage if you become the centerfold for BLOW, Sookie. It will give your image a new boost, you know, a sexy repackaging."
God, the sheer arrogance of this man! "Wow, what are you, an image consultant?"
He smiled wickedly. "No. I'm just a man who appreciates women. Do you know what a man really wants, Sookie?"
"I don't care what you want, Mr. Northman and I most certainly don't need to be appreciated by the likes of you!"
He chuckled. "Ouch! I wish people can see you now. You're roaring hot."
She wanted to slap him! But if she obeyed her temper, tomorrow, they would be all over the tabloids. She forced herself to calm. "You…"
Eric hands lifted up and touched her lips softly. "You look different, min alskade" He rasped, his eyes were now looking at her with familiarity.
Sookie gasped. Joy and dismay warred inside her. He remembered me? She drew a sharp intake of breath. He recognized me? She swatted his hands from her lips. "Don't touch me…" She said softly but firmly. The mere touch of his fingertips electrified her!
His eyes flared dangerously. "I've more-than touched you already, Sookie. I've had you several times already and you loved it every time. I have the feeling that you would still love it."
Her hands were poised to slap him but she caught herself before doing so. She didn't want that kind of notoriety. Instead of slapping him, her hands reached for the back of his neck and she tugged him closer. It was time to set the record straight. Right now, she was Sookie Stackhouse, the hottest celebrity in town, not some naive virgin in a remote island. She had already blown her brilliant plan by letting anger get the best of her. She breathed deeply to collect herself.
In his ears she whispered softly, "Eric?"
"Yes."
"That time in the island with you was amazing"
"I know"
"Thank you. I'll never forget it."
He didn't answer but she could feel that his breaths increased. She raised her other hand and she cupped both of his cheeks. They were now gazing each other. She could literally feel the heat of Eric's searing gaze. They were so close that she could smell his fresh soap and unique masculine scent. She wanted to melt. But now was the most inopportune moment to get weak knees. She has a clear message to deliver to this egotistical man. She didn't want anything to do with him. She looked him straight in the eye and spoke with all he nonchalance she could muster.
"But it was just a one night stand, Mr. Northman. Just sex. Nothing more. I'm sure it was nothing new to you."
"I'm not arguing that point. It was only sex alright, but it was great sex. And I want more, Sookie."
How the hell will she respond to that declaration? He more than told her that they would be very intimate soon. Again… Jerk... He must think he was God's gift to women! That he could get anyone he wanted.
"I'm not interested for a second round, Eric. I don't want to lead you on. I'm not interested."
Eric didn't answer. Instead he slowly lowered his head to hers. Before she could let out a breath or a protest, his lips lightly touched hers. Their lips touched so gently... she felt dizzy with longing... they stayed not moving for a few seconds… just like that… their lips just barely touching… She didn't breath...
Then Eric lightly nip her lower lip. "Actions speak louder that words dear one… cliché… but true"
His words injected a bit of sanity in her fogged brain. Maybe she isn't clear with her definition of not interested. Maybe he didn't know the difference between attraction and interest. Maybe... She pulled him down and kissed him. Passionately, with all her unwanted attraction to him. They were both breathless when it was over.
"Eric"
"Yes?" His eyes were now clouded with lust.
"I didn't say, that I don't find you attractive…" She lowered her arms and tried to put distance between them. "I do… you are. Hell you could probably tempt Mother Theresa if she was still alive."
He looked confused. She regretted kissing him if only for the fact that it seemed to send a mixed signal to Eric.
"I'm physically attracted to you, honestly, who wouldn't be? You're impossibly beautiful. But I'm not interested… I don't want you. I don't want your company. I don't want to spend time with you. I don't want to date you. I don't like you." That was as clear as she could possibly be.
"Sookie…" Eric warned.
"I'm not teasing you. I'm not playing hard to get. And this time, no means no."
Before any of us could say or argue more, Mark presence caught their attention. "Sookie? Eric? Is everything okay? The commercial is almost up. You two should go back to the stage"
"Yup. I was just briefing Eric about the next talking points… Eric? Are you ready?" She smiled at him.
Eric nodded with grim expression.
She turned her back at him and walked hurriedly back to the stage. She couldn't wait to get the show over.
She couldn't wait to get away from him.
Eric watched her retreating figure, her hips swaying gracefully. He wanted to go after her and drag her somewhere… somewhere private. He wanted to talk to her some more. But the show was far from over. He reluctantly followed Sookie back to the set.
They were on the last segment of the show. He wanted it to end already. He and Sookie had an unfinished business that needed to be dealt with. He was confused. She said she was attracted to him. She also said she didn't want him. What the hell? What game is she playing?
'No means no?' Fuck… If she was attracted to me why won't she see me? What's the fucking logic in that? He couldn't understand. In his book, attraction is synonymous to interest. Hell, he bet even Noah Webster will agree with him. So what gives?
'Just sex. Nothing more' He was pissed at her words. It made him feel worthless. He felt hallow. Was that how Sookie saw him? Just someone she had fucked? Just a body that she used and discarded at a whim? Fuck… He inhaled slowly. He didn't like his train of thought. He hated that his chest felt like there was a thousand tiny needles pricking at it. He was furious at the feelings Sookie was invoking at him at the moment. He really hated having feelings.
'So I was just a fuck to her, eh?' A convenient stud to help her rid of her virginity. She said wasn't interested in seeing me. She didn't want his company. But she'll gladly fuck me?
He could work on that. He wanted to fuck her too… badly. They could be great fuck buddies. He didn't mind that. In fact, it will be very convenient for him and her. He didn't want commitments and she wasn't interested in having a relationship with him. Yeah… she is perfect. She didn't want me, so she won't cling desperately to me. How lucky could he be? For the first time in his life, the thought of a possible guilt-free, no-strings- attached fucking, didn't make him, even one-bit happy.
Well he can't have everything. He was pragmatic. He could settle with the next best thing. The only thing left to do is to convince her to continue her sexual liaison with him. And he would do just that. Tonight… as soon as he could manage it.
He stopped sulking immediately and resumed his usual cool demeanor.
Sookie called his attention. "Mr. Northman…" she said casually
"It's Eric, Sookie… please call Eric" He smiled lazily at her.
"Eric, a lot of my viewers are really excited to see you…"
"Thank you" The audience screamed. "How about you? Are you excited to see me, Sookie?" He teased.
"N…of course. I'm always excited to have new guests on the show" She said maintaining that fake smile that he could now attribute as a nervous reaction. "So… there are several people here in the audience, who wanted to ask a questions to our guest. You don't mind guys, right?"
Sam shook his head.
"Let's hear the first one"
A portly woman who looked mid-forties stood up and walked towards the microphone.
"Well hello there, Mr. Northman!… I'm Charlsie! Eric?"
"Yes?"
"You've been linked to a lot of women…" She giggled. "So my question is, what for you, is an ideal woman? Do you have any age preferences? Do I have a chance?"
"Definitely, age is for me is immaterial. I don't mind dating someone who is 5-10 years younger than me but you could be 15 years older than me and I'll still date you. "
More squeals from the audience.
"To turn me on? Hmmm…" You have to be Sookie. It was true. Right now his dick only responded to her and her alone. It was annoying. But true. "Right now…" the image of earthy and simple Susannah appeared in his mind. He liked vamp Sookie but… " to turn me on… you've got to take your make up off. I mean I don't mind being with really dressy women but… I would prefer my woman" He looked at Sookie intently "to be earthy, and simple. My family has a small cabin in the middle of nowhere in Sweden. It has no TV, phones or even a shower. You have to swim in the lake to wash. I love it. Taking a girl there would be a good indicator if she's right for me. But…"
Sookie raised an eyebrow.
"But I don't mind bringing her to Viking's Island instead." He winked at Sookie. Yeah he was pushing her buttons alright. He enjoyed seeing the fire in Sookie's eyes whether it's because of sheer annoyance or because of passion when they ma… have incredible sex.
"It's a beautiful island as I was informed…" He wanted to laugh. She was informed? He bet that she'll suck at poker. His bullshit meter was off the charts since he saw her. He really enjoyed making her squirm. But he didn't want to go over the line too much, Sookie had said already that he didn't like him even a bit. He needed to endear himself to her not anger her further.
"Really? Which part, do you like best?" he teased
"the seaside…" She responded a little sharply.
Eric nodded. "Bet you'll enjoy the lagoon more…its view is more…"
"You have a beautiful island Mr. Northman" Sookie interrupted. "Congressman, we have a question for you too…"
"Hi Sam, my name is Arlene. What do you feel…"
That must have been the longest and most excruciating show of the Buzz for Sookie. Eric was simply driving her nuts in a mixture of consternation and sexual longing.
The moment the credits started to roll and the camera no longer focused on her, she left the set in a huff. She hoped that it will be the last time that he will see that conceited jerk!
She heard Eric called her but when she looked back he was surrounded by a mass of giggling women. Serves him right!
She walked towards Amelia and grabbed her hand. "Let's go… And Amelia… I'm going to use that bitch and whine card tonight…"
"Of course… aren't we…"
"No."
It was a few minutes before the crowd dispersed around him. He looked around. Sookie was nowhere to be seen. She must have left already. He pouted. She ran away from him again.
He walked outside the studio and towards where he parked his car.
He was a few feet away from his car when someone called his name.
"Eric?"
He looked back. "Ms. Stonebrook?"
She nodded. "Will you be spending your night alone?"
"Yes."
"Me too… want to spend it with me…?"
He raised an eyebrow.
A/N2:
* Hi y'all, hope you enjoyed Eric's stint in the buzz, I sure did. But you know what I'll enjoy more? Your reviews…definitely!- As always I'll send a teaser for Chap11: I won't stop
** Have you seen the waiting sucks clip for s4 of TB? Alex looked younger (Meekus) and less bulky. I wonder why. I really hope that S4 will be… nah I don't want to hope. Have you heard that Bill will be given leadership position next season… (frowns… king of the lame vampires… 'had to be)… oh who gives a flying eff about Bill… bleh
*** Charlaine H. owns all the characters. While some of the plot lines were inspired by the romance novel author Eve M. I've also used some of ASkar's lines in his interviews. No beta...so I'm really sorry for the errors in grammar and spelling. Thanks for reading.