Hey ! New chapter ! I live for your reviews, so bring them on ! Thank you so much for following this story.
The crew was gathered in the restaurant of the hotel for their last breakfast before leaving for another city. Clinging to her coffee, Lizzie was in the middle of a lively conversation with Rory and two other technicians. Her small eyes and frequent yaws were testimony of the little sleep she had had the previous night. Due to Lydia and Kitty being completely smashed at Netherfield, Jane and her drove the twins back to their dorm and would not leave until they were sound asleep. And sure they would not get sick. Or keep partying. How they could handle so much alcohol and still stand up was a wonder. Lizzie would still pay good money to see their faces right now. Young or not, they surely were not very fresh. Sweet Charles had then sent a car to get Jane and Lizzie back to their hotel, which they had not reached until the wee hours of the morning. A least, the panty incident had the merit of bringing Lizzie back to earth after her hot dance with Darcy. It reminded her of the reality of their situation. Fantasising on what had happen or what could have happen was of no use. Besides, it was all due to the alcohol. And now she was sober. Almost. Lizzie took a sip of her coffee. She was going to need something stronger to get through the day. And sleep, a ton of sleep.
From a nearby table, Charlotte and Richard were laughing at Darcy, who had fallen prey to Caroline once more.
- That's not what I call a good morning, Richard smirked.
- Poor Will, I can see his soul leaving his body. Should we help him ? Charlotte asked.
- And put an end to all this fun ? No way ! Richard answered before devouring a pancake.
Charlotte laughed.
- Who needs enemies with friends like you ?
- Even worse : I'm family, he replied with a toothy grin.
That Jane and Charles were sitting at the same table as Will and Caroline didn't seem to help at all. The happy couple was oblivious to everything except themselves. A forever smile was plastered on their faces and little pink hearts were dancing around them. Somehow, it infuriated Caroline and made her already obvious moves on Darcy even more blatant. Will's bad mood from the night before had festered into fury. Were she not the sister of his best friend, Caroline would now be crying her eyes out if he could tell her what he thought about her. At least, that's what he liked to tell himself to soothe his rage. And stop thinking about his dance with Lizzie. Jesus, how could he have done such a thing ? Granted, it had been incredible, but still. He had been weak. That was never going to happen again.
When he couldn't take Richard's grins anymore, he threw a piece of bread in his face. His cousin's loud and hearty laugh echoed in the room. The sound was interrupted by the clearing of a throat. Strict bun in place, glasses on the nose and paper clip in hand, Mrs Reynolds stepped forward for a morning briefing. Natural yet gentle authority radiated from her.
- Good morning everyone, she started in a purposeful tone. As you know, tonight is our last concert here. Be sure to clear your rooms after breakfast and have your stuff packed. We will be on the road tonight. The bands' busses will leave right after the show, and the crew will follow once everything is cleared. Elizabeth, she turned to Lizzie with a kind smile, you will travel in Pemberley's bus, we want you to stick with the band. There's plenty of room and it's comfortable.
Lizzie turned an alarmed face to Rory, who shrugged. Until now, they had always traveled by day and she had always been in The Meryton Assembly's bus. That possibility had never crossed her mind, even though it was logical. A few tables away, Darcy had to school himself not to grin from ear to ear like an idiot. Now, if he could push Caroline into The Meryton Assembly's bus, life would be perfect. Or just push her under either busses, that would be even better. He sipped his coffee, ignoring her. His appearance of calmness was a ploy, he was eagerly waiting for the first opportunity to flee the room. And Caroline. Mostly Caroline. Only her, in fact. When the inflection in Mrs Reynolds' voice suggested she might be over, Darcy all but jumped out of his seat and was through the doors in a few accelerated strides. With dignity, of course. Rock stars don't run away. Well, not often.
By reflex, he looked over his shoulder as he walked through the door and was happy to see a yawning Lizzie close on his tracks. They had not met since that dance the night before, and he was excited and terrified at the same time. Surely now she knew how attracted to her he was.
- Fleeing ? he asked her.
She sighed. That man was extremely talented, he was able to annoy her with one single word. Great, now he was going to berate her because he would think she doesn't pay enough attention to Mrs Reynolds. First thing, she did pay attention, most of the time. And second, he was out of the room before her.
- As much as you are, she answered with an arched brow.
She held his eyes, ready for his reprimand. Years of scolding by her mother had left her indifferent to rebuke. Maybe she should tell him not to waste his saliva. If only she still had the « Fanny Bennet's daughter, immune to admonishment » card she had made during high school. Her science professor had not found it funny. Nor had her mother, when she was summoned to school because of it. Her father had raised a sarcastic brow when his furious wife had shown him.
Darcy's gaze reached Caroline. She was still seated at their table, listening to something Jane was telling her.
- We are not trying to escape the same pest, though, he said with an exasperated sigh.
This was so far away from what she was expecting that the laugh it provoked came out as a very unladylike snort. First, inattentive and now unrefined, she was really showing herself in her best light. Oh well. The corner of Darcy's mouth stretched a little.
- She definitely could be listed among the ten plagues of Egypt, Lizzie allowed.
- I would take the locusts anytime.
This time, she fully laughed. When they reached the elevator, the grin that was slowly growing on Will's lips was firmly in place. His morning was improving really fast.
- Any news of your sisters ? he asked softly.
The familiar feeling of embarrassment nestled back in her stomach. To say that Lizzie had been mortified the evening before, when Lydia had little but yelled, due to the alcohol, the girl could have lit up a match just by blowing on it, that she had no idea where her pants were, or with whom, would be a great understatement. Wall-of-China-like understatement, to be precise. It was already humiliating per se, but given the length, or rather the shortness, of Lydia's skirt, this precise piece of garment was critical. Darcy's jaw had contracted and the corner of Caroline's eyes exhibited a fishy and satisfied glee. Why was he asking that now ? Uncalled for curiosity, for sure. The guy was quite good at feigning concern, though. If his rock god thing didn't work out, he could still become a moderately good actor. Maybe he wanted to torture her a little. As if she needed to be reminded of her sisters' behaviour.
- I have not heard from them yet, she replied, her chin held a little higher. I was going to call them later in the morning.
He nodded. Since he decided to bring the panty-gate subject back to the conversation instead of leaving it in the limbos of subjects we decide to ignore forever for everyone's benefit, she stubbornly remained silent during the elevator ride. Let him carry the burden of the discussion by himself. And he didn't. He just stared right in front of him and said nothing. Irritating man. Was the music in the elevator so captivating ? Oh man, how cliché was that ? The two of them, saying nothing in an elevator filled with specific elevator music. Lizzie was unable to curb the giggles that were bubbling in her stomach. Will stared questionably at her.
- Sorry, not enough sleep, she tried her best to turn serious again.
She failed. His eyes lingered on her for a few more minutes, like they always did, probably judging her yet again. Whatever.
- You can use one of the dressing rooms to sleep today and skip rehearsal, he finally said. The couches are quite comfortable.
His speech had a sobering effect on her. After a few days of break, they usually had a rehearsal a few hours priors to going on stage again. More to get a foot back on the ladder than anything else, they all knew the set. She was about to thank him when he added.
- You need to be in good form tonight.
Of course. No ruining his show. Laughter was very far from her now. Unlike anger. She fixed her eyes on the doors, they could never open soon enough. How long was that ride ?
- How thoughtful, she managed to say through gritted teeth as she exited the elevator.
If he would lend her the giant stick he had up his ass, she would be able to use it as a support to stay up, no mater how sleep deprived she would be.
Even though they missed their early classes, that is, the rare ones they had before midday, Lydia and Kitty were doing fine. Youth was a wonderful thing. Gallons of cocktails were unable to fade their complexions or contain their keenness. They were already planning their next night out in Netherfield over the phone with Lizzie and Jane. Even though she did have a good time, Lizzie was in no hurry to go out again with her younger sisters. She would settle for something calmer for the next nights. Perhaps Lydia was right, she was an old lady. However, the thought of Kitty and Lydia wild partying by themselves was equally troubling.
- Oh ! Guess what ? Lydia squealed, as her left eye and part of her nose appeared in close up on the screen of Jane's phone.
It was replaced by a piece of purple fabric, Kitty was giggling in the background.
- I got my panties back ! she triumphantly exclaimed.
- Honey, is it a phone number written on it ? a bemused Jane asked, narrowing her eyes to take a closer look at the underwear Lydia was still fluttering around.
- Yes ! Yesterday evening, I still had the presence of mind to write my number on my pants ! Lydia was glowing with pride. So, the guy whom I gave it to after we had sex called me and gave it back to me ! Isn't that gentlemanly ? Even in broad day light, he was quite cute. Ha ! I have good taste in men even when I am dead drunk ! she rattled on. We are going on a date on Friday night. But for the life of me, I can't remember his name….
- Ok, we got to run, bye Lyds, bye Kitty ! We love you ! and with this, Lizzie ended the conversation.
She already knew much more than she needed to. Jane was lightly shaking her head.
Lizzie had not planned on sleeping, mainly because Darcy had suggested she did, and the guy was infuriating. She merely wanted to lie down a little. But Darcy was right, those couches were comfortable, and she woke up in the middle of the afternoon with a little puddle of drool dampening her cheek. Guilt grabbed her stomach. Even if he was the one suggesting she pass the rehearsal, she was uncomfortable with her private life interfering with her job. She was nothing if not professional and reliable. She headed to the scene, but it was cleared, safe for the instruments. The practice was over. Well, she would warm up by herself, and maybe make some progress on some of her own songs. It had been a pretty inspiring and productive period for her lately. She grabbed her bass and passed the strap over her head.
By the time everybody came to get plugged, she was still playing and singing.
- Save some energy for later, Charlotte advised her while handing her a bottle of water.
- I had a wonderful coma this afternoon, those couches are dangerous, Lizzie nodded towards the dressing rooms.
During the first few songs of the concert, Darcy kept closer to Lizzie on the stage. But it was useless, she was her usual self, as efficient and talented as ever, so he just enjoyed the show. He couldn't help but try to make her laugh the way she usually did when he stupidly lip-singed the lyrics. What pure bliss it was to hear her sing his words. He would never get over it. Maybe he should thank Richard. No, he could already see his smug smile. And that would mean explaining to him all…this. No.
When the show ended, the bands joined their respective buses. It was really silly to be that excited about the fact that she was riding on their bus. But he was. Silly and excited, that is. Where she was concerned, he really had no control. She would just be sleeping, just like in a hotel, so why all the giddiness ? Get your shit together, man.
- What do you do when you end up in the bus after a concert ? Lizzie asked Darcy when they sat on the couch at the back of the bus.
- Not much, watching films, reading, he shrugged.
- Oh, I see, party hard, she replied with a sparkling gaze.
Teasing him was much more familiar territory than glue-dancing with him. She must get this image out of her head. Maybe she should act like the night before didn't happen.
- I didn't lie to you when I told you I was a homebody, Darcy smiled at her, his eyes fixed on hers.
He would never get enough of those eyes.
- No, you didn't, she tilted her head. Somehow, it doesn't quite fit with the way I pictured you.
Excitement and fear battled within Will's body. So, she was thinking of him. He liked that. And he didn't like that. But mostly, he liked it.
- Not all musicians are hard core party-animals, he nodded towards his band mates.
They were rather serious and laid back. She smiled fondly at Richard, who was glued to his video game beside them and Charles, who was lazily lying on a bed, his plastered wrist resting on his chest, staring at the ceiling of the bus.
- True. Would you like a chamomile while you finish War and Peace ? she teased.
His whole body moved with his chuckle. He enjoyed being her tease-target so much, it was ridiculous.
- That might help, chapter 568 is a little bit long.
She grinned. After-concert-Darcy was a playful Darcy, it seemed. Almost as impish as when he was on stage.
- You might also want one. Don't you have some crochet blanket to finish ? he asked back. That's not very rock and roll material either, he pointed, his delicious lips forming a stupidly handsome smirk on his face.
- Ok, guilty, she laughed, raising her hands, palms up. But it is very relaxing.
Suddenly, his expression turned serious. In a flash, he could picture them, at night, in his living room. Him, sitting on his favourite sofa, a good book in his hands, and her, lying on the same couch, her feet resting on his laps, humming while she was working through her yarn. A calm and peaceful happiness. His heart stopped. That's what he wanted.
- I've never actually read War and Peace, Lizzie kept on after a few moments.
- Me neither, Darcy confessed.
If his voice was a little unsteady, Lizzie didn't notice. He cleared his throat. Get a hold, man.
- But I greatly enjoyed Anna Karenine, he added.
Hopefully, this change of subject would help clear his head. He needed to get this image out of his mind. This statement caught her attention.
- Did you ?
- Who wouldn't ? This book is a masterpiece.
- I agree. I'm surprised you read it, she owned up.
- Not rock and roll enough ? he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting infinitesimally.
She smiled and shook her head.
- Isn't that story too full of female stuff ? she asked.
The tilt of her head and the sparkle in her oh-so-wonderful eyes told him she was challenging him. His inner 15 year-old-self was wriggling. He liked sparing with Lizzie. He was up to the task. At least, he hoped he was.
- I fail to see how a critical painting of society's constraints elaborated using a mastered language can be considered feminine stuff.
A smile slowly stretched his sensual mouth. He was sexy when he gave a glimpse of his intelligence.
- But maybe I didn't get the book right, he shrugged and sat back.
- No, apparently you didn't, she answered shaking her head with an exaggerated disapproving grimace. It's the oldest story of mankind : a woman unfaithful to her husband. Maybe you should read it again, she advised.
- All those pages ? he asked with a fake desperate mien.
- I also hate long books, Caroline intervened, coming from the front of the bus.
Her work was finally done. Although Lizzie, and she supposed she was not the only one, was more than grateful for this interlude of peace, her curiosity wouldn't be satisfied until she knew what kind of emergency the fashion world could encounter so late at night. Did some important person wear a blue sweater instead of a red one ?
- Such a waste of time when you can simply read a summary, she continued.
At the very same second, Richard and Will both closed their eyes for 2 seconds and took a deep breath. The cousins had never looked so much alike. Lizzie had to cover her hysterical laughter with a cough.
- And to think I have been wasting precious time for years, Lizzie said when she recovered.
Caroline narrowed her eyes, both at her remark and because of her placement. Richard and Lizzie were framing Darcy, there was no more place near him for her and she had no other option than to sit beside two people she hated. The things she did for Darcy. She took the lesser one but the more threatening one, Lizzie it would be. And thus she began her one way conversation, awaiting only for a nod or a confirmation from Darcy and only from him, from time to time. After a few minutes, Richard plugged his earphones. Lizzie was so diverted by the show she stayed, watched and enjoyed Darcy's suffering for half an hour before calling it a night. Truth be told, she felt bad for him when he sent her a look of utter despair when she announced her intention to go to sleep. Her shrug was barely noticeable, but he acknowledged it with a small sigh. Poor guy. She was still chuckling as silently as possible when she chose a bed and went to sleep.
