Chapter 24
Her feet were burning up. The room was stifling. She was just drifting back to consciousness, but hadn’t yet opened her eyes. Even so, she was regretting not pulling the curtains shut; how could she have forgotten? That was always the last thing she did before climbing into bed…all in order to avoid situations like this. The room just felt entirely too bright! As she was about to roll over to face away from the window, the warm numbness of sleep was replaced by the immediate realization that she wasn’t alone. Her feet were so hot because they were caught in a tangle of limbs and sheets at the end of the bed. Her eyes shot open. What did she do last night that she’d forgotten? The temporary confusion dissipated and tranquil bliss settled into its place as she looked at Johnny sleeping peacefully beside her.
Gennie lay there watching him sleep, watching him breathe. She tried to recall the events of late last evening. They drank wine, watched movies and the last thing she remembered was ‘You’re Abe Frohman, sausage king of Chicago?’ Evidently, she’d fallen asleep before Ferris made it back home. A smile crossed her face as she realized that Johnny must have tucked her in and then settled in making himself comfortable. She noticed his neatly folded shirt and pants lying over the back of a chair and let go of a little giggle - obviously no wild night of passion here.
His eyes fluttered open and a sleepy smile came over him. “mmm…Morning.”
“Good morning,” she smiled.
He yawned and stretched out his arms. “You don’t mind that I stayed do you? I was just watching you sleep, I didn’t want to leave.”
“I like that you stayed,” she admitted honestly.
“Good.”
He pulled her close, a huge grin on his face. He loved the feel of her soft skin and the sweet smell of her hair. Taking a deep breath, “Emeraude,” he mumbled in his sleepy voice.
She blushed, “My perfume? Yeah, it’s strange, I know. It’s eau de old lady, but I’ve always liked it. Don’t know why.”
“No, it’s good, I like it,” he smiled. “It’s weird, but it kinda reminds me of my mom. She always smelled good.”
She loved the feeling of his strong arms around her and his warm breath on the back of her neck. They lay there in each other’s arms just savoring this moment of quiet.
The moment didn’t last long. A loud pounding on the door ripped them from the serene stillness. Gen sat straight up and looking at the clock, realized that they should have been up over an hour ago. “Oh shit!” she exclaimed as she jumped from bed and ran to the door. It was Robby.
“Gen, open up!” he bellowed.
Still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she greeted him, “Hey, Robby what’s up?” she asked innocently
“Dave’s lookin’ for Johnny and we can’t find him.” He shrugged, “It’s just a guess, but…” Just then he saw John in the background zipping up his pants and putting on his shirt. A devilish grin spread across Robby’s face as he stepped into the room. “Dude, Dave’s lookin’ for ya, and he is gonna be mightily pissed if he finds you in here!” he laughed wondering if he’d interrupted something, “Get out while you can!” He stepped back into the hallway, “See ya in a few minutes, Gen. We’ll be waiting downstairs,” and turned to walk away.
Just as she was closing the door, Jack the camera guy walked up. “Hey honey, you’re on today! We’re waiting for you. Get dressed and get your ass…” His sentence trailed off as Johnny walked up behind her and made his way out the door, still buttoning his shirt. He gave Gennie a quick kiss then turned to Jack and wiggled his eyebrows a few times, suggestively, letting Jack come to whatever conclusion he wished. Johnny took off down the hall. Jack was stunned. Gen thought it best to say nothing. “Just come downstairs,” he shook his head and turned to go.
“Jack,” she stopped him. “Please, just…” she did the locked lip gesture. “Please?”
He nodded, still astonished, and continued down the hall. What was it with these musicians? Stuff like this happened for them all the time! Why couldn’t camera guys ever get the girl?