Chapter Four: His Hard Rockin' Princess

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Chapter 4

Tim walked next to Rich and Mandy, his new friends, on the way back to the campground Sunday night after the festival ended. Elle, his other new friend, danced a few feet ahead, humming songs from Blackest the Night, the night’s headliner. He took her to the pit down front to watch, as he’d done with a few of the bands, including Crushed Edges, her favorite band, last night. They made sure to stay clear of the actual mosh pits that broke out closer to the middle, so they had a great time in the mass of excited humanity. He also introduced her to the guys of Crushed Edges, which earned him even more points, though, for whatever reason, he didn’t need to score bonus points to impress her. What was it about this girl?

He loved how she enjoyed most of the bands today, and he meant all day, not just the main stage. The four of them, six, counting his RV neighbors, enjoyed breakfast together before hitting the festival grounds for 12 more hours of head-banging. And plenty of Elle’s sexy dancing, it turned out. He gave a quick head-shake to clear that thought out of his mind. He had a hard enough time concentrating on his conversation with Rich and Mandy while watching Elle skip ahead of them, kicking rocks, sticks, and leaves in time with the beats in her head.

“You three want to have a few drinks at my RV before turning in?” he asked. “I have plenty of caffeine-free sodas, and I’m brewing some decaf.” He didn’t add there would be no booze, as they’d had a long discussion about alcohol earlier, and how he hadn’t consumed any since his drunk driving accident.

“Sounds great,” Rich said. “I’d also love to hear some of those demos you bragged about earlier if you don’t mind.” Tim told him how he’d converted all his old demos from Splitting Braincells, as well as some he recorded of him noodling on his guitars, into mp3 files. He had them on digital recorders, but mp3s made playback much easier.

“Not a brag, but a fact,” he said, and it got all three laughing. Elle turned her head to see what was funny, and kicked a rock a bit too hard, almost clipping someone ahead of them.

“Elle!” he snapped, “be careful what you’re doing. You could hurt someone.”

“Sorry,” she said, and trotted over to his side, her head bowed, chastised.

Shit, he hadn’t meant to overstep his bounds; he didn’t want her to hurt someone with one of those rocks. Had she been abused at some point in her life? The way she scurried to his side without meeting his eyes proved that might be the case. As she clutched his arm, he glanced over to Rich and Mandy to see what they had to say about the scene, but both wore looks of confusion, and he had the distinct feeling it had to do with her reaction, not his tone.

“I won’t do it again, I promise,” she said, apprehension in her voice.

“No, it’s fine. I just wanted you to be careful with those rocks. How would you like it if someone hit you while you minded your own business?”

“I wouldn’t,” she whispered, and then looked up at him, an expression of pleading on her face. What the fuck? Had his tone been so clipped? What had she gone through in her life to react that way?

He took his arm back so he could wrap it around her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to sound so stern. I’m sorry.”

She grinned up at him and leaned deeper into his body. Holy shit, yeah, this feels right. What the hell was it with this girl?

He looked back over to Rich and Mandy to see if they said anything now, but they had their heads together in a private conversation. He could swear he heard Rich mutter, “Is that my sister? When has she ever acted like this?”

So this wasn’t normal behavior. He took a deep breath and felt her shudder a bit. “Are you cold?”

“A little.” She smiled, and it took every bit of willpower not to lean down and plant a kiss on her lips. Instead, he nudged her in front of him.

“Here, let’s keep in step, and I’ll rub the warmth back into your arms.”

She matched his stride and whispered, “‘K”

As he rubbed her arms, he heard Mandy snicker. He looked over with a questioning look. She shook her head, and mouthed, “Later.” He nodded and smiled.

Once they reached his RV, he unlocked it and hopped inside to turn on some lights, and then motioned them up. “I thought we’d sit outside, but as Elle mentioned, it’s a little chilly. Besides, Rich, I’m sure you’ll hear the tunes in here better than out there. I’m not going to blast them at this time of night, despite everyone in the campground still being awake.”

“Sounds good to me,” he said.

He motioned them to sit on the couch or one of the mounted swivel chairs, and then took drink orders. “Like I said, I’m brewing a pot of decaf, but I also have cans of soda, both caffeinated and not, and plenty of bottled water.”

“If you’re making coffee, that’s my choice,” Mandy said.

“Me, too,” Rich said.

When Elle didn’t chime in, he said, “Soda and water in the fridge. Help yourself. Let me know if you want a glass.”

“No, I’ll have coffee, too.”

Mandy let out a snort, while Rich said, “I don’t think he has enough cream and sugar for you to have coffee.”

She stuck her tongue out at both of them, and he held in a laugh. “I have plenty of both, I assure you. Now sit, everyone. The beauty of an RV is the kitchen is right here, so you can get comfortable and we can talk.”

Rich and Mandy plopped onto the couch, and though there was plenty of room next to them, Elle hesitated and looked at him.

“Where are you sitting?” she asked.

Before he could answer, Mandy whispered, “Oh my god, pick a spot, you little hussy.”

He tried everything in his power to pretend he didn’t hear, but when Elle’s eyes went wide, and she fired back, “Oh my god, shut up,” in a whisper of her own, he couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. She shot him a look, horrified embarrassment written all over her.

“I’m sitting in a swivel chair. Why don’t you choose one. They’re comfortable.”

She sat, and he turned around to get the coffee started, hiding his grin. It went wider when he heard Rich say, “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

Elle didn’t say anything, but Mandy whispered, “Leave her alone. She’s…” She then giggled.

“I said shut up!” Elle whisper-shouted.

Tim couldn’t help himself. He turned his head, caught Elle’s gaze, and winked. She gasped, turned bright red, but a goofy smile formed on her lips.

That’s when the situation hit Rich, as he mumbled, “Oh, fuck,” and then turned to Tim, gave him a slight head-shake, and mouthed, “Your funeral, pal.”

Neither Elle nor Mandy caught it, so he couldn’t help smiling. It wasn’t a threat from an overprotective brother, but a warning about Elle’s personality, which Rich described earlier as “bratty with a side of bitch.” He saw some of it on display today, and had to admit he found it endearing.

As he turned back to his little kitchen area, a spider climbed along the bottom of the sink. It wasn’t too big, and wouldn’t hurt anything, but he didn’t want it in here. It would be easy enough to grab a paper towel and squash it, but he couldn’t bring himself to kill the thing. It hadn’t done anything wrong. Ever since his accident those 8 years ago, the thought of hurting anything, even something as little as this spider, churned his stomach. He grabbed a plastic cup next to the sink, placed it over the thing, and slid it around. The spider took the bait and climbed onto the side. He tore off a paper towel and placed it over the opening. Seconds later, he had the thing out the door and back out in the wilds where it could catch bugs to its hearts content. He found no irony in it; that was nature, not the barbarism he would have committed by squishing it. Rich and Mandy chuckled at his actions, but he could see the small smile on Elle’s lips. She approved, and though he hadn’t done it for her, his heart sung.

Talk then turned to the festival, and they discussed both the music and meeting so many of the bands backstage. Rich gushed again about how cool it had been for Tim to introduce him to the guys of Splitting Braincells last night, and he said he was glad to. Especially since Rich had made sure to mention Moth Man was still his favorite member. The guys laughed, though Julian, the guitarist who’d replaced him, put on a fake pout and said he’d been with the band longer than Moth Man, and had been on more records. That brought out more laughter from everyone. Tim couldn’t imagine a better guy than Julian replacing him as lead shredder. They had then signed Elle’s notebook, posed for a few pictures, and hit the stage. And, of course, like always, they killed it.

Once the coffee finished brewing, filling the RV with the sweet and bitter scents, Tim poured four mugs. Both Rich and Mandy took theirs black, like his. Before he poured Elle’s, he said, “Why don’t you come over here and supervise so I know how much room to leave for cream and sugar.”

She hesitated for a second, and then said, “I’ll take mine black, too.”

“Elle, it’s rude to accept coffee only to dump it out,” Rich said.

“I won’t,” she said, exasperation in her voice.

He passed two to Rich so he could hand Mandy hers, and then hand-delivered Elle’s. As he did, he whispered, “If you change your mind about cream and sugar, feel free. And if you decide you’d rather have something else, I won’t be offended. I’ll even drink yours so they don’t yell at you again about wasting it. Okay?”

She gave a slight nod and smile, and bit her bottom lip. He didn’t know if she did it on purpose, but either way, he had to fight every instinct inside him to not kiss her. Hard. And, lord almighty, he might have if her brother and sister-in-law weren’t sitting a few feet away. He also could tell without a doubt she would welcome his advance. Somehow he managed to find his own seat without spilling any of his own hot decaffeinated brew.

Talk about the festival resumed, and soon 2 am snuck up on them. He, Rich, and Mandy all had refills, and while Elle didn’t drink her coffee fast, she did finish it. He had a feeling it was to spite her brother, as she admitted it wasn’t great.

As they stood to head back to their tent, Tim said, “Shit, Rich, I’m sorry. I forgot to put on those demos for you.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Mandy said. “I have a feeling you guys will be seeing each other again.” She motioned towards Elle, who gave her sister-in-law a blank look.

Tim chuckled, and said, “Yeah, you’re right.” He exchanged phone numbers with each of them this morning—or yesterday morning, as it was well past midnight—in case they got separated, and he knew he wanted to use Elle’s once he got home. She lived maybe a half-hour away from him, closer if traffic behaved.

That’s when the meaning of the comment dawned on Elle, and she gasped, her eyes wide and cheeks pink. “Yes,” she said in a harsh, throaty whisper.

Mandy let out a laugh, while Rich mumbled, “Christ.” He then patted Tim on the shoulder as he headed for the door. “Like I said, your funeral,” but he chuckled this time. Mandy swatted Rich’s shoulder and told him to knock it off, but Elle didn’t hear.

Once they all stepped outside, it seemed most of the campground had gone to bed, so they talked in whispers. “Breakfast again tomorrow?” he asked. “Or are you guys pulling out early?” The campground rules stated everyone had until 10 am to vacate. He planned on using that entire time.

“Actually,” Rich said, “If the ladies don’t mind, we might head out now. I’m still a bit wired, and we can be home in half an hour, while it’ll take well over an hour in the morning.”

“Sounds good to me,” Mandy said. “I could use a shower.”

“No,” Elle said, tears in her eyes. “I want to stay for breakfast.”

“Elle…” Rich started, but Tim cut him off.

“Why don’t you two go get packed, and I’ll bring Elle over in a few minutes.”

Mandy and Rich headed off, and he motioned Elle to him. She exploded into his arms, and continued sniffling, trying, he could tell, not to cry harder. He held her, not saying anything for a moment. After a minute or two, she pulled back a little and said, “Sorry.”

He wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “Nothing to be sorry about. I’m guessing the fact that you’re tired played a major part. I’m exhausted, and I have an actual bed in here.” He tapped the wall of the RV.

She giggled. “Yeah. But…it’s more.” She looked up at him, and he gasped at her absolute beauty. He’d been with her all day, marveled at it whenever he so much as glanced at her, but it still took him by surprise each time. He fought every instinct inside to not lean down and kiss her, but again managed.

“How about we call it a rain-check and I take you out to breakfast next weekend, Saturday or Sunday. Your choice. Whatever day works best for you.”

“Both days,” she said in a breathy whisper, and that did it. He couldn’t keep himself in check any longer. He placed a soft kiss on her lips, pulled away a few inches, and then dove back in, harder. She moaned and kissed back. Their lips parted, and their tongues danced together, both fighting for dominance, and then playing a game of give and take. He’d never been so captivated by anyone. She felt like she belonged in his arms, on his lips. He had to wield every bit of self-control to keep from picking her up and carrying her into the RV. If her brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t be looking for her soon, he might have done it. He didn’t know what they’d say about this display itself, but didn’t care enough to stop. He couldn’t stop. Elle felt too perfect, too lovely, too…his.

“Elle, it’s time to go,” Mandy’s voice rang out behind them, though she sounded amused rather than angry. They jumped and pulled apart.

“Give us a few more minutes,” Elle said.

“Rich has the car started.”

“One more minute and I’ll be there.”

“Elle,” Mandy said, exasperation in her voice.

“C’mon, get out of here and don’t be so argumentative,” he said. “I’ll see you next weekend, and we have each other’s phone numbers. Call or text me any time. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said, reached up for one more kiss, and then ran off towards their camp and waiting car.

Mandy gave him a quick hug. “Thanks. I’m not sure what sort of hold you have over her, but please don’t stop. You’re good for her.”

He chuckled. “I have no clue, either, but I can guarantee she has a hold over me, too. Safe travels, and tell Rich I owe him a listening party.”

“He’ll love that. Thanks for everything this weekend. We all enjoyed meeting and hanging out with you. And as I said earlier, I’m sure we’ll see plenty of each other from now on.”

“Yeah, I hope so.”

He must have worn a wistful look while he said it because she laughed, and then waved bye. He  hopped into the RV and headed back to the minuscule bedroom to try to get at least a few hours of sleep. If it would be possible after that day and that kiss.

Read Ch. 5 by clicking here