Page 91 of My Rock Star Neighbor
My mom calls, but when I tell her I’m worried about my fans threatening Maddie, she says, “One more reasonnotto be a rock star.”
She’s super helpful, as always.
Except then she calls back.“Can’t the music label pay for your security?They should pay for security, for both of you.”
I say that I will ask again.I feel like this is a small step by her, that it’s a tiny acknowledgment that this is my career.
I meet Maddie for dinner back at Luca’s place and explain what the police told me.
“Okay.I have to accept that it’s a hateful comment directed at me,” Maddie says.“It hurts, but I also don’t want to hide our relationship.Let’s post one of our happy photos on your Instagram account.I may be a writer, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.”
I pick the one that is not my favorite and post it, adding a bunch of hearts in the accompanying text.My favorite ones are only for Maddie and me.But even this one photograph clearly shows our happiness.
“At least I can spend this Saturday with you at the Chinese New Year Parade, but I’m about to go on tour, so I’m not going to be here full time.Will you be okay?”I ask.“Will you please only follow someone when you’re disguised?”
“Yes.I promise.I even bought my own wig from a company recommended by Uncle Tony.I’ll miss you, though.I like coming home to you,” Maddie says.“I’m busy with work anyway.It will be good, probably.You’re distracting when you’re here.When you come home, I don’t want to work on my story anymore.I want to relax with you.”
I tug her onto my lap on the couch.“Why do you think the contract hasn’t been revealed yet?”
“Hopefully, it’s related to my story,” she says.
I don’t want it to be related to either, to be honest.I want it to be a random home invasion that is not related to either of our careers so it has no effect on our future.
“I’mnothoping it’s related to your story.I’m worried for you,” I say.
She sinks into me, her soft curves tempting me.I’m going to make tonight a night she will remember.She can catch up on sleep tomorrow night.
Chapter twenty-seven
Maddie
NickandIstandin the crowd that lines either side of the street where the Chinese New Year parade is proceeding.The rain has stopped for now, but the sky is still gray, and everything is wet.The loud percussion beat announces the approaching drums.In front of us is a float with people dressed in traditional costumes, covered in rain ponchos or under umbrellas, waving to the crowds on either side.A sign on the side of the float proclaims it’s the Chinese American Friendly Trading Association.Small children are the closest to the street—right behind the metal police barricades—so that they can see all the action.
I spent the better part of this week interviewing the parade organizers for my article and what it means that it is the Year of the Snake.They suggested that people will need to be more tenacious and resourceful but also intuitive and introspective.And before I slipped into my costume (using the bathroom at Columbus Park), I obtained some great quotes from the people watching the parade.I saw the paper’s photographer a few times, and he showed me some fantastic shots that captured the warm feeling of the parade.
The parade is almost over.But that’s not the only action we are here to see—although I do love this event.As expected, Pommer is here with his entire family.So glad my hunch paid off.
Ward’s Instagram post refers to the Chinatown library.It couldn’t be more perfect.It’s as if he knew that I needed to be in Chinatown today covering the parade.But another post has the 125th Street library as the location of another book club.Tasha is covering there.No book is featured in either scene.
“Do you think Uncle Tony had way too much fun creating these disguises for us?”Nick asks.“This beard is so itchy.Not to mention these bushy eyebrows.”
“A beard is a good way to disguise your face.”
“I’m not sure I agree with his concept,” Nick says.“Did we really have to be an elderly retired couple from California visiting New York?”
“He does like to age people.It’s kind of his signature move.And honestly, with that beard and those eyebrows, it’s hard to recognize you,” I say.“I’m more worried that I’m somewhat recognizable if you know me.He hasn’t always been successful with his disguises.”
“I think I’d recognize you, but that’s because of your eyes.Put on the sunglasses.I’m completely on board with disguises—just not beards,” Nick says.
Nick is so worried about my safety.It’s weird having someone other than Iris so concerned about me.I haven’t told my mom about any of the threats, and she thankfully thinks reporting is merely talking to people.Then again, I’ve never done such a high-stakes story before.
The people walking in elaborate dragon costumes are amazing.It’s hard to take my eyes off the festivities.Traditional Chinese music plays.
A few raindrops hit my head.Not again.Nick puts his arm around me and pulls me closer as he opens up our tiny umbrella that barely covers both our heads, but at least it does.I snuggle into him.He looks down at me, and his eyes twinkle.
“We should have asked Tony if I could kiss you while wearing this beard,” he says.“Or has it completely put you off?”
I tighten my grip on his waist.“No.It’s still you underneath.But I can’t get distracted.You know I lose all sense of time while kissing you.”
