Page 33 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

“There might be some new material at our big show next Saturday night in Montreal,” Jack teased. “But you’ll all have to show up to Tremblay Concert Hall to make sure.”

“How was last night’s show?” Sammy asked.

Jack appeared to glance at someone off camera. “It was absolutely wonderful,” he said, then turned back to Sammy. “We love playing in Toronto, and the people here really seem to understand us, and what we’re about.”

“Do you have any favorite places in Toronto that people should know about?”

“Yeah – if you want a really excellent burger in the middle of the night, check out Dottie’s Diner. And be sure to over tip the server who hustles.”

“Sweet,” Sammy said. “Anything else important you like to tell the world before we sign off?”

“Yeah,” Jack said. “I’d like to sincerely thank those of you who go out to see live rock shows. I know a lot of people are broke, and busy, or have obligations that keep them at home. But the absolute lifeblood of the rock industry are the people who go out into the night and support the live rock scene. Whether it’s a dive bar, a club, or a big theater, that is where the energy happens. That is where the vibe of all music is formed, performed, and eventually becomes a recording.” He turned away from Sammy to look directly into the camera. “To the people who make it a priority to go to rock shows, thank you. On behalf of all musicians, thank you.”

Sammy turned to the camera. “On that wonderful note, thank you for tuning in. Check out our website to see upcoming interviews. Now back to you in the studio.”

***

“Clear,” the cameraman said before lowering his rather gigantic shoulder-mounted camera.

Jerry, the producer, rushed over to shake Jack’s hand. “Man, that was great. Loved the shoutout to the rockers, perfect.”

“Thanks.”

“Yeah,” Sammy agreed, “That was amazing.”

Gary the cameraman nodded. “My younger sister loves you guys. I know for sure she was watching.”

I grabbed a CD and a marker from the desk. “What’s your sister’s name?” I asked as I handed it to Jack to autograph.

“Really? It’s Roberta.” Jack scribbled something and handed him the disc. Gary grinned. “Thanks a lot, man. Her birthday is next week. She’ll flip out.”

“No worries,” Jack smiled.

As soon as the TV crew left and Jack locked the door behind them, he rushed over to wrap his arms around me.

“You were amazing,” I said.

“No,” Jack said into my hair, “You were amazing. That was the most relaxed I’ve ever been with a camera on me, and it’s all thanks to you.”

“But I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, you did.” He straightened up and held my face between his palms. “Keira, I don’t know how or why, but you’ve brought me balance and clarity that I haven’t had in ages. You’ve brought me out of a depressive, nervous state. I’ll be back next Thursday, please tell me we can hang out?”

I answered by kissing him, gently parting his lips with my tongue as my fingers snaked around into the back of his hair. His hand pressed against my lower back, pulling me to him as we dissolved into each other. His fingertips traced my cheekbone, my ear, down my throat, causing slivers of sensation to prickle through me. My libido was just beginning to really kick in as he stepped back.

“I’m so sorry, but I really have to pack fast to make my flight.”

Nodding, I shifted immediately into work mode. “I’ll help.” In a flash we had all of his things collected and jammed into his suitcase, with everything he needed to entertain himself on the flight gathered into a small shoulder bag.

He suddenly stopped, looking at me intently. “I admire how helpful you are,” he grinned. “Whenever there’s work to do, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and jump in.”

“Isn’t that how humans get work done?”

His nose crinkled. “I feel bad even saying it, but there are a lot of women who think the guy should do all the work. Or maybe I’ve only dated impossibly lazy girls.”

My laughter obviously amused him. “One of the many reasons they’re gone, I suppose.”

He nodded, grabbing his wallet. Leaving fifteen dollars on the coffee table, he picked up his bags.

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