Page 57 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

Those spoiled little jerks can’t even sell out one date in Montreal? Serves them right. That shitty music isn’t on anyone’s radar anymore, so nobody cares. Can’t wait to be working with better, heavier bands who rock harder. Also can’t wait to see the look on those smug kid’s faces when they play to an empty venue on Saturday. I’ll be taking pics so I can laugh at them for years.

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I rarely call someone a fucking asshole, but there it was. I sent the blog link to Kelly, with a note saying that I’m not telling Jack about it yet since he’s already nervous about the interview.

Thank goodness I remembered to set my phone to silent so that it didn’t wake him.

Kelly: What a douchebag!

Kelly: What’s that thing you said when there were too many swears to swear?

Me: A thousand nasty words.

Kelly: A THOUSAND NASTY WORDS.

Me: And then some. He’s definitely up to something.

Kelly: I don’t know what he’s talking about with the show being empty, but I’m in the middle of some things right now. I’ll send you the interview stuff, and get on the show info as soon as I can.

Me: Thanks.

Kelly: I’m so glad that you appeared. I know there’s some stress with the band, contracts need renewing, a bunch of crap. I’m really happy Jack has you to help.

Me: Me too. Thanks.

In about two minutes she had sent the name of the website and the interviewer. I quickly made a list of usual questions, the tone of the piece, and some notes on the journalist, looking up his photo so that I’d recognize him right away.

Digging into the Montreal music scene a bit, the general consensus was that they often didn’t think much of the Toronto music scene. Well, most of Canada thinks our city is a bit smug, so that’s not a surprise.

Nick, the guy who was lined up to interview Jack, seemed to have a subtle dislike for Toronto musicians in particular, and people who didn’t even attempt to say hello in French when they were in Montreal. Although my high school French was remedial at best, I spent a few minutes on a translation site that promised a conversational tone.

Jack was sleeping so soundly, curled into my side with his head on my shoulder and his hand on my thigh. He seemed to be a bit of a whirlwind of ups and downs, and I couldn’t bear to tell him about Paul’s nasty post.

Would it be terrible to keep it from him until after the interview?

I found myself looking out the window for a while, thinking about what an unusual creature Jack is. Sex with him was the most raw, animalistic experience I’ve ever encountered. He was unashamed of his desires. He was completely free to express everything he wanted, and in fact, demand it.

However, with his clothes on, he could be a shy, timid animal when he was out of his element. He second-guessed things, then was suddenly bold again. I felt like he thought things through several times before he said or did anything, but not all the time. And if anyone was in a position of authority, he instantly backed down. The strong alpha male of the bedroom and the stage sometimes completely dissolved outside in the real world.

Making a note to look into the psychology of this later, I went back to my research. I compiled everything Jack needed to know into one concise email, then sent it to him so that he could skim it in the cab on the way to the hotel.

34. Le Hotel

The hotel was absolutely stunning. Every door frame or window was trimmed with ornate moldings, crystal chandeliers were everywhere, and most of it was painted that expensive royal looking cream. The paintings were incredible, and although I didn’t know the artists I assumed they were well known, and probably European.

Jack squeezed my hand. “Isn’t this cute?” he said. He looked so boyish and excited I thought my heart would burst. Pace yourself , I could hear the back of my mind warning me.

Our room was adorable, with a view of a lovely green park. We got settled quickly, arranging our suitcases and checking that there was a functioning coffee maker.

“The interview is at six,” he said, “In the lounge downstairs.”

When Jack went into the washroom for a quick shower, I saw this as an opportunity to change into something a bit nicer. If I were playing the part of Jack’s assistant, I should look the part. Pulling off my sweatshirt and jeans, I dug through my suitcase searching for my simple black dress. After shaking it out, I put it on and brushed my hair.

Checking myself in the mirror, I realized that I didn’t really look like the sort of person who hangs out with a band. Jack’s suitcase was open on the desk, and I noticed that he had at least five big leather wristbands tucked into the mesh pocket.

I grabbed the smallest, simplest one and tried it on. It’s amazing how one little accessory can change a look. I added more eyeliner, finishing just as Jack came out.

He was wearing nothing but a towel, so it required effort on my part to keep my jaw from dropping open.

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