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Francine slowly turned from the sashaying backside leaving the room to the quiet pianist on the sofa. “You like her, don’t you?”

“I like a lot of things, Fran.”

“Hm.” She sat down and stared at the closed door to Morgan’s room. “Just keep it in your pants until the tour is over.Then you can do whatever the hell you want with her. But I need you focused.”

“I am focused,” Alex answered.

By the time Morgan was dressed and ready to leave, her bags had already been taken down to the car, and the only person left in the room was Alex.

“Ready to go?” Morgan asked, nonchalantly.

Walking towards her, Alex kept her eyes fixed on Morgan, a stare she was practising now she understood just what the effect was on herself when Morgan used it. “I am very ready.” Her hand reached up and around Morgan’s neck, pulling her closer and into a searing kiss. “I’ve never wanted someone in the way that I want you.”

Morgan stared. “How do you want me?”

“Like this, without the hassle of everything else getting in the way.” On cue, her phone rang, and she looked at the screen. “It’s Francine,” she sighed. “We’d best get down there.” She answered the call. “Yes, we’re on our way down now.”

Before Alex opened the door, Morgan grabbed her arm and swung her around. “Just to be clear, I know that this is all way too fast, and the situation is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, but—” Her eyes searched Alex’s face. “I’ve never felt like this either.”

Alex cupped her hand and touched Morgan’s face. “I’m open to eternity.”

“Good, because my mother is going to have so many questions.” Morgan laughed.

“Did you find time to speak with her earlier?”

“Yes, although, of course, my brother is already taking liberties.” Morgan shook her head, laughing as they walked towards the lifts.

“Oh, how so?”

“He wanted to know if I could get him tickets for Taylor Swift now that I have a famous girlfriend.” She laughed again.

They made it as far as the lobby before Alex needed to morph into Sasha, and Morgan retreated into the background. Nadia, the duty manager, and some of the staff had gathered to wish her well. It interested Morgan at how proud she felt, standing there, watching these people fawn over Alex. She deserved it; her musical talent was outstanding. But it was more than that; she was humble and kind and decent with it. Even though she wanted a quiet life, she understood the transaction of fame and what that entailed and always had time for people, even when it inconvenienced her.

Morgan smiled at her as she stood between Nadia and other staff members, having her photo taken, signing autographs. For a moment, Morgan thought about the future with Alex. Was she crazy to want all of this? To invite this into her world? Did it matter, if Alex was who she was meant to meet, meant to be with? Did Alex really mean eternity?

Her thoughts were interrupted.

“Mike is waiting. You might as well get in the car,” Francine said as she sidled up beside Morgan.

“Alright,” Morgan answered, taking one last longing look before she moved around the growing crowd.

“Morgan?” Alex’s voice rang out and Morgan stopped in her tracks, turning towards it. Alex excused herself from the throng of people. “Apparently there are photographers out there.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. Mike can drive around the back and get you, then come back around and I’ll run the gauntlet with Francine.”

Francine appeared. “What’s the problem?”

“I don’t want Morgan having to deal with the press or being plastered all over the tabloid and magazines any more than she already will be.”

Francine wasted no time in beckoning the manager over. “Nadia, could you help a gal out? We don’t want our friend here to have to deal with the press. Can she exit through the back somewhere?”

“Sure, sure, follow me,” Nadia said to Morgan with a big smile on her face. “Whatever we can do to help.”

Morgan turned without a word, and Alex grew concerned with the way her face dropped. She looked upset.

Pulling her phone out, Francine called Mike and gave him the new instructions, then she said, “You know that was an opportunity to sell the story a little more, right?”