Rory vs. Rockstar

“Yes. Aren’t you the cat lady with fifty cats who chases around kids on the street with a broom?”

Rory laughed and hit him playfully on his arm. Arsen made a pretend hurt face.

“Hurting an injured man. Is this the kind of hospitality you people show to tourists around here?” He feigned shock but a grin remained plastered on his face. Rory found it hard to resist his infectious smile.

“What are you doing here?” Rory asked.

“Well, I am at a mechanic’s, so clearly I must be grocery shopping.” That smart-aleck smirk was back.

“Aren’t you the sarcastic one today?”

“Just today?” He winked and once again Rory smacked him playfully on the arm. Stop it, Rory!

“I decided to come take a look at the Ferrari and see how fast I could get it back. I have kinda grown attached to this car.”

“I’d think a celebrity like you would have an assistant do this for you,” Rory said.

“In LA maybe, but not here. I wanted to get out of that house and get some fresh air,” Arsen replied. Rory noticed the stress he put on “that house,” and it wasn’t hard to see that he wasn’t really enjoying his time in that luxurious villa, wherever that was.

From the corner of her eye, Rory noticed a flash. Across the street from them, a car stopped and a bunch of people started taking a tall woman’s pictures.

“What’s going on there?” she remarked absentmindedly.

For a split second, there was a look of apprehension on Arsen’s face as he shifted on his feet. Then he turned and laughed it off.

“Paparazzi. These guys really have nothing better to do.”

Rory felt foolish now. Of course, I should’ve figured it out. Paparazzi. Arsen, however, seemed distracted.

“Listen, Rory, I’m done here. Can we go someplace and get a cup of coffee?” he said as he put on some sunglasses and looked once again to where the tall, blonde woman was walking on the sidewalk. Rory thought she saw a hint of recognition in his eyes, but didn’t think it’d be polite to inquire.

Besides, Rory was taken aback by his invitation. She had merely come to say hi to him. Coffee, with Arsen? Say no! Say no right away.

“Actually…” she started, “I know just the place.” Goddammit, Rory!

“Great. Let's go.”

“Aren’t you worried about the paparazzi following you and taking your pictures with me around? Do you really want more rumors flying about you? ‘Rock god Arsen Ford Seen With Plain Jane Townie.’” Rory joked.

“I don’t live my life on their terms. They can click away all they want for all I care. And besides, you are no Plain Jane.” There was a flirty gleam in his eye that sent a flutter through her heart.

“Look who the cat dragged in!” Martha exclaimed as she saw Rory enter the bakery.

“Hey, Martha.” A smile instantly came upon Rory’s face as the old woman’s positive energy hit her.

Martha came out from behind the counter to hug her. While they said their hellos, Arsen stood awkwardly by the side, looking around at the charming cafe. He had tied up his hair and was trying to maintain a low profile. Rory wondered if the fare here would be up to his standards. But she didn’t care; she had to get her fix of Martha’s delicacies.

“Martha, this is my friend Arsen,” Rory said.

“Hello, Arsen. Looks like you got yourself in a mess there,” she said, pointing to his limping foot and the walking stick. Martha, nosy as always, Rory chuckled.

“Well… just a small accident. Nothing serious.”

“That’s good to hear. You kids are just in time. I just pulled out a new batch of pound cake and some hand pies. Wait, let me serve it to you while it’s hot.” With that Martha rushed back toward the kitchen.

“She seems quite a handful,” Arsen smirked.

“Don’t say that.” She stopped herself from hitting him on his arm just in time. “She is a very nice lady…. even if she is a bit nosy now and then.”