Chapter 163

After dinner and hours of conversation, Pearl walked them out to their cars. "I'd like to say I hate him, but I don't." Dylan said. "I've been wrong before, but I don't think I am this time. Be careful. I could see him having the ability to hurt you, badly. But I don't think he will."

"I will. I'll be careful. Promise." Pearl said.

"What a normal guy! He's cool as hell. I like him. If it doesn't work out between the two of you, I'm going to make a move. He's dreamy as fuck." Ian said. Pearl laughed.

"Thank you guys. For everything. I'll see you in the morning." She said, waving.

Erik saw her heading towards the door and moved from the window. He was watching to see what their reaction was and so far it looked like they were pleased. Thank god, he thought.

"Erik, tonight, you were incredible. They loved you. Ian wants to date you." She said, giggling.

"I am happily off the market." He said, kissing her. "But I will keep that in mind." He said. "I fancied them, too. Very much." He said.

Pearl's face lit up. Erik continued,"They all have their own unique personalities. John, the big brother. Ian, the bad boy with a good heart. Tony, the grounded and quiet one. Blake, the angsty, fun loving wild man, and Dylan, the cynical intellectual who also happens to love you more than life itself." Erik said. "It's ok. I know the two of you have a bit of history. I could tell right away. I just hope he trusts me."

"He doesn't have to trust you. I trust you. And I'm glad you understand them all already. It's wonderful." She said. "Thank you for tonight."

"Erik?" Pearl said as she followed him out to the terrance. He turned to look at her. "Did you mean that? You being off the market?" She asked.

He walked over to her and took her face in his hands. "I haven't even noticed another woman's existence since I learned of yours." He said, looking into her eyes. She kissed him and told him that it was the same for her.

"Good." He said. "I have a girlfriend." He said proudly. She laughed and kissed him again.

"Fuck it all, I forgot my phone." Pearl said while in hair and makeup. She was supposed to call Erik when she was done so he could pick her up.

"You can use mine?" Iris said.

"I don't have his number memorized." She said. She looked in the mirror. Damn, I need this guy as my stylist, she thought. She looked incredible.

"What's your name?" Pearl asked.

"Nico." He said. "You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. They remind me of the beautiful Sharon Tate. You look a lot like her." He said.

"Are you happy here?" She asked.

"Girl I am only an intern. It's my first job out of school. I am here for another week and I'm done." He said.

"You're hired." She said, smiling.

"What? Are you serious?" He said.

"Would you like to be my personal hair and makeup stylist?" She asked. "There will be traveling involved."

"Pearl Clarke. The rock star. The prince of England's woman? Girl, where do I sign?" He said, jumping up and down.

"Iris will go over the details." She said. Iris smiled and shook his hand.

Their performance went well and after, Ellen invited them out to the couch for their interview.

"Wow! That was incredible. You guys are really talented. Your first song has really blown up. Number one streamed song for 3 weeks in a row!" She said, the audience cheering. "And the video is great. When is the album dropping?" She asked.

"Next Friday." Dylan said. "We are really proud and excited about it."

"Speaking of exciting, you've had a lot of that going on lately." Ellen quipped. Pearl smiled. "I hear you might be seeing someone."

"I am seeing all of you right now." Pearl said as she pointed at the audience.

"We were thinking someone more like this." Ellen said.

Just then the audience roared and stood up. Pearl didn't know what was going on. She looked behind her and saw Erik, dressed like a damn Greek god in a designer suit and vest, walking in. He waved to the crowd. Pearl put her hands to her mouth. Erik shook Ellen's hand and then all the guys in the band, stopping last at Pearl and giving her a hug.

He sat down next to her.

"So, how'd you two meet? Tinder?" Ellen joked. Pearl was still in shock.

"Not exactly." Erik said, smiling. Pearl could hear women in the crowd sighing at his accent and demeanor.

"So, how are things going?" Ellen asked, shyly putting her hands up to her chin. The audience laughed.

"Brilliantly. Pearl is a wonderful person. I thought I'd make an appearance to support her so she wouldn't be the only one having to answer the difficult questions. Plus, I'm a big fan of the band."

He said, smiling. The crowd laughed.

"Yes. I am too." Ellen said.

"I know the lead singer, I can see if I can get you some back stage passes." He joked. The audience and Ellen laughed and clapped.

Ellen asked Pearl, "So, what is this guy really like? We know he's like, the most gorgeous and cultured man on the planet, but what is like in real life? Does he snore in his sleep?" She asked. The audience laughed again. Pearl smiled.

"I wouldn't know. He's a absolute gentleman and scholar." She said, winking. More cheers from the crowd. "In all sincerity, he is a wonderful person with an enormous heart. I'm honored to call him a friend, let alone anything else."

"Best friend." Erik corrected her.

"Yes." Pearl said, looking at him, smiling.

"Well, we love hearing about Erik and his enormous... heart. I will tell you to check out the single "Our Autumn Moon" and keep your eyes out for the new album next week. Poems for Wolves everyone. And Prince Erik!" The crowed cheered. As they were cutting, Erik kissed Pearl. Ellen covered her mouth and smiled. Pearl looked shocked. Erik just smiled.