Chapter 10

"If I am not mistaken, you could possibly be one of the most, if not the most, intriguing women I've ever met." Rhys said with a direct look. What??? Pearl thought. Me?? No way he was serious. "And if I'm not mistaken, you may be a stalker. Are you following me?" Pearl grinned when she asked, knowing she was just being cute. "No. I am pleasantly surprised to see you here, especially singing though. But I'm in town for a few short days and wanted a beer. This place is a block from my hotel so I figured it would fill the need. Looks like it did. In more ways than one." Rhys replied. "Well I am happy at this fortuitous meeting again. Now at least I get to thank you for the books. You didn't have to do that, but it made my day." Pearl said. "It was my pleasure" Rhys replied. They locked eyes and it started to feel like no one else was in the bar when Dylan interrupted them. "Hey Pearl, you want this water or what?" He slammed the glass right in between them. Nice, Dylan. Keep the crappiness going toward me, Pearl thought. "Yes thank you, Dylan"

But he didn't leave. He stood behind the bar with his eyes on Rhys. What was his problem? Bad enough he didn't like me, but now he was just being a dick, Pearl thought with annoyance.

John then motioned her over. It was their last set. "Are you staying here long?" Pearl asked Rhys. "As long as you're here, entertaining me, no chance I'm leaving." He replied. Pearl walked to the stage and they did their last set. Rhys never left where he stood when their conversation ended. She noticed people staring at him. Whispering to each other. A couple of people shook his hand. I mean who wouldn't, he was gorgeous. Magnetic. After they packed up, Rhys walked to the door. Pearl followed him out. She thought he was leaving and wanted to at least say goodbye. She found him, a ways down the alley, lighting a cigarette, a girl approaching him. "Hey there. My friend and I noticed you inside and were star struck to say the least and she dared me to say hi. So hi!" The cute young blonde blurted out. Pearl hung back and watched the whole thing. Star struck? It was cute, even though she wasn't thrilled about it for some reason. Why did she care? "Hi, how are you?" Rhys replied dryly. He took a drag from the cigarette and glanced toward Pearl, seeing her watching. He gave a slight smile and said," Are you enjoying the show? I came to see Pearl sing. Really amazing. Pearl come over here and meet....sorry, what's your name?" "Meghan" she said and out her eyes down. "Meghan, come meet Meghan." Pearl walked over and said "Great to meet you, I was just going back in." "Me too" said Rhys. "Can we get a picture with you!?" Meghan asked Rhys. "Sure" he said. Pearl went to walk out of the way and Rhys grabbed her and pulled her tight to him. Great. They were all in the picture now.

They sat down on the only two stools left. "Thought I was leaving without saying goodbye, huh? How sentimental Pearl." Rhys chuckled. "Actually I was going to ask you to bum a smoke but decided against it at the last minute." Pearl replied. "Was it because of my fan club?" Rhys asked just as smartly. "Yea about that...who are you?" Pearl knew she sounded stupid but she was genuinely curious. "I'm Rhys. Most people know me by my full name. Holden Rhys Tomlinson. Or just Holden Tomlinson. I'm an actor. I'm in this little show called Knights of Eden. Heard of it?" He smiled and looked away. Holy shit he's an actor. Holy. Shit. She'd heard of it, maybe? She rarely watched tv. She didn't even own a tv. But she'd seen people post about it on social media. Guessing the new season storyline and discussing characters. "I've heard of it a little?" she wasn't going to lie to him. "I really don't watch much tv" she confessed. He laughed a big, belly laugh and said "That's perfect. That's just perfect. I knew you were special, Pearl. This is great."

Just then, Dylan came over and asked what they wanted to drink. Rhys ordered a pint and asked Pearl what she would like. "I'll take one of those, too." Pearl said. "Lovely" Dylan responded dryly. After another pint and several conversations about some other writers they liked and a little about Rhys' show, John and Janie came over to say goodbye. Janie stopped and looked like she'd seen a ghost. "Holden Tomlinson!!! Oh my god I'm a HUGE fan!" Janie yelled excitedly. "I love Knights of Eden! What are you doing here? And you know Pearl? Is this a work thing, Pearl?" Janie rambled. "No actually, we met at Frank's bookstore today. Not a work thing. You two have a great night. Love you guys." Pearl said like is wasn't a big deal to be sitting next to Rhys. It didn't feel like that to her. She just genuinely enjoyed his company, however corny that sounded. "Well great to meet you, Holden. And have a great night, Pearly girl." John said with a wink.

"I should get going, too" Pearl said. "It's late. I have to get my car from the parking garage. It was great seeing you again. Thank you for the books, really. And thanks for the beers and the conversation. I needed it more than you know"

"You are more than welcome, Pearl with the pretty eyes. I had an unexpectedly amazing time, too. Mind if I walk you out?"

"Not at all" Pearl said. She went to the side of the bar and grabbed her jacket and purse. Dylan stood over her. "What are you doing with that guy? He seems like a total douchebag. I don't trust him and you just met him." Dylan was being an invasive dick, not just a regular dick. "Why are you so concerned? It's none of your business actually, and I'm fine." Pearl replied. Dylan grabbed her arm. "It's just not like you to act like this Pearl. You don't just randomly hook up with dudes at bars."

"I didn't know my moral decisions affected you, Dylan. Appreciate the concern but back off, I haven't had the best luck lately when it comes to meeting people, so if you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy this, thank you" Pearl replied, pulling her arm away. What the hell was his problem?

************Authors note************

If you're enjoying this book so far, please feel free to leave me some feedback! Thanks! ~C