"Heeeey .... Yanni!" replies Jimmie, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck and stepping away from me, his cheeks staining a deep shade of pink which I imagine is the exact same shade my face is also wearing. How embarrassing!
I feel like a child caught by their parent 'pashing' on the doorstep after prom!
I notice Yanni is sitting in the TV room with Eloise, who has the most hateful expression on her face. Her feet curled up under her, leaning into his chest, her hand over his heart possessively, her head on his shoulder, while his arm runs along her back, his hand resting on her bum.
"An AMAZING night Yanni, thanks for asking! I haven't had so much fun since..... well, since ever actually!" I tell him smugly, with a heavy emphasis on the word 'Amazing'.
There is a look of abject disgust on his face as he lovingly eases Eloise away from his body and stands up, heading in our direction. Eloise is wearing a very unbecoming smirk of self satisfaction, taking pleasure in the whole awkward situation.
I feel a little threatened now, his movements are swift and determined. Add that to the thunderous look on his face and you arrive at Scary station!
He raises his hand and I drop my head and flinch, closing my eyes in expectation of a slap. Thankfully it does not come. I open one eye and raise my head slightly to see Yanni frozen still, mouth open with his finger extended towards me.
"Are you kidding me? You seriously think I'd ever hit a woman? NEVER! Not even one I hate. Even you're safe" he snarls, then leaning forward so he is only a few centimetres away from my ear he continues huskily... "I was just coming to warn you. J here means more to us than you could even begin to imagine. If you hurt him I might reconsider my opinion on hitting a woman... understand?" he asks, withdrawing his head from its position above my shoulder, just enough for me to see his face. His eyes are beautiful, a deep rich chocolate brown with gold and amber elements too, but they are hard, glassy and..... and he DOES have a small mole beside his left eye!
I nod without saying a word, contemplating the relevance of his mole then realise he has just threatened me. That's not happening! I try to remain calm as I say....
"Yanni, I have no intention of hurting anyone, and quite frankly it's really none of your business anyway. Jimmie and I are both adults who went out once, after knowing one another for the sum total of 6 days, to get to know each other better. Despite what you imagine I am not a harlot, gold digger or deluded idiot imagining a happily ever after with a famous man. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt AND burned it!! I like Jimmie...."
I turn and repeat that directly to Jimmie who is staring intently at me, a look of concern on his face... "I like you Jimmie" ... then turn back to Yanni and carry on...
"I like Jimmie! He's friendly, fun, interesting AND interested! He treats me like a human, speaks to me with respect, knows himself and wants to know me. He is sincere, kind, thoughtful and open, but most of all he is ......."
"YAAAWWWWWNNNN!!"
I stop mid sentence and turn my attention to Eloise who has just performed the most overly dramatic yawn and stretch combo as she approaches us.
"Sounds like I should buy a new hat..... when's the wedding?" she cackles at her own humour, hugging a smirking Yanni from behind.
"You two really are children aren't you. Petty, ridiculous children. I know you aren't happy I'm here and not in court, but I am here. I've been given a job to do, BY YOU I might add, and I intend to do it well. I am going to be here for a year, twelve very long months for all 3 of us, but that is not my fault. Stop the pathetic and childish behaviour, grow up and get over it. I will need to talk to you both at some point for the book, but hey, if you're not interested in being civil I could just write what I do know about you, none of which is complimentary might I add, or, I could just 'make some shit up' couldn't I!?" I snap, referencing his dig at me at the hospital. He is about to respond when there is a loud whistle from above, followed by Teddi's voice as he descends the stairs.
"Hey!! What the bloody hell is going on? It's stupid o'clock in the morning, I WAS sleeping, then I hear you lot yelling at one another. What's so important it can't be saved for a more appropriate time?" he yells angrily.
"Absolutely nothing at all Teddi. I'm sorry we woke you. Jimmie, Thankyou for a wonderful evening, I enjoyed every moment, except whatever...... this..... is" I say, pointing between myself and Yanni. "Would you like to walk with me to my room Jimmie?"
He nods quickly and takes my hand, guiding me towards the stairs and saying a meek goodnight to everyone as we pass Teddi. I hear rapid footsteps above us as we ascend the staircase and wonder who is being nosey. I have to admit, I'd have been listening in if I hadn't been involved. I really do have an all consuming need to know things. That'll bug me, not knowing who it was. Oh well!
My room is only 4 doors along the upper landing, so we soon arrive at my door. Jimmie turns me to face him and holds both of my hands, his eyes watery and lower lip quivering.
"Hey! What's wrong?" I ask worriedly, a frown on my face. I hate to see him look so sad. I pull him into a hug and play with the hair on the back of his head.
He returns the hug and then pulls back to look into my eyes before saying.....
"I'm sorry about Yanni Syd. He really can be an arsehole, and often doesn't think before he speaks, but he cares about me and has decided he must be my protector. I keep telling him I'm a grown man and can handle my own affairs but he never seems to listen. He's very heavily invested in my business, but I guess that's what older brothers do isn't it?!" he states matter of factly.
"Older Brother!?" I repeat frowning quizzically at him.
Why have they not mentioned that before now? I love their music, but I've never looked them up or read anything about them, so this is news to me, and reiterates to me how little I do know about them all. I will google them all in the morning. I really am going to go back to basics. I need to prove to them how good I am at my job.
"Oh..... yeah! Well, no... what I mean is, they're all like older brothers to me, I'm the youngest and we've been together almost 24/7 for years now. They've helped me grow up. Helped me through some really difficult times. Honestly, I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for the four of them, Yanni especially, although when it's THAT Yanni in control, and he behaves like he did just now I feel something other than gratitude, I want to..." I interrupt him as he fumes before he says something he might regret....
"Ok Jimmie. It's fine, you don't have to explain. Look, it's late, we're both tipsy and tired. Let's go to bed and get some sleep. Thankyou for the most wonderful evening. I truly had an amazing night. I felt special..... you made me feel special. I'll see you in the morning". I open my door and turn to face him. "Goodnight Jimmie". I lean forward and kiss his cheek then smile at him as I slowly close the door between us.
"Goodnight Sydney, and thank-you for the best night out I've ever had. See you tomorrow". He blows a kiss, grins shyly and walks away.
What a night!